Super Mario 64

:For the Nintendo DS game, see Super Mario 64 DS.

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Super Mario 64 is a video game for the Nintendo 64. It debuted in Japan on June 23, 1996, in the U.S. on September 29, 1996 and in Europe on March 1, 1997. Along with PilotWings 64, it was made available as a launch game for the console. As the Nintendo 64's flagship killer game, it drove initial sales of the console, and has sold over six million copies in total.

Related Topics:
Video game - Nintendo 64 - Japan - June 23 - 1996 - U.S. - September 29 - Europe - March 1 - 1997 - PilotWings 64 - Launch game - Flagship - Killer game

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Super Mario 64 was the first 3D game in the Mario series, and though it was not the first-ever 3D platformer, it revolutionized and defined of the genre, much as Super Mario Bros. defined the 2D sidescrolling platformer. Indeed, Super Mario 64 was considered so revolutionary that it has become the benchmark for all later games in the genre.

Related Topics:
3D - Mario - Platformer - Super Mario Bros. - 2D

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In leaping from two to three dimensions, Super Mario 64 replaced the linear obstacle courses of traditional platform games with vast worlds set up with multiple and diverse missions, with an emphasis on exploration. While doing so, it managed nonetheless to preserve the feel of earlier Mario games, including many of their gameplay elements and characters. It is widely acclaimed by critics and players alike as one of the greatest games of all time.

Related Topics:
Platform game - Greatest games of all time

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