Super Mario 64 Nintendo 64
  • Publisher: Nintendo
  • Release Date: Sep 26, 1996
Metascore
94 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
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  1. Electric Playground
    100
    It has quickly grown to become the standard by which almost all other games are measured.
  2. All Game Guide
    100
    As the first true 3D platform game, the game does everything right. Super Mario 64 is a masterpiece in the truest sense of the word.
  3. Gaming Maxx
    99
    This is definitely a game no game collection should be without...Seriously!
  4. IGN
    98
    Complete in every way, and the challenging experience of working toward each new level is far greater than the game's minimal flaws. Nintendo's craftsmanship and zeal for creating fantastically enjoyable games has never shown through more than in Super Mario 64.
  5. Nintendojo
    97
    I haven't met anybody who hasn't wasted at least half an hour just running around outside the castle, sliding, jumping, stomping, diving, swimming... There are no enemies here and there's really nothing to do, but boy is it fun!
  6. Electronic Gaming Monthly
    95
    There'll never be another Mario game that will make the same impact as Super Mario 64. [Jan 2004, p.189]
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  7. GameSpot
    94
    A game that rewards the curious, the original, and in some cases the bludgeoningly stubborn and tenacious.
  8. TotalGames.net
    93
    The sheer scale of the achievement, in originality, variety and technological muscle earns it a 'Best Game Ever' acclamation through sheer muscle, almost regardless of its undoubted and typically Nintendo artistry.
  9. GameShark
    90
    It was the first game on the system, and regretfully, it was also the only great game for the system that could stand the test of time.
  10. Computer and Video Games
    90
    The graphics are so finely detailed that you'll soon forget you're playing a game - it's more like taking part in the best cartoon you've ever seen.
  11. Games Domain
    90
    The five years it took to write have been well used and it is easily in contention for being one of the best games of the decade.
  12. Game Revolution
    83
    While we've seen some more creative and impressive world design, no game yet has had this kind of crystal clear 3D graphics, remarkable texture mapping, absence of pixillation, and a frame refresh rate that makes your PC look like the toy.
  13. Nintendorks
    80
    The distribution of power stars in the levels is horrendous. I think 7 stars in one level is more than enough, don't you think? I understand that there are memory constraints, but there either could have been less stars overall, or 1 (maybe 2) more level(s). Definately a problem.

User Reviews

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User Score
9.0 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 225 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 90 out of 98
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 98
  3. Negative: 5 out of 98
  1. RolandJ.
    10
    If you want to play the very best 3D platform game that has been made, play Mario 64. This is the flagship title for the console at the peak of console gaming. It is not just a superb game; it's a piece of history. If you want to know about videogames, you must play this game. Console gaming grew up around platformers and this is the only thing resembling a blueprint for platforming in the 3D era. You don't know where videogames have got to unless you play this.… Full Review »
  2. RunetheKoopa
    0
    I'm sure we've all heard about Super Mario 64, one of the world's first 3D Platformers. The story is the usual unoriginal Mario storyline. Bowser has kidnapped Peach so go rescue her. The gameplay involves collecting items called Power Stars across 15 levels by completing different tasks. However, it is brought down by bad controls and a terrible camera which make the game more difficult than it should be. The graphics are smooth and there is a decent amount of variety in level design. The music is mostly your generic happy platforming music although Bowser's Road and Dire Dire Docks are exceptions to this. Super Mario 64 suffers from some of the worst voice acting I have ever heard in my life. The worst part? The worst voice acting in the whole game is the first thing you hear when starting the game.

    Overall, while Super Mario 64 was innovative and mindblowing when it was released in May 1996, it aged very quickly and time has not been kind to it at all, making what was once amazing back then, a bad game now.    … Full Review »
  3. nintendopwns
    4
    The model quality is just plain horrible with some ps1 games looking better. It has clunky controls and a bad camera also it makes a really annoying sound when you move the camera. Most of the stars are tedious to get and they reuse the worlds(2 ice worlds for gods sake). If you want a good 3d platformer on the n64, go play banjo kazooie.… Full Review »
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