One of the coolest parts about Super Mario 64 is the vast amount of stages it has. There truly is not a single dull point in the game when it comes to this aspect, as each one has an abundance of fun stars to obtain. It is a significant reason as to why this game is one that many people label as iconic. Each of them offers unique characteristics about them that truly make them all so memorable.
However, out of the 15 stages, there are some that just stand out the most. Perhaps this is due to the specific stars they have, or it also could be from the scenery that they have. No matter what the case is, they are the ones that people talk about the most at the end of the day. It is hard to find a stage in this game that is bad, however, as they also provide entertainment in their own ways.
Wet-Dry World
Wet-Dry World is a very unique level in the game because, as its name implies, it switches from being a wet and dry stage. It is also intriguing because Mario has control over how much water the level starts with, depending on where he jumps.
The stars in this level offer a decent challenge too, which makes sense when seeing as how it is later in the game. Overall, it offers up a lot of fun to the player, while also being equally as frustrating with its difficulty.
Hazy Maze Cave
Hazy Maze Cave is such a cool level as it is massive and offers a ton of tasks for the player to complete. It has a lot of secret areas, which can be challenging to find for those who are new to the game. Mario even unlocks the metal cap in this level, too.
It has a frightening vibe to it too, as evidenced by the foes Mario faces in it. It certainly is a level that one could label as underrated too, as it does not receive as much praise as the iconic ones. Even with this being so, it is still splendid.
Whomp’s Fortress
Whomp’s Fortress is one of the first levels in the game, so it is not the most challenging of ones. However, that does not make it bad whatsoever as it does have some of the most memorable stars from the game.
In terms of its overall scenery, it definitely is quite nice as it offers a little bit of everything to the player. With piranha plants, Whomps, and even an owl, it is clear it offers a lot of unique elements that fans do appreciate.
Tall, Tall Mountain
Tall, Tall Mountain is a very large level in the game, which is easy to understand when looking at its name. It does offer a lot of challenges in the process as there are an array of different foes and dangerous ledges that are easy to fall off of.
The stars in this level are also very cool as each of them is quite entertaining to secure. With enemy monkeys, a hidden slide, and giant mushrooms, it is clearly quite wacky as well.
Shifting Sand Land
Shifting Sand Land definitely has a nice aesthetic to it, which makes it very fun. The quicksand in this level also makes it quite easy for Mario to lose all his power, which definitely is frustrating. However, this element is what makes it such a memorable level.
The stars in this level are also very fun to obtain, which definitely helps its overall value. The pyramid also is a very fun aspect of it too, as it offers one of the most interesting boss fights in the entire game.
Rainbow Ride
Rainbow Ride is very well the hardest level in the game, as every star possesses a huge challenge to get. That is definitely justifiable and honestly expected as it is the final level in the game.
Although it does not warrant the title of being the best, it definitely is still spectacular. The scenery in this level is quite nice and there is just so much going on with it. It is a level that warrants all the praise in the world at the end of the day.
Lethal Lava Land
Lethal Lava Land is iconic in every way imaginable. For starters, every time Mario falls into the lava, he hilariously jumps into the air and the player loses control of him. Also, just the complete turmoil of its look is so fitting.
The bullies in this level also are a very nice touch and provide some entertaining stars. However, inside of the volcano is definitely the coolest part of the level as those stars even can be challenging to masters of the game.
Big Boo’s Haunt
Just finding Big Boo’s Haunt is entertaining as it requires Mario to successfully attack Boo in the garden. Once inside the level though, it is clear that this is one of the most unique and deepest levels of the game.
It has a carnival, a plethora of ghosts, and a bunch of scary rooms to explore. Also, fighting Big Boo on the balcony is truly marvelous and requires a lot of skill when it comes to controlling Mario.
Cool, Cool Mountain
Cool, Cool Mountain is one of the best levels in this game because of its fantastic stars and overall appeal. The race with the giant penguin is definitely a huge reason for its success, but one also cannot ignore just how well made it is.
It absolutely is a winter wonderland, but it sure does come with some monstrous challenges along the way. It is easily one of the first levels people remember from this game because of how well it makes it special.
Bob-omb Battlefield
Bob-omb Battlefield is easily the best level in the game. It is not the hardest, but it holds the most value because of how memorable it is. It is where Mario’s journey begins and that very well may be why these stars are all so memorable.
Mario fights King Bob-omb, races Koopa the Quick, and has to battle with Chain Chomp. This alone helps make this level be so spectacular, but one also cannot ignore its legendary music too. Overall, it does everything right, especially for a first level.
