Over 20 years after its initial release, Super Mario 64 has returned to the gaming world, alongside Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. Earlier this month, Nintendo released the classic Mario trio in a 3-D All Stars bundle as part of a larger celebration for Super Mario’s 35th anniversary. Those who played the games back in their heydays can relive the fun on Nintendo Switch, and those who missed out on the originals finally have a chance.
It’s important to know that these aren’t remasters, so Mario 64 will probably feel a little outdated. Here are a few other things to keep in mind if you haven’t started playing yet.
10 Collect Every Coin You Find
The coins around the castle and the courses may not seem too important, but get in the habit of collecting every coin you see. Not only do they restore health, but they also lead to secret stars. In each course, collect 100 coins to receive an extra star. This includes blue coins and red coins, which are worth more.
It doesn’t take as long as you might think, though some levels may be more difficult to collect than others. Unlike other stars, you can continue in the same level after earning a coin star, so you can knock out two in one run rather than coming back to them later.
9 Take It Slow
Mario has some serious parkour skills, which may make it tempting to just sprint and jump everywhere. However, most courses have bottomless holes that you can fall into, and it’s very easy to accidentally slip. If you fall, you lose a life, so it’s worth it in the long run to just take your time and move carefully.
8 A Course’s Stars Are Mostly Available In One Level
Be sure to explore every single part of a course, because you’ll likely find the other stars scattered around the area or find a way to earn one. If you get stuck working on one particular star, you can search around and see if you can complete a task for another one, even if you haven’t made it to that level yet.
For example, in Bob-omb Battlefield, you will see a star floating behind a cage near the Chain Chomp. You are able to collect this star from any level in the course.
7 Find Secret Stars If You’re Stuck
There are 15 secret stars hidden throughout Princess Peach’s Castle, not including any of the courses’ coin stars. These range from finding red coins to chasing down a speedy bunny. Instead of knocking these out in one fell swoop, we recommend waiting to go on a secret star hunt.
Whenever you find yourself getting frustrated with a difficult level and there are no other courses to work on instead, you can work on getting secret stars. Some are fairly easy to obtain, though others take a bit of work. There are also some that can only be completed later in the game, so be sure to keep track of what you collect, since the game does not keep a detailed list.
6 Play With Camera Angles
1993 graphics, amirite? Super Mario 64’s camera angles can either be focused on Mario (a close-up of his back) or focused on the area as a whole. The camera is controlled by a friendly Lakitu, who films Mario’s adventures and even gives him occasional hints.
The angles can be a bit choppy, which makes it difficult sometimes to see where you’re headed. It may be best to play with one finger on the left joystick at all times so that you can constantly play with the angle and find what is comfortable for you.
5 It Gets More Difficult Later
When you pick Super Mario 64 up at first, you may find yourself wondering, “Why did I find this game so hard as a kid?!” Then you get to one of those levels and you’re like, “Oh. That’s why.” The game may seem like a cake walk at times, but you’ll likely find yourself punching the air when you have to race a giant penguin down an icy slide for the 30th time.
Some secret stars may also prove to be a challenge, so just keep at it and try not to throw your Switch across the room.
4 Activate Power-Ups ASAP
There are three special power-ups in Super Mario 64 that are required to complete certain levels. The Wing Cap will be available first, allowing Mario to fly for a limited time. There’s also the Metal Cap, which gives him the ability to walk underwater and survive toxic gas, and the Vanish Cap, which turns Mario invisible so he can walk through walls.
These caps are activated in special levels via a giant ground pound switch, so it’s best to activate them as soon as possible. Once you do, you’ll see red, blue, and green boxes all over the castle.
3 Take Advantage Of 1-Up Mushrooms
It’s very easy to rack up extra lives in this game, so take advantage to avoid Game Over. 1-Up Mushrooms are often found hiding in the very tops of trees, in ! boxes, and some hidden in plain sight. Collect every one to gain unlimited lives. The best part is that the same mushrooms will be available every time you return to an area, so you should never run out.
2 Get Comfortable With Swimming
It wouldn’t really be a Mario game if there weren’t some terribly frustrating water levels. Though Mario can swim underwater, he can’t hold his breath for very long. You will either need to return to the surface, which can be a bit of a time-waster, or collect coins to regain underwater health.
Swimming with precision can be tricky, especially with the camera angles, so it takes a bit of practice to swim exactly where you need to. Some levels, like Jolly Roger Bay, are primarily underwater, so get used to those diving skills!
1 Luigi Is Not In The Original Game
There is a common misconception that Luigi is in the original game alongside his brother. Although it was discovered this year that there was indeed code for Luigi in Super Mario 64, he was unfortunately cut from the final product due to “memory issues.”
It’s also possible that some fans remember Super Mario 64 DS, a 2004 remake of the game. The basic premise of the game remained the same, though Yoshi was the main protagonist with Mario, Luigi, and Wario as other playable characters.
NEXT: 3D All-Stars: 10 Things We Wish We Knew Before Starting Super Mario Galaxy
