Super Mario 64 is the original 3D Mario adventure. It was incredible when it released in 1996 and is still incredible today. A big part of what makes the game and any Mario adventure so great are the levels. There are 15 main levels that are all great, but I’ve narrowed them down to my top ten. So, without further ado, let’s jump in!
10. Shifting Sand Land
The quicksand, the towering pyramid, and the menacing Pokeys made Shifting Sand Land a memorable desert adventure. The level cleverly used environmental hazards to create challenging platforming sections.
9. Hazy Maze Cave
The labyrinth tunnels and the poisonous gas in Hazy Maze Cave created a sense of danger and riding on Dorrie is fun.
8. Jolly Roger Bay
A water-themed level. Exploring a sunken ship and encountering the massive eel was exciting.
7. Dire, Dire Docks
Another water level, but more challenging than Jolly Roger Bay. Navigating Bowser’s sub was unique.
6. Bob-omb Battlefield: The first level of the game! It serves as a great introduction to the game. Fighting King-Bob-omb at the top of the mountain and setting free the chain chomp are a couple highlights.
5. Tick Tock Clock: One of the final levels of the game, this level ups the difficulty. The difficult platforming and the novelty of being inside a clock make this level stand out.
4. Big Boo’s Haunt: Before Luigi’s Mansion there was Big Boo’s Haunt. This spooky level was a delight. Interacting with the mischievous Boos and uncovering secrets were very satisfying.
3. Cool, Cool Mountain
A winter wonderland of a level. Mario gets to help a mother penguin find her baby and race against another. The race is one of the best moments of the game.
2. Tiny-Huge Island
Another late-game level, what makes this level stand out is the ingenious shifts between the tiny and huge versions of the island that vary based on how the level is entered. The enemies are tiny on the tiny version of the island and much larger than Mario and the hige .
1. Rainbow Ride
The final level of the game, and my favorite. This level is full of both challenging platforming and visual spectacle. Riding carpets, making difficult jumps, and reaching the flying ship are just some of the fun things to do. This level even inspired a Super Smash Bros. stage.
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Nice! Cool, Cool Mountain is my favorite.