The game Super Mario 64 is a classic 3D platform staple in the Nintendo 64 library, first released in 1996. A pioneer of its time, Super Mario 64 revolutionized the way video games were experienced - introducing an open-ended 3D world filled with breathtaking landscapes, intuitive controls and intriguing puzzles. Players are immersed in this vibrant universe as the infamous plumber, Mario, in a quest to rescue Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser. Equipped with iconic moves like the wall jump, triple jump, and backflip, the gameplay pushes players to strategize, explore, and navigate through these complex 3D environments that fully demonstrate the power of the Nintendo 64.
One of the key facets of Super Mario 64 that have had a significant impact on gaming was its non-linear gameplay, forming a blueprint for many following titles. Hence, if you enjoyed Super Mario 64, you'll be pleased to know that there are many other games available that present a similar charm and engaging gameplay structure. Some of them include successors in the Super Mario series such as Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy which have only built upon and expanded the foundation laid by Super Mario 64. But the legacy doesn't just stop there...
25. Banjo-Kazooie
When speaking of 3D platformers, Banjo-Kazooie is often mentioned in the same breath as Super Mario 64 due to their many similarities. Both games represent high points in the genre and were released within the same time frame, showcasing the potential of 3D graphics on the Nintendo 64. The game structure in Banjo-Kazooie follows the same collectathon format that was popularized by Super Mario 64. This means you move through expansive worlds filled with colorful characters, solving puzzles, and collecting items that contribute towards your overall game progress. Just like Mario's coins, stars, and power-ups, Banjo-Kazooie features musical notes, jigsaw pieces, and magical transformations that fuel the gameplay and make exploration incredibly rewarding.
Aside from the gameplay mechanics, something else that sets Banjo-Kazooie on par with Super Mario 64 is its controls. The game allows for smooth movement and precision jumping, a characteristic trait that makes 3D platformers enjoyable. The soundtracks for both games are also noteworthy, with Banjo-Kazooie delivering catchy tunes that accentuate the on-screen action just as Koji Kondo's earworms did for Mario. Not to mention the sense of humor in Banjo-Kazooie, which adds this extra bit of charm to the game. So, if you appreciated the engaging platforming challenges, charming characters, and catchy music in Super Mario 64, Banjo-Kazooie would be a perfect fit for your gaming taste.
Banjo-Kazooie is available on the Xbox One platform through the Rare Replay Collection and on Nintendo 64, typically priced around $20 USD.
24. Donkey Kong 64
Donkey Kong 64 is very similar to Super Mario 64 in the way it provides a fully 3D, immersive, and explorative gaming environment, which is a crucial aspect of these games that fans appreciate. Much like Mario's adventures in Super Mario 64, Donkey Kong 64 follows the character across different levels, aiming to solve puzzles, defeat enemies and grab collectibles. Both games come from the golden era of Nintendo 64, making them visually similar and nostalgic, yet distinct due to their unique characters and themes.
The controls and gameplay of Donkey Kong 64 also have striking resemblances to Super Mario 64. You can expect the same sort of intuitive platforming, with running, jumping, and even swinging from vines in the charming world of the Kongs. In addition to Donkey Kong, the game expands on this concept by featuring a total of 5 different characters, each with their own unique abilities and levels, only adding to the replayability and depth of the game. Like our beloved plumber, each Kong's goal is to retrieve the ultra-important items stolen by the antagonist which are scattered throughout the levels.
Donkey Kong 64 is available on the Nintendo 64 and Wii U Virtual Console, typically priced around $10 USD.
23. Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time shares many similarities with Super Mario 64, making it an excellent choice for any fan of the iconic plumber's 3D debut. Akin to your beloved game, Ocarina of Time offers an open and immersive 3D environment that you can explore at your own pace, with a vast array of colourful locales and fascinating characters. As with Mario's mission-based approach to progressing through the Castle, Link has to complete quests and dungeons in Zelda, each with its own theme and set of unique enemies. Along the way, just as Mario collects stars, Link gathers heart containers and magical items that boost his abilities and unlock new parts of the game.
Additionally, in terms of gameplay mechanics, Ocarina of Time follows a similar approach to Super Mario 64. Both games adopt the Z-targeting mechanic, allowing for easier navigation and opponent engagement in a 3D space. In both games, combat and puzzle-solving are emphasized, making for an exciting mix of brain-teasing conundrums and heart-racing combat sequences. Also, similar to Mario 64's memorable side characters and quirky interactions, Zelda: Ocarina of Time is packed with quirky characters who aid Link in his journey across Hyrule and provide him with helpful resources and information. It's an adventure as captivating and engaging as jumping through the Peach's Castle paintings!
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is available on Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and 3DS, typically priced around $40 USD.
22. Super Mario Sunshine
Like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine incorporates a 3D platforming style. This adds a depth of gameplay that allows for exploration and discovery much akin to what you enjoyed in the 64 version. The controls of Mario in Sunshine are familiar and reliable within your hand, as the core mechanics inspired a lot from Super Mario 64 to maintain the essence of the classic Mario feel. So, if you loved the sense of accomplishment as you shimmied or backflipped Mario around obstacles in 64, you're going to be more than pleased with Sunshine.
Super Mario Sunshine also carries forward the collection aspect from Super Mario 64, as the main objective is to collect Shine Sprites instead of Power Stars this time. This neat and gratifying gameplay ensures you're still hooked to the thrill of discovery and achievement. The setting in Sunshine will feel fresh but not unfamiliar. Delfino Plaza, Sunshine's hub world - is as rich and expansive as Peach's Castle from Mario 64. You'll find yourself diving into various levels from a tropical paradise to labyrinthine hotels, each unique and immersive like the levels you loved in Super Mario 64.
Super Mario Sunshine is primarily available on the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo GameCube, typically priced around $60 USD.
21. Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards
If you loved Super Mario 64, then Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards might just strike a chord with you. The passion for exploration, puzzle-solving, and the spirit of hobbyist adventure present in Super Mario is similarly found in this Kirby game. Both games are centered around a 3D environment, allowing you to maneuver your characters in all six degrees of freedom. The collectible items both in Mario and Kirby serve to drive the narrative and the player's sense of progression in the game, reminiscent of the pivotal stars in Super Mario 64.
Additionally, although Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards takes a slightly different approach in terms of its fighting scope and mechanisms, you will find that it is equally immersive, albeit in a fresh new way. Similar to the way Mario can power up with different liturgical items, Kirby can also power up by absorbing the abilities of its defeated enemies, which adds an additional dimension to the gameplay. Finally, the colorful visuals and playful background music score of Kirby 64 is sure to bring back fond memories of your gaming experience with Super Mario 64.
Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards is available on Nintendo 64, Wii, and Wii U, typically priced around $20 USD.
20. Crash Bandicoot
If you're a fan of Super Mario 64, Crash Bandicoot is likely going to be right up your alley. Much like the iconic plumber's first foray into 3D gaming, Crash Bandicoot is a platformer that has you controlling an anthropomorphic animal hero navigating through a variety of colorful and challenging levels. The scope realizes a well-designed three-dimensional world loaded with challenging jumps, nuanced mechanics, and a fiendishly addictive cycle of trial, error, and triumph. More so, it even uses the same sort of hub system used in Mario 64 where you access individual levels; but instead of jumping into paintings, you're hopping onto different platforms via the Warp Room.
In terms of gameplay, elements like shuffling through different gameplay styles, breaking crates for collectibles and extra lives, and outthinking bosses at the end of each island can keep you hooked for hours. The character navigation and control bear a striking resemblance with Mario 64, focusing on precise timing, careful platforming and light puzzle-solving. The cartoonish and vibrant aesthetic, coupled with incredibly satisfying platforming mechanics of Crash Bandicoot, invokes the same sense of wonder Mario 64 is renowned for. Interestingly, there's also an overarching emphasis on collection; replacing Mario's stars are crystals, akin to the adventure and satisfaction Super Mario 64 constantly offers.
Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, which is a remastered compilation of the first three games in the Crash Bandicoot series, is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $40 USD.
19. Spyro the Dragon
The first thing you'll notice about Spyro the Dragon is that, much like Super Mario 64, it's a vibrant 3D platformer filled with exciting and diverse environments to explore. Every realm presents different puzzles and quests, and just like your adventures in the Mushroom Kingdom, you'll be jumping, charging, and even flying to reach new areas. From Artisans' Homeworld to Dream Weavers, each level has a unique charm and mood akin to the various paintings in Peach's castle. You won't be stomping on Goombas, but the adorable creatures you'll encounter are just as fun and challenging to defeat!
Moreover, Spyro the Dragon features smooth, intuitive controls that very much echo the responsive nature of Super Mario 64's mechanics. The game's colorful graphics, combined with its brilliant soundtrack, make up a whimsical and immersive gaming world that will remind you of Mario's beloved universe. Both games also share a touch of nostalgia, especially for those who grew up in the era of 90s gaming. Finally, Spyro, like Mario, is a charming and endearing protagonist whose journeys you'll love to follow, be it in the 3D environment of the Dragon Realms or the free-roaming setting of Mushroom Kingdom.
Spyro the Dragon is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $40 USD.
18. Yooka-Laylee
Yooka-Laylee is an excellent choice for lovers of Super Mario 64, courtesy of its immersive 3D platform action. It's impossible not to notice the striking resemblance between the two. Yooka-Laylee leverages the open and explorative world concept that Super Mario 64 is so famous for. Similar to the stars in Super Mario 64, Yooka-Laylee features "Pagies," a collection of which is necessary to unlock new worlds and progress in the game. The gameplay is filled with fun characters, puzzles, and exciting challenges, akin to the familiar attributes of Super Mario 64.
The characters in Yooka-Laylee are essentially a nod to the iconic duo from Super Mario 64. Yooka, the green one, is a chameleon with a wide range of abilities. Laylee, the bat, pairs up with Yooka to overcome obstacles, much like Mario and Luigi. They have an array of moves and skills in their pool, which you will recognize from Super Mario 64. Be it using Laylee's sonar blast, or Yooka's tongue-whip, these fun abilities give the players a unique sense of nostalgia. The visual aesthetics, level designs, and the soundtrack of Yooka-Laylee are also remarkably nostalgically reminiscent of Super Mario 64's vibrant style.
Yooka-Laylee is available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.
17. Glover
Glover, much like Super Mario 64, is a fun-packed 3D platformer that takes you on an adventure filled with puzzles and challenges that will keep you entertained throughout. In both games, you traverse a whimsically designed world, brimming with vibrant and unique landscapes. Like Mario, Glover, the main character, has a dominant role in interacting with his surroundings, providing a dynamic gameplay experience. Each level in Glover is also assorted with enemies and obstacles, similar to Super Mario 64, to challenge your in-game skills and strategies.
Beyond just gameplay, you will also appreciate Glover's diverse level design, reminiscent of the variety found in Super Mario 64. Both games offer a playable hero with interesting character abilities. In Super Mario 64, Mario can fly, become metal or invisible while in Glover you get to manipulate your ball in various forms - like a bowling ball to hit enemies or a feather-light ball to cross difficult terrains. This, combined with the momentum-based physics engine in Glover, adds a layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay that mirrors the complexity found in Super Mario 64's power-ups and caps system.
Glover is available on Nintendo 64 and PlayStation, typically priced around $15 USD.
16. Rayman 2: The Great Escape
Well, Rayman 2: The Great Escape is a great choice if you're a fan of Super Mario 64. Much like Mario's iconic 3D adventure, Rayman 2 also offers an immersive 3D platforms where you journey through various lush and vibrant worlds. You'll be navigating through tricky obstacles, solving engaging puzzles and of course, battling a wide array of enemies just as you did in Super Mario 64. Plus, the boss battles in Rayman 2 are truly epic and creative, reminiscent of the challenges that Bowser presented in Mario’s game.
Another significant similarity between the two games lies in their core mechanics and game design. Both games are focused on exploration and collection, which gradually unlocks more areas of the game world. In Super Mario 64, you collected stars to progress, while in Rayman, you collect "Lums". This gives players an incentive to explore every nook and cranny of the beautifully designed levels, adding depth to gameplay. Moreover, both Rayman and Mario are highly charming and iconic characters, leading you into a delightful adventure with their unique quirks and abilities.
Rayman 2: The Great Escape is available on PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, Dreamcast, and PC, typically priced around $20 USD.
15. The Hobbit (2003)
First off, clear your mind of the idea that one game just clones another; instead, think of them as sharing elements. Just like Super Mario 64, The Hobbit (2003) is a platforming adventure game too. Both games feature open-world exploration with a delightful blend of puzzle-solving and combat. You'll find the seamless integration of 3D puzzle elements and scope—bouncing through levels in a variety of settings, flipping switches, hunting for keys to unlock new areas, and outwitting enemies—a very familiar and enjoyable experience, reminiscent of your Super Mario 64 experience.
Moreover, in both games, the challenge escalates as you progress. Every level in The Hobbit demands an increasing level of platforming skill and puzzle-solving intellect similar to Super Mario 64's progression. The joy of both games lies in their inherent sense of exploration, discovery, and tested problem-solving prowess. Plus, The Hobbit's character, Bilbo Baggins, just like Mario, can run, jump, climb, and wield weapons against foes. The charisma of both protagonists adds yet another shared feature between these two remarkable games.
The Hobbit (2003) is available on PlayStation 2, GameCube, Xbox, and Game Boy Advance. You can typically find this game pre-owned for around $20 USD. However, the exact price can vary based on the platform and its condition.
14. Psychonauts
In comparing Psychonauts to Super Mario 64, both games adopt the same 3D platforming genre, where you often control the protagonist by jumping around different environments and overcoming various challenges. Similar to Super Mario 64 with its over-the-top cartoon aesthetics, Psychonauts also adopts a distinct animation style that brings life and fun to its characters and varying landscapes. The level design in Psychonauts gets often touted as its individual strength, with each level representing the unique personality of that mind you’re unraveling, similar to how Super Mario 64 presents different worlds, each having a unique theme and imaginative presentation.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, like in Super Mario 64, Psychonauts also has a health meter, different abilities or power-ups, and various collectibles to find in each level. Psychonauts offer different modes of interaction with the environment, requiring players to utilize various psychic powers to advance or unlock secrets, echoing the approach of Super Mario 64 where certain stars can only be obtained when a specific ability or item gets used. This kind of interaction with the game world enriches the gaming experience and opens up paths for exploration, making for intricate and engaging gameplay.
Psychonauts is available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 2, Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC, typically priced around $10 USD.
13. Super Mario Galaxy
Super Mario Galaxy, like Super Mario 64, is centered around Mario's adventure, where he explores dozens of different worlds within the galaxy. Much like the paintings in Peach's castle that served as portals in Super Mario 64, different galaxies in Super Mario Galaxy become accessible as you collect more and more Power Stars. From a gameplay perspective, Galaxy retains a lot of the core mechanics of 64, such as power-ups like the Fire Flower and entering world via a centralized hub, only this time it's a spaceship. Plus, players will still spend a lot of time hopping across platforms, swimming under water, and sneaking around enemy patrols, with a bit of gravity-induced, planet-hopping goodness thrown in.
The brilliant level design in Super Mario 64 is only enhanced in Galaxy, which takes advantage of its 3D environment and gravity mechanics to create truly unique experiences - all while keeping the familiar feel of the 64 platforming. Mario's movement feels as smooth as ever and is something fans of 64 will appreciate. Mario's ability to long-jump, backflip, wall-jump, and ground-pound are all here, along with new moves that take advantage of the Wii's motion controls. The challenges in each galaxy are varied, meaning you may be racing a cosmic clone of yourself in one level, and facing off against a boss in the next. Each galaxy promises a unique adventure that harkens back to the varied worlds of Super Mario 64.
Super Mario Galaxy is available on the Wii and Wii U, typically priced around $20 USD.
12. Luigi's Mansion
Just like Super Mario 64, Luigi's Mansion provides an immersive and explorative 3D experience. You get to control Luigi in the haunted mansion, similar to controlling Mario in the Mushroom Kingdom. Both games have a hub area - Mario has Peach's Castle and Luigi has Professor E. Gadd's lab, where you can access different parts of the game, solve puzzles, and collect useful items. Actions like jumping, using tools, and interacting with enemies share striking similarities in both offerings. The storyline certainly diverges; instead of saving a princess, you are on a quest to save Mario, but the charm and playfulness synonymous with Nintendo games are all there.
The puzzle-solving aspect within Luigi's Mansion closely mirrors that of Super Mario 64. You need to employ observation and logic to make progress, and every room in the mansion feels like a unique challenge, similar to the individual levels in Super Mario 64. There's the same level of jubilation upon clearing a hurdle or winning a boss fight! And just like Super Mario 64, Luigi's Mansion will keep you on your toes, with exciting surprises, thrilling encounters and humorous moments that Mario fans are bound to love.
Luigi's Mansion is available on Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $40 USD.
11. Conker's Bad Fur Day
If you enjoyed Super Mario 64, then you'll no doubt find delight in playing Conker's Bad Fur Day - they're more alike than one might think at first glance. Just like in Super Mario 64, Conker's Bad Fur Day has a rich, three-dimensional environment that you, as the player, get to navigate and interact with. The characters in both games also have a wide range of animated expressions that really make them come alive. But where Super Mario 64 stands out in its compliance with Nintendo's family-friendly demeanor, Conker's Bad Fur Day running on the same engine offers a comic twist, filled with humorous dialogue and comically explicit content that sets it apart in a charmingly irreverent way.
In terms of gameplay, Conker's Bad Fur Day mimics many of the aspects that made Super Mario 64 a hit. The platforming elements will feel familiar, with a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and boss battles. The game's design encourages you to explore vast, intricate levels, constantly engaging you with a variety of challenges and entertaining cut-scenes, much like the adventures faced in the Mushroom Kingdom. But what makes Conker's Bad Fur Day distinct and complementary to Super Mario 64 is its unique humor and mature theme, offering a refreshing deviation for those looking for a similar, yet distinctively different gaming experience.
Conker's Bad Fur Day originally launched for the Nintendo 64 and is now available through the Rare Replay collection on Xbox One, typically priced around $30 USD.
10. Ratchet & Clank
Just like Super Mario 64, Ratchet & Clank offers a wonderful world of exploration that hooks you right from the start. You'll find yourself traversing various planets, each with its unique environment and host of characters, solving puzzles, and indulging in action-packed sequences. Both games give you a sense of vastness and freedom to explore, much like the open-world concept of Super Mario 64. Plus, they both have that lovable duo dynamic, with Ratchet being the brave Lombax and Clank, his adorable Robot sidekick, which might remind you of Super Mario and his brother Luigi.
The core gameplay in Ratchet & Clank also has some great parallels with Super Mario 64. The platform elements, the 3D environments, and the challenging quests all take inspiration from the classic Nintendo game. Whether it's the fun of leaping from platform to platform or the thrill of vanquishing an enemy in combat, Ratchet & Clank nails the balance between action and adventure. Moreover, like Super Mario 64, Ratchet & Clank does not take itself too seriously, emphasizing the joy of play with light-hearted humor and quirky characters. It's a game you'll probably love if you enjoy fun-filled, adventurous quests with a good dose of humor.
Ratchet & Clank is available on the PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 platforms, typically priced around $70 USD.
9. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy
Just like your beloved Super Mario 64, Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy provide a dynamic, 3D platforming experience. Similar to Mario's quest for Stars, in Jak and Daxter, your core mission revolves around collecting 'Power Cells' scattered across massive stages, each with its unique theme and cleverly integrated puzzles. The narrative style has a similar charm, as Daxter, Jak's companion, cracks jokes and makes observations, creating the kind of light-hearted and endlessly entertaining banter you often saw with Mario and his friends. The game does personalize the experience by offering a deeper story with colorful, appealing characters, adding depth to your exploration.
In terms of mechanics, Jak and Daxter mirrors a lot of the athletic control found in Mario 64. From double-jumps to long jumps, the game is always keeping you involved with a sense of verticality and agility that will feel intuitive to any fan of Mario 64. Like the beloved plumber, Jak is quite agile and his controls are very responsive to the player's actions. Moreover, Jak gains new abilities along the way, broadening the gameplay. Boss fights in this game are also reminiscent of those in Super Mario 64, bringing back the same excitement and challenge.
Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy is available on PlayStation 2, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation Vita, typically priced around $15 USD.
8. Super Mario 3D World
Super Mario 3D World truly evokes feelings of nostalgia as it borrows a lot of elements from Super Mario 64, which you've played and loved. Just like the beloved Super Mario 64, the 3D World version stays true to the basics of jumping, navigating obstacles, and saving the princess, but this time with a twist in beautifully rendered 3D environments. It maintains that classic exploration style gameplay and merges it seamlessly with a vibrant 3D platforming world. The levels are an electrifying collection of environments that strongly remind you of Super Mario 64's, offering the same core of adventurous exploration and problem solving that you adored.
You'd be pleased to understand that while Super Mario 3D World has introduced new power-ups, it still carries over many of the fan favorites from Super Mario 64. Remember the Fire Flower or the Super Mushrooms? They're all there, ready to aid Mario on his quest. Specifically, a player favorite, the Cat Suit, allows Mario to climb up walls and claw at enemies, offering a unique dynamic to gameplay that feels fresh, yet familiar. A wonderful additional feature is the multiplayer aspect, an element which Super Mario 64 missed. This time around, you can experience the excitement and challenges with up to three other friends, giving way to hilarious and chaotic cooperative play.
Super Mario 3D World is available on Nintendo Switch, typically priced around $60 USD.
7. Pac-Man World
Pac-Man World shares a lot of gameplay and level design elements that made Super Mario 64 such a runaway hit. For starters, both are 3D platformers, with the main character navigating a series of challenging levels filled with enemies, puzzles, and collectibles. Pac-Man World elevates this by incorporating the familiar Pac-Man mechanics of chomping on enemies and collecting power-ups into its platforming, much like Super Mario 64 did with the iconic Mario mechanics of stomping and power-up transformations. The game also introduces a number of unique elements, such as interaction with the environment, puzzle-solving sequences, and boss fights, all choreographed in a manner that is engaging but not too stressful.
Moreover, the structure of Pac-Man World is reminiscent of the painting-worlds concept in Super Mario 64. Each game has different zones, or worlds, with multiple stages - creating a rich, diverse environment that keeps the gameplay fresh. While Pac-Man World has a unique story and graphical style, the atmosphere is inviting and familiar, evoking the same sort of whimsical charm that made Super Mario 64 so endearing. So, if you loved the explorative style and the ability to roam around in open levels of Super Mario 64, Pac-Man World would be right up your alley!
Pac-Man World is available on PlayStation, Game Boy Advance, and PlayStation 3, typically priced around $20 USD.
6. Ty the Tasmanian Tiger
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger has a myriad of similarities to Super Mario 64 that make it an appealing pick for fans of the latter. One of the standout factors is its 3D platforming style. Like Super Mario 64, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger immerses players in a vibrant, expansive world filled with a variety of challenging levels. Each level is uniquely designed, just as in Super Mario 64, with numerous hidden objects to collect and puzzles to solve, stimulating players to explore every corner of the game world.
The character dynamics are another winning aspect. Just as you love the iconic plumber Mario, Ty is an equally endearing protagonist, a boomerang-wielding Tasmanian Tiger with an adventurous spirit. The game mechanics are also reminiscent of Super Mario 64, with double jumps, tail spins, and a range of weapons to tackle enemies in a similar vein to the varied combat tactics in Super Mario. What's more, just like Super Mario 64's Mushroom Kingdom, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger is set in a colourful and imaginative universe, teeming with quirky characters and engaging narrative threads, taking you on an exciting journey Down Under.
Ty the Tasmanian Tiger is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC, typically priced around $15 USD.
5. Gex: Enter the Gecko
If you're a fan of Super Mario 64, then Gex: Enter the Gecko deserves to be on your radar. Similar to the 3D platforming action found in Mario, Gex features a charming, wise-cracking gecko protagonist who must traverse varied and imaginatively designed levels, each bursting with its own unique flavor and set of challenges. Gex’s adventures take place in a media dimension, where every level is based on a different film or TV genre. It’s like experiencing the whimsical charm of Peach’s Castle and the surrounding landscapes, but through the lens of a cartoon-loving gecko. The controls functionality also mirrors to that of Super Mario 64, with players navigating Gex to run, jump, tailwhip enemies, or even climb up certain surfaces.
Moreover, Gex: Enter the Gecko shares a similar overarching structure to Super Mario 64. Like Mario, Gex is given a central hub world from which he can access distinct stages - his being 'The Media Dimension'. Much in the same vein as collecting Power Stars to open new areas in Mario, Gex collects remotes to unlock further levels. These levels are filled with puzzles, enemies, and platforming challenges that'll surely remind you of your time in the Mushroom Kingdom. The light-hearted humor, quick pace, and engaging gameplay that Gex has to offer will certainly evoke the same joy and satisfaction you found in Super Mario 64.
Gex: Enter the Gecko is available on PlayStation, Game Boy Color, and N64, typically priced around $15 USD.
4. Ape Escape
Ape Escape is the first game that comes to mind if you're a fan of Super Mario 64's real-time 3D action-adventure gameplay. Just as Mario 64 revolutionized the genre with its 360-degree movement and captivating exploration, Ape Escape brings a new approach to the same foundational principles. Like SM64, Ape Escape incentivizes exploration in beautifully-crafted stages, searching for monkeys hidden across the level, similar to how you hunted for Stars in Super Mario 64. Each level in Ape Escape is richly detailed and offers a wide range of objectives, much like navigating the unique terrains in search of stars in SM64.
Both games have made clever use of analog sticks to expand movement possibilities, and this is where Ape Escape truly shines. The controls in Ape Escape are as intuitively smooth as they are in Super Mario 64, with the characters responding fluidly to the analog sticks, bringing a whole new level of versatility and dynamism. Plus, Ape Escape's array of gadgets, comparable to the power-ups in Super Mario 64, provide interesting variations in gameplay and challenge. Not to mention, the aesthetics of Ape Escape, with its vibrant environments and playful characters, closely echo the whimsical charm of the Mushroom Kingdom. If you loved traversing through Peach's Castle and its many paintings, Ape Escape's vibrant game world also rewards exploration and curiosity similarly.
Ape Escape is available on the PlayStation Network, typically priced around $10 USD.
3. Sonic Adventure
Firstly, think of Sonic Adventure as an electrifying reassessment of the Sonic franchise, in much the same way Super Mario 64 was for its beloved universe. Both games are revolutionary in their transition into a vivacious 3D world. They let you explore vast and diverse environments, filled with interesting gameplay mechanics and delightful secrets. Sonic Adventure, like Super Mario 64, overflows with character-based variety, offering a unique roster of characters with their own distinctive abilities, perspectives, and storylines which enliven the overall narrative. This variety enhances replayability, mirroring the satisfaction you get from the variety of power-ups in Super Mario 64.
In terms of gameplay structure, Sonic Adventure, akin to Super Mario 64, challenges players to achieve specific goals or gather collectibles for progression. Sonic and Mario both invite you into a central hub from which you can access different levels. Sonic Adventure features the Adventure Fields, similar to Peach's Castle, where you can interact with non-playable characters and discover hidden paths or mini-games. This aim to complete goals, the exciting boss battles, and the hunt for hidden treasures, would definitely remind you of the objectives in Super Mario 64’s worlds. Plus, Sonic's exhilarating fast-paced platforms have a similar addictive charm as Mario's.
Sonic Adventure is available on Sega Dreamcast, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and also on PC platforms like Steam, typically priced around $10 USD.
2. Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg
Just like Super Mario 64, Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg is a 3D platformer that tasks you with exploring vast, vibrant, and unique worlds. Each level in Billy Hatcher is full of secrets, puzzles, and enemies to encounter – much like the individual stages in Mario 64 that you're familiar with. One could argue Billy Hatcher's stages are even bigger! But what really echoes Mario 64 is the way the game shapes its challenges around collection mechanics – you've gotta collect those items to get ahead, just like you would in Peach's Castle.
Moreover, the controls and physics in Billy Hatcher will feel familiar to a seasoned Mario 64 player. Billy's movements have a sense of weight and momentum that reminds one strongly of running around as Mario in that iconic N64 title. Plus, Billy's unique egg rolling mechanics add a novel twist to platforming and puzzle-solving – think of it like Mario's various power-ups, but all focused on the interplay between the titular character and a very large egg. The charming character designs and imaginative level settings provide that same joy and wonder you'd experience hopping into a painting in Mario 64.
Billy Hatcher and the Giant Egg is available on Nintendo GameCube as well as through backwards compatibility on the Wii, typically priced around $60 USD.
1. Banjo-Tooie
If you loved Super Mario 64, then you'll surely appreciate Banjo-Tooie. Both games explore the realm of 3-dimensional platforming, inviting the player to step into vibrant and interactive worlds filled with engaging characters, intricate puzzles, and captivating storylines. Like our mustachioed plumber's adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom, Banjo-Tooie involves a similar collection-based progression system. You'll find yourself immersed in a myriad of intricately designed levels, each presenting unique objectives that require chemical concoctions, prehistoric transformations, and egg shooting skills to solve – a delightful array of mechanics harkening to Super Mario 64's multifaceted gameplay.
The charm of Banjo-Tooie goes beyond just mechanics and bears a fond resemblance to Super Mario 64 in terms of its underlying narrative depth. Much like Mario's quest to save Princess Peach, Banjo the bear and his bird sidekick, Tooie, embark on a perilous journey to rescue Kazooie's imprisoned sister. This intertwining of lighthearted humor and compelling character development creates a sense of emotional investment, similar to the resonance evoked in the hearts of Super Mario 64 players. Additionally, Rare's signature touch of integrating mini-games and boss battles further elevates the parallelism, offering a diversified palate of gaming experiences that balance challenge, fun, and discovery, much like Super Mario 64.
Banjo-Tooie is available on the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S through the Rare Replay collection, typically priced around $30 USD.
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