Every Super Mario 64 Level RANKED

Super Mario 64 is a game that seems to be immune to the passage of time, but how do its levels compare to one another? In this video, we look at each of them to see what makes them special, and to decide which deserves to be ranked at the top. But please let me know what you think!
What is the best level in Super Mario 64? Do you agree with my order or did I not give your favorite course enough love? Drop a comment and let me know!
And if you enjoyed the video don't forget to smash the like button, subscribe, and click the notification bell to be alerted for my next video!
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0:00 Intro
1:04 15
3:10 14
4:41 13
6:32 12
7:51 11
9:13 10
10:40 9
12:04 8
13:30 7
15:03 6
17:09 5
18:41 4
20:15 3
22:38 2
24:16 1
26:19 Outro
#mario #supermario64 #mrdrboi

[@weepingdalek2568]

Big Boo's Haunt is also the only stage in this game that doesn't share its music with any other

[@MrDrBoi]

It would feel so out of place anywhere else.

[@weepingdalek2568]

@@MrDrBoi True Like I can kinda see it for Hazy Maze Cave but otherwise nah Still makes Big Boo's Haunt even more unique

[@airjodran]

What stage does LLL music share

[@weepingdalek2568]

@@airjodran Shifting Sand Land

[@joepersico8791]

The fact that reading this fact is the only way in 25 years ive noticed that some stages share music just goes to show how great a game it is that you dont really notice it while playing

[@esquiredan2702]

Today I learned my tastes in Mario 64 worlds are very different from the majority, I suppose. The Snowman world was always one of my favorites because it’s relatively compact and you don’t have to spend a ton of time simply running/swimming to get to the challenge for the star. Also you can shell surf. It’s far more fun than Cool Cool World IMO. Also Rainbow Ride has a special place in Hell.

[@MrDrBoi]

Haha you're not alone, if the comments have shown me anything, it's that everyone has wildly different lists for Super Mario 64. Just goes to show how great the game is if so many people can resonate with so many different stages.

[@John_Lee_]

Yes that was def one of my favorite levels.

[@shainahullihen1159]

The only thing I hate in Rainbow Ride is Tricky Triangles because you have to be quick to get the star. And, I'm not even going to try to get the switch star level in the DS one.

[@Spanishdog17]

It really says something about the game when you never say that a level is outright terrible or bad. Despite being one of the earliest 3D platformers, to this day none of the levels are subpar.

[@MrDrBoi]

Agreed, at the end of the day, even a stage I've ranked low like Tall, Tall Mountain is still fun to play.

[@BMoser-bv6kn]

Dire Dire Docks is the only one they should've cut from the game, it exists solely to throw a submarine (that you don't even get to go inside, what's up with that) into the game. And the rainbow carpet level should have started you out in a central hub location, or at least changed your starting location based on which star you selected. Aaand that's the only outright objective mistakes in the entire game.

[@frizzyrascal1493]

@@BMoser-bv6kn Dire Dire Docks is one of my fav levels. Your opinion isn't subjective.

[@daniel_361]

@@BMoser-bv6kn I always felt like Dire, Dire Docks was never meant to be a full stage, but rather a mini level. Then, just a little bit before they had to ship the game, they filled it with five more stars so they reach the 120 stars in time. That at least would explain why the first star with the submarine is actually strong, and some of the others felt entirely not thought out. More proof would be that Dire, Dire Docks is the only main world in the game that has a separate exit leading to the hub world.

[@joshuawidener8407]

There are definitely awful levels like the mines and water big area

[@KurtisC93]

Tall, Tall Mountain at #14? _Whaaaat?_ That's, like, my favorite. 😲

[@LilHaseProductions]

especially the secret slide was awesome.

[@JanKippersluis]

Literally everyone ranks hazy maze cave so low despite it being so vast and full of mysteries. I think a lot of levels are ranked high based om nostalgia, not level design/gameplay

[@user-ts5jv2hk6z]

Hazy Maze Cave is underrated, while Bob-Omb Battlefield and Whomp's Fortress are overrated.

[@stevefred2694]

Yeah always loved hazey maze. On my first visit there were so many ledges I noticed that I didn't know how to reach and then me and my dad just wander into nessies layer and the metal cap straight after. And that was just the first visit

[@laser90]

Hazy Maze Cave is my favorite course. I am probably the only being on earth with this opinion, since Hazy Maze cave doesn't even reach top 5, or even top 10 in most people's lists Also, Lethal Lava take, Snowman's Land is my least favourite course in the game. The only thing saving it from being completely trash is the Moneybag enemy, which I honestly love.

[@spazerdazer8421]

Did you seriously just imply that anyone in the course of history has played Shocking Arrow Lifts as intended?

[@MrDrBoi]

Haha there are definitely a lot of other ways to get it

[@user-ts5jv2hk6z]

You will do this if you aren't brainless.

[@russellhunter9951]

I never knew about the warp for that star. I usually just long jumped to the star.

[@squeallymaniac]

​@@russellhunter9951 I think most people can relate

[@tetermc]

I don't agree with every pick here but I'm happy to see I'm not the only one who loves Lethal Lava Land. It's a blast to tear through. And your description of it kind of being a symbol of how you have evolved as a gamer was fantastic, it was the exact same for me in the exact same order of events lol. Nailed everything I love about the level.

[@MrDrBoi]

Glad I was able to capture what makes it great!

[@44i80]

I love lethal lava land!!!!!!!

[@jaker721]

I actually really like TTM! It may be repetitive to scale the mountain, but I also really enjoy scaling the mountain lol - it reminds me of house music: repetitive, but enjoyable. I always look forward to it when I play through this game

[@MrDrBoi]

Haha that makes sense

[@sand-attack]

A couple of the stars also have fun alternate routes (like long jumping off the log instead of using the cannon)

[@chriswhetton3584]

Additionally there are secret warps that you can use to get up the mountain quickly. Although you kind of have to know they are there to use them. I would look through the guides at the store as a kid to see where they were lol.

[@runthenumbers9698]

Why do they call that song "Dire Dire Docks" anyway? They clearly should call it "Jolly Roger Bay." Not only is it just a better and more fitting name, but Jolly Roger Bay is actually the first level to use the song anyway!

[@MrDrBoi]

I've always wondered the same thing. The only thing I can think of is that they made Dire, Dire Docks first in development.

[@Down_Triangle]

The song is called dire dire docks in the official soundtrack

[@Gojira-ri6rj]

i think dire dire docks fits more but maybe it’s because i don’t like the name jolly roger bay

[@MatthewCampbell765]

19:26 Personal guess on why most of us did this: There's a surprised realization that the game will actually *let* you throw the baby off the ledge. It's clearly not what you're supposed to do, but you can. And it clashes so heavily with the tone of the game that the fact you can do it is kind of hilarious. At least as children (and this instinct doesn't fully go away) there's a desire to explore boundaries and to playfully transgress those boundaries. We can just barely hear a voice from beyond say "You silly, that's not what you're supposed to do" Or, to put it another way: It was our way of trolling Miyamoto even if he couldn't literally see us.

[@ShadowMarioXLI]

This was a great video and I agree with a lot of the points that you mentioned regarding the respective level designs. I also appreciated the variety of game footage shown. Too often with video essays like this on other channels, it's the same gameplay loop repeated over and over while points are being made. That amount of work that you put in does not go unnoticed.

[@MrDrBoi]

Really glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for all the kind words!

[@lorebroker52]

I think Shifting Sand Land is the point where difficulty ramps up and this could be why you rate it lower than you feel it deserves. Compared to the lava in the world before the insta-kill quicksand and being crushed under the boxes plus the ability to loose your hat to the vulture means you can't be as care-free as before while it is still quite a bit to the end-game levels without floors.

[@MrDrBoi]

Those are some good points, probably also contributes to why you might spend more time in this stage as others. Though the LLL is still pretty easy to die in as well

[@drbuni]

Good list. I like that you were able to criticize your least favorite levels without straight up trashing them. It is very easy to praise the good stuff in games, but much harder to properly criticize the bad stuff.

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks! I always try to give credit where it's due because even if I may not like something, I understand that it still has value.

[@layzeegamerj4197]

Tick tock clock is #1 for me. It's always been my favorite level because it's challenging. It take everything you've learned from the previous levels to test your skill. You can also use the different clock speeds to explore the level better if needed. TTC is 3D platforming at its finest. My other favorites are Big Boo's Haunt, Wet Dry World, and Bob-omb Battlefield. Tall Tall Mountain is dead last to me. It was a pretty stale, and wasn't memorable compared to the others. The two main water levels (DDD and JRB) are also at the bottom of my list.

[@MrDrBoi]

Tick Tock Clock has always been one of my favorites, I actually had it in my top 3 when I began this list cause it's so good!

[@shaunduggan8605]

Dire dire docks booting you outside the castle entirely if you swim through that opening though was great

[@MrDrBoi]

I totally forgot about that little detail!

[@19Szabolcs91]

Yeah, that's one of the main reasons it's my most hated stage in the game :P The 100 coin star is already tedious enough, and this damn thing resets your progress AND even baits you with coins right in front of that hole. Pure evil.

[@yoshilover765]

This channel is rad as hell. I have an itch to watch level/world/dungeon rankings and this is a brilliant scratch

[@MrDrBoi]

Awesome, glad you've been enjoying!

[@goldentapes]

i love these kinds of videos from you. such a fun watch

[@MrDrBoi]

Appreciate it, thank you!!

[@MarcianoSR]

Good and fun to watch, thanks for this! I also enjoyed your BK and BT video. Keep up the good work!

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks a ton! Happy you enjoyed!

[@joebykaeby]

I agree with the placements on this list more than any other list I’ve seen. Might quibble a place or two up or down for some of the levels in the middle of the pack, but bottom 5 and top 5 are 100% agree.

[@MrDrBoi]

Glad you enjoyed! And tbh, I could probably rearrange a few up or down in the middle too, they're all pretty close.

[@mkgeostar]

i completely agree about the bottom, me and my cousin made a list and it was remarkably similar to this

[@thesmellofadventure5370]

15: Dire Dire Docks (Ugh! More boring water levels?! NEXT!!!) 14: Jolly Roger Bay (Great music and atmosphere, terrible level) 13: Rainbow Ride (Infuriatingly difficult final challenge!) 12: Snowman’s Land (Blends in with the superior Cool Cool Mountain) 11: Wet Dry Land (I like it, but I certainly do not love it) 10: Tall Tall Mountain (Fairly forgettable aside from the slide) 9: Shifting Sand Land (Surprisingly solid for a desert stage) 8: Tiny Huge Island (This concept is iconic at this point) 7: Tick Tock Clock (One of the most innovative stage ideas) 6: Leathal Lava Land (It’s cursed that lava is Course 7) 5: Bob-Omb Battlefield (A perfect tutorial level!) 4: Hazy Maze Cave (Notable for getting me lost as a kid) 3: Whomp’s Fortress (The gold standard of platforming in this game) 2: Big Boo’s Haunt (This level scared many back in the day) 1: Cool Cool Mountain (From the slide to the ice to the baby penguin! Wow!)

[@Leif47]

Definitely agree with your #1 pick, the openess of the level truly lets you play it however you want! My suggestion for a future ranking video would be ranking all of the levels in DK64 :)

[@MrDrBoi]

I've actually never played DK64 but I keep getting requests for it, so I might just have to play it soon!

[@mkgeostar]

​@@MrDrBoimaybe you could do the galaxies from super mario galaxy

[@MrDrBoi]

@@mkgeostar Definitely a possibility!

[@sethflower2067]

This is such a great video, well done, truly. The structure of all of your points and arguments are just beautiful and easy to follow. I also agree with all of it

[@MrDrBoi]

Thank you!

[@TheCrankyTechnician]

Great video and a list similar to my taste! Touching on the beginning of your video, I think that SM64 is still almost universally loved for the fact that it is and always will be one of the most revolutionary games ever made. There's a definitive "before and after" SM64 and for all of us who are old enough to have first played on the NES and/ or SNES, seeing Mario in 3D, jumping, running and kicking it was mind boggling. That very first impression of seeing the castle and Mario from all angles is a feeling that will never fade away. When thinking about it, I still remember being 6 years old and not believing what I'm looking at.

[@MrDrBoi]

Gotta agree, Super Mario World was my very first game, and seeing the jump to Super Mario 64 is something I'll always remember!

[@TheXPR3]

I think one of these would be great for Sunshine! Loved your breakdown

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks! Sunshine will definitely come out in the future!

[@neurathal0n534]

Excellent video, you're a great writer and it shows in your script. Nice job!

[@2ganons69ing2]

Really great video! Pretty much agree with the whole top 5.

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks!!

[@whomgod420]

I agree to the most part but honestly Hazy Maze Cave coin star doesn't feel like a drawback to me. Yeah, you can randomly die, but if you're careful it didn't happen, and the whole level being so huge made it really feel like a long journey to the coin star. As a kid I loved it. I've not revisited it since admittedly but it felt very rewarding doing such a long level.

[@derekrequiem4359]

This was a good video with some interesting takes! Most other videos I've seen ranked Rainbow Ride and Tick Tock Clock much lower so it was good to hear your analysis on those two in particular!

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks!

[@rizzlesocks]

i've been watching you for almost 2 years now. keep it up :)

[@MrDrBoi]

That's awesome thanks so much!

[@rizzlesocks]

@@MrDrBoi ofc!

[@PhilipGamez]

My favorite course in the game would have to be Hazy Maze Cave due to the amount of secrets the course has along with the various enemies, not to mention the amount of nostalgia I had trying to find Waluigi in the DS version here.

[@MrDrBoi]

Plus it has a banger of a theme!

[@erika_fuzzbottom]

For me, from best to worst, it's... 1 Hazy Maze Cave 2 Snowman's Land 3 Tall, Tall Mountain 4 Wet-Dry World 5 Cool, Cool Mountain 6 Dire, Dire Docks 7 Lethal Lava Land 8 Jolly Roger Bay 9 Big Boo's Haunt 10 Bob-omb Battlefield 11 Tick Tock Clock 12 Shifting Sand Land 13 Whomp's Fortess 14 Rainbow Ride 16 Tiny-Huge Island

[@MrDrBoi]

Interesting list! Usually don't see Whomp's Fortress so low.

[@erika_fuzzbottom]

To me, it feels like a less-good Bob-omb Battlefield. It doesn't feel as open-ended. At the least, nothing on the same level as releasing the Chain Chomp first. Landing in the cage is also kinda awkward, and you gotta wait for the owl to get back down if you miss. And I think it's kinda lame how you take damage blasting into the wall, even if I'm not likely to die from it. I will say that I don't hate the level. And it was definitely neat to see it remade in Mario Galaxy 2, but I always wondered why this level in particular was chosen. I guess because of its more linear nature.

[@Mevenda1]

Lovely video. Interesting list. I always loved Lethal Lava Land and the Boo level as well. That eel scared the heck outta me when I first got the game, though. Easily scarier than anything the Boos had to throw at me.

[@aa31385]

Excited to see your Super Mario Sunshine levels ranked video!

[@MrDrBoi]

Definitely gonna come out sometime in the summer!

[@aa31385]

@@MrDrBoi Heard there are some really cool 64 and Sunshine mods that built out entirely new levels in their style, could be cool video content ideas to look into as well!

[@MrDrBoi]

That sounds cool, I'll have to check that out, thanks!

[@craigmariano4348]

I really appreciate the list!! You did a great job of explaining yourself! I was laughing because when u explained your list I was almost at an alter ego warrior phase because that was one of my least favorite levels! Also I loved what you said about Jolly Roger bay a lot of hype and potential especially for the aquatic level but didn’t have the aura of the other levels! Keep me posted with what u think about the Mario movie!!

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!!

[@13nessuk]

addicted to this videos

[@MrDrBoi]

Glad you're enjoying!

[@tenacious645]

I don't agree with his picks entirely, but this video was well thought-out and entertaining. I'm glad I subbed. Can't wait to see what videos he'll make next

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@tenacious645]

@@MrDrBoi Sure thing! Keep up the good work man :)

[@fullmetalheart5384]

I just wanted to say first off. I love ur videos man definitely keep making ones like this it’s great content I found u last year binged ur ranking videos ( which are my favorites ) and then didn’t see u for a while until today I saw this video I like ur style and I can feel ur passion for the same games I grew up with so I like to cook a good meal and watch a video of yours keep up the good work . As regards to this specific video I predicted u would put bomb bomb battlefield in number 1 but to my shock it’s lethal lava land I was like NOOOO But when you said what you said I kind of agreed even going far back to when I was a kid I always admired the many different ways you can run around that map getting Mario’s ass burned countless times I think my number 1 is cool cool mountain bc I’m a junkie for winter levels in games and that level in particular is just so fun to slide everywhere. I didn’t expect to type this much but I been wanting to say most of this for a while not sure if you will see this but thank you I have officially subscribed!!!!

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks so much for the message, makes me feel good to see your kind words! And Cool, Cool Mountain is a great choice!

[@Nickbronline]

Therapist: Cbum Mario isn’t real he can’t hurt you Cbum Mario: 1:25

[@michaelfryers1914]

This was a really great video. Even though I've never really gotten along with Super Mario 64 that well, I somehow still agree with all your points. Except Lethal Lava Land, I've died so many times in that damn volcano 😭 For a ranking video, I'd love to see all the Galaxies or Kingdoms ranked from Galaxy or odyssey respectively

[@MrDrBoi]

Thank you! And doing an Odyssey video might give me a good reason to replay that game finally lol

[@19Szabolcs91]

Excellent video and a nice nostalgia trip. Obviously I won't agree with every single placement, but I like how you gave credit to some underrated stages such as Lethal Lava Land, which is my #2 after Cool Cool Mountain (with Wet Dry World being my #3). Lethal Lava Land is the ultimate "the floor is lava" playground, it's so much fun and versatile. Even the 100 coin mission is great.

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed!

[@lostfan5054]

Great list! I don't agree with many of these but man, this was a fun list.

[@MrDrBoi]

Thank you!

[@giancarlofelicianocastaned9316]

When I first played this game I misread Shifting Sand Land as "Sniffing The Sand Land" for 2 years.

[@MrDrBoi]

LOL

[@shainahullihen1159]

Oops, lol, 😂😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣. I may be sad today, but, that made my day, lol😅.

[@ripscort1896]

When i didn't know english i thought that "Cool Cool Mountain" meant that it was a very awesome mountain

[@baileygamble3530]

I was watching your video on the worst Zelda heart piece and went "Manda, I sure hope he has other good videos" and then I realized I've watched like 3 of your videos Can't wait for the next one dude

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks so much! I hope you continue to enjoy the videos!

[@gashclaw6748]

Lethal Lava Land is pretty low on my list, if I had to rank them myself. It just feels so... cobbled together and incoherent. It's still really fun, as are all the levels in this ICONIC game, but I never found myself looking forward to specifically LLL

[@MrDrBoi]

That's fair, someone else mentioned it looked like legos were thrown around the map lol. To me it's like a little lava skate park with an awesome volcano section. What's your favorite?

[@fatalferaligatr1457]

this is the content i NEED

[@MrDrBoi]

Glad you enjoyed :)

[@andrewmarsh8909]

Great work on this! Good to see another video from you. Are you familiar with Danganronpa? I'm a bit of a Danganronpa fan (been writing fanfiction for it for several years now) and if possible, I'd love to see you rank the Class Trials in DR 1, 2, and V3 (whether all at once or separated by game is up to you of course). Hope you like my suggestion, and regardless of what it is, I'll be excited to see your next video!

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks a lot! And I'll have to look into those games, never played them.

[@andrewmarsh8909]

Ah okay. If you do play them I’d recommend the PS4 or Steam versions if possible. While the core games I mentioned have been ported to mobile platforms and Switch, in my experience the ports have been…less than stellar

[@EmberRain666]

Came across this video when looking for SM64 iceberg videos, and I gotta say, I love this list! I agree for the most part, though CCM will always be my #1. If I may make a suggestion for a future ranking, perhaps Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess? I watched your OoT ranking, so I figured I'd see if you'd consider other Zelda games as well!

[@MrDrBoi]

Glad you enjoyed! Definitely gonna do a Twilight Princess Dungeon video in the near future!

[@JadeiteMcSwag]

good video king

[@MrDrBoi]

Thank you!

[@Evan64m]

Interesting list! I always considered Rainbow Ride a pretty atrocious level that I always dread having to play, meanwhile I never really minded Dire Dire Docks.

[@shamra1245]

Super Mario 64 was one of the very first video games I ever played as a child and Big Boo's Haunt has always been my favorite so I'm thrilled to see it ranking so high!

[@jonathanhatfield9847]

Bro I got 120 stars as a kid and again when the all star game came out and I never realized wet-dry world would change based on how you enter. Crazy

[@MrDrBoi]

Glad I could teach you something you didn't know!

[@theoriginalamvgirl]

My three favourites: . Dire Dire Docks - great name, beautiful music, a SHARK. . Wet Dry World - has a mildly creepy vibe because it’s an abandoned town, and the height that you jump in equaling the water-level is pure genius! Big Boo’s Haunt - ghost house. Honorary Mentions: . Tall, Tall Mountain - I just LOVED the slide! . Tiny-Huge Island - lots of fun. Best Power-Star Names: . The Big House In The Sky . Stop Time For Red Coins . Can The Eel Come Out To Play? . Tricky Triangles! . Wall Kicks Will Work . Scary ‘Shrooms, Red Coins . Metal-Head Mario Can Move! . Go To Town For Red Coins

[@CarolinaViceVideo]

Really been enjoying your content. I saw some clips from Metroid dread, I’d love to see your take on that game.

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks! I've actually been wanting to replay it recently, so maybe a little later this year!

[@Wiiguy1606]

14:08 Wow! I played the game since 2000 And I never knew that you could warp right up next to the cannon like that !

[@MrDrBoi]

It blew my mind when I found this for the first time too!

[@freddyc1995]

Just discovered your channel! Love the content!! May I suggest ranking the Diddy Kong Racing stages??

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks, and good idea, I love Diddy Kong Racing!

[@rodrigoochoa2868]

I love that I was going through your ranking with a speedrunner mentality and some of the levels you called slow, are very high paced in speedruns (HMC 100 and SSL). But I totally agree that from a casual gameplay perspective some levels are more tedious.

[@MrDrBoi]

Speedruns of Shifting Sand Land absolutely blow my mind! The movement and tricks on that stage are incredible.

[@5BBassist4Christ]

Really, BombOmb Battlefield and Rainbow Ride are the two greatest testimonies of the game's success. BB is very simple and fun to play. It introduces the player to almost every aspect of the game perfectly, and having to wait until you unlock the wing-cap forces you to come back to this course at a later time, helping it be more memorable. It really is the perfect introduction level, -up there with Super Mario Bros 1-1. RR is the perfect end-game challenge that pushes you on almost every aspect of the game, while also requiring you to have patience, and yet quick reaction time. Every detail of the level is designed to punish you for carelessness, with a few opportunities for lucky landings when you do mess up. Each star is unique and has you explore a different part of a well designed level. The way these two stages jux-oppose each other highlights the progress you've made throughout the game.

[@LordOfNothingreally]

All-in-all, a very good list. I agree with pretty much all the placements except I would put Jolly Roger Bay above Tall Tall Mountain, I'd swap Shifting Sands Land and Tick Tock Clock, and I'd put Hazy Maze Cave as my #1 pick. (but then, HMC is my personal favourite so I'm biased!)

[@MrDrBoi]

Outside of the 100 coin, Hazy Maze Cave is fantastic.

[@Galespark234]

Dang, I couldn’t agree with a single position lmao I think Lethal Lava Land as no 1 is insane, specially considering how low Shifting Sand Land is, when that course is way more interesting and does all of the things LLL does and more.

[@MrDrBoi]

Sometimes it be like that lol

[@Maj9183]

Lethal Lava Land at 1???? What??? It’s my absolutely least favorite level by a mile!

[@Mr-Dr-Payne]

You’ve got a bad opinion

[@michaelschwader7944]

Oh? What's that? You accidentally barely touched the sand? Aww. Too bad, you're dead. What's that? You only had a few coins to go for the 100 mission? And what else? You say that it's your 20th attempt? You got killed by an invisible barrier that instantly sucked you into the sand while FLYING? It came out of nowhere? The turtle shell broke by tapping the edge of nothing, causing you to get sucked into the sand again? What's that? The cap literally disappeared after getting it back from the vulture's talons? Gone? Guess you gotta restart the game, because it isn't there when you restart the level? And you were so close to the 100-coin mission again. What's that? You JUST missed one of the secrets and have to climb back up again? It's your 15th time? You stood on top of all four pillars and attempted it three more times, and the entrance still won't open? What's that? One of the tornados took you and threw you in the sand again? Well too bad! Deal with the poor glitches and level design. On top of that, watch someone rate it much higher than it should be. Sorry. I just DESPISE that level. I hate it with every ounce of my being.

[@MrDrBoi]

Haha I feel your pain. Pretty sure I died in the sand with like 80+ coins in my last playthrough.

[@michaelschwader7944]

@@MrDrBoi You say that that Dire Dire Docks is 15 because you found it boring, but I implore you to look at it from a different angle. The level is neat in the sense that it gives you a bit of a break between the action. It has a nice mellow atmosphere, and the music fits it perfectly. The level allows you to take your time and relax a bit before you go back to the insanity of some of the other levels' insane challenges and designs. It's like the level is saying sit back and chill for awhile.

[@Yoshihelicopter]

As the 1# fan of Bob omb battlefield,I’m so happy you put it high on the list

[@SpinelessJohn]

Personally I think tiny huge island is the worst

[@blechkitti]

Very interesting list. I hate the Wet-Dry World, but you have a valid point there for being #7. I guess my top 3 would be something of Tick Tock Clock, Bob-Omb Battlefield and maybe Whomps Fortress.

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks, those are all good picks as well!

[@GlobalWarmingSkeptic]

I'd argue that Mario 64 is more popular now than when it first came out. Even back then with the launch of the N64 I've never heard it talked about so much.

[@MrDrBoi]

Have to agree, especially with the rise of speedrunning over the last decade. This new Suigi record has been all over my recommendations and twitter.

[@pretzelboi64]

Exactly. People are still making mods for this old ass game too as of today. Like, tens of hours of extra content that is quite possibly as good as the original

[@whoeverofhowevermany]

2:16 I don't even know if I remember this at this point but this still made me groan in frustration 😂

[@squilldx5055]

24:21 this part has aged so funnily now that it’s the sound for the curse of the pharaoh

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmMicrowav]

You know a game has amazing game design when it's "worst" level isn't even all that bad, just a bit slower than the rest of the game

[@rukeyburg1084]

I like for what you considered low and high ranked levels by the factor of freedom, creativity and unique level design. I also think these are great factors for me too, and I always have thought that the place of a level was understandable.

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks! What's your favorite level?

[@rukeyburg1084]

Don't really have a favorite, but I think Tick Tock Clock and Rainbow Ride are likeable to me because those take a bit more platforming challenge compared to other levels. Maybe not as high as you have it. I like the creativity Rainbow Ride has even though it doesn't *_really_* have a theme despite how big and free the level feels. Tick Tock Clock has a really nice theme although it does sometimes feel a bit too narrow. Still, I think these are quite likeable to me. Lethal Lava Land kinda deserves his spot, because it plays with hazards and benefits at the same time which you explained quite nicely.

[@scrubbl3dubbl391]

It was refreshing to see a Mario 64 level ranking that didn't put Rainbow Ride at the bottom or second to last placement. Ive always had a soft spot for that course

[@WormAteWords]

Underrated channel

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks!

[@MorrisseyMuse]

Bob-bomb Battlefield is by far the best level, one of the best intros in gaming history!

[@MrDrBoi]

It's so iconic!

[@showyurdudes9903]

in no possible way is wet dry world better than tall tall mountain

[@RescueHornet]

Every level of this game was such a great time, but definitely the boo mansion is my favorite

[@MrDrBoi]

Love Big Boo's Haunt

[@hotaruishere2133]

*-Cries in Jolly Roger Bay being my favorite level(s) as a kid-* ;u;

[@jonathanplooij3666]

thanks for the video

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks for watching!

[@ghost_undead]

LLL was definitely fun. I had the most fun getting mario stuck under the log to hear a rapid version of his burning butt laugh.

[@dimentiorules]

My list would be: #15: Dire Dire Docks #14: Tick Tock Clock #13: Rainbow Ride #12: Tall Tall Mountain #11: Snowman’s Land #10: Jolly Roger Bay #9: Cool Cool Mountain #8: Wet Dry World #7: Hazy Maze Cave #6: Whomp’s Fortress #5: Shifting Sand Land #4: Lethal Lava Land #3: Bob-Omb Battlefield #2: Tiny Huge Island #1: Big Boo’s Haunt

[@SeveredLegs]

I loooooove Tall, Tall Mountain! It felt like a real place as a kid. Hard to rank this behind the one I hate the most...the glitch-fest that is Tiny Huge Island.

[@RyanS-if7ti]

I understand some levels had to be ranked lower, but you made a comment about tall tall mountain not introducing anything special (may not have been your actual words) but I love the fact that the slide is located within the mountain and there are a lot of mushrooms and the monkey! Personally it's one of my top 7 at least! 😊

[@RyanS-if7ti]

And on that, I think you're super right with your ranking for rainbow ride lol

[@NigelMelanisticSmith]

The HD visuals in this video are nice.

[@MrDrBoi]

Still wish they would've given us widescreen in 3D All-stars.

[@NigelMelanisticSmith]

@@MrDrBoi that makes sense. It looked better than N64, but since it's 4:3, it makes sense it isn't the PC Decompilation

[@kidnamedfinger4939]

Before watching this video, here's my ranking. I feel like I was more biased towards levels that just breathed atmosphere when I was younger. I remember this game being pretty darn difficult, too. I'm very curious how my ranking is gonna differ 'cause each of the levels all have their own unique gameplay mechanics. Even the worst ones have some cool things going on. I hated Wet-Dry World, but I can appreciate the fact that I was blown away discovering that there's a SECRET hidden city in the corner of the map. 15. Dire, Dire Docks 14. Wet-Dry World 13. Tiny-Huge Island 12. Tall, Tall Mountain 11. Tick Tock Clock 10. Big Boo's Haunt 9. Rainbow Ride 8. Jolly Roger Bay 7. Cool, Cool Mountain 6. Lethal Lava Land 5. Snowman's Land 4. Bob-omb's Battlefield 3. Shifting Sand Land 2. Hazy Maze Cave 1. Whomp's Fortress

[@MrDrBoi]

That was always one of my favorite features of that world too!

[@DakMT]

Massive difference from my list lol but great vid

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks! What's your top pick?

[@DakMT]

@@MrDrBoi my top pick is Whomp's Fortress

[@jetman152307]

I remember rainbow ride feeling like a fantasy. That would've been my top pick

[@MrDrBoi]

It does have a dream like quality to it, definitely a great level!

[@Hercules_Flexing]

Super Mario 64 as an elite bodybuilder is the greatest comparison ever.

[@MrDrBoi]

It's what Mario looks like under the overalls.

[@Hercules_Flexing]

@@MrDrBoi I knew I liked that plumber. 💪

[@thebananagamer56]

Honestly i would've put snowmans land in last. It was the only stage in the game that i felt wasn't finished. Even as a kid i never really liked it, which I can't say about any of the others aside from rainbow ride and hazy maze cave (which i only disliked because i wasn't a fan of the "hard" stages in the game). I always remember skipping those stages to get to final bowser, lol.

[@ryanperrault8174]

Hmm...cool video but I'd have to disagree personally...I love Dire Dire Docks...did then, still do now. The music is amazing and it adds to the coolness of the atmosphere of Mario 64...it's got it's own mood/vibe and I love what Dire Dire Docks adds to it. It has it's own kind of pace. Solid video though.

[@MrDrBoi]

Thanks! And that's fair, I suppose I just don't vibe with it the way I do others.

[@ryanperrault8174]

@@MrDrBoi Yea I'm like that with certain things too. Solid video

[@adammatis5527]

I'm surprised to see tall tall mountain that close to the bottom tbh. That was one of my favorites back in the day.

[@Joe_Parmesan]

Not sure how I'd rank every level, but my top 5 favorites are (in no order): Bom-Omb Battlefield (where it all started), Jolly Roger Bay, Shifting Sand Land, Hazy Maze Cave, and Big Boo's Haunt. Next up is a combination of Lethal Lava Land (my brothers and I used to call this place Hell, while Bowser 2 was my personal Hell), Whomp's Fortress, Wet/Dry World, and Snowman's Land.

[@PopcornBunni]

The number of people that have trouble with star 1 on JRB always baffles me. The way it works is you go down to the ship so the eel sees you, then swim up and away from the ship (usually simultaneously to come up for air) and that lures him out.

[@MrDrBoi]

I didn't realize you had to swim up, I just assumed that as long as he was off screen after seeing him that he would come out. That makes sense though!

[@joshuabonesteel2303]

Why would I swim straight up when I can just grab coins behind the ship or go to the cavern? It just seems counterintuitive to swim back up. It's probably why I always had issues with the eel.

[@19Szabolcs91]

Yeah, that's completely unintuitive, especially because you can't see behind you to see what is going on while going up for air. No wonder they changed it in the DS remake so that it works like Star 2 and you can actually see the eel reacting to you swimming close. They also changed the star in that they removed the trial and error chest order thing, which I also agree with, since it should have been AFTER the 3rd mission that teaches you the concept in a more safe environment, not in an enclosed underwater space.

[@TaktischeGiraffe]

Can you make another video in which you are rating the courses again but in the DS version? The gimmicks of multiple characters may shuffle some of the courses around

[@MrDrBoi]

I've really been meaning to replay 64 DS, so maybe when I get around to giving that another go I will!

[@Andrescxli]

Jolly Roger Bay is a top tier level, BEST level in the game. Don’t @ me.

[@RoninCatholic]

I was always way more afraid of Boss Bass in Tiny Huge Island than I was creeped out by anything atmospheric in the other levels. Big Boo's Haunt gave me the exact right amount of haunted house tension with its music and the ghosts taunting you, but I always found Wet Dry World extremely _fun_ like it was a collection of random platforms the way Super Mario Bros 3 levels typically were, but in 3D. And even weirder than be being afraid of being killed by Boss Bass, I read the sign in Hazy Maze Cave saying that Dory might eat you and _actively trying to_ get her to eat Mario by pounding her back and jumping in the water near her mouth. I guess she only eats bad guys.

[@MrDrBoi]

I'm gonna have to boot up SM64 before I've never seen that sign about Dory before!

[@OleanderRainbow]

Big Boo's Haunt is my favorite level only because Boos are my favorite enemies. Also because the music gives me a Joy Division vibe. The main theme music. Not the carousel music. Also on an unrelated to levels note, the Piranha Lullaby deserves love as a piece of music.

[@MrDrBoi]

LOVE the piranha lullaby

[@gabrielhersey5546]

Masterpiece

[@MrDrBoi]

100%

[@EcneBanjo]

I beg to differ on Lethal Lava Land not having an iconic music track. That track is very recognizable and the percussion and mystical vibe is awesome

[@aplive58]

Solely my opinion, based on the DS port: 15. Rainbow Ride 14. Dire Dire Docks 13. Jolly Roger Bay 12. Snowman's Land 11. Hazy Maze Cave 10. Big Boo's Haunt 9. Cool Cool Mountain 8. Wet Dry World 7. Tiny Huge Island 6. Tall Tall Mountain 5. Lethal Lava Land 4. Bob Bomb Battlefield 3. Shifting Sand Land 2. Tik Tok Clock 1. Whomp's Fortress

[@MrDrBoi]

I really need to play the DS port again! Wonder if they'll ever re-release it someday.

[@Kaitri]

0:13 what mod is that? just from those 2 seconds it looks absolutely beautiful.

[@MrDrBoi]

Check out Kaze Emanuar on YT, his channel is awesome!

[@Kaitri]

@@MrDrBoi ah another kaze hack. the guy makes so many amazing hacks, you dont know where to start also good job on this vid, i alrdy marked yooka laylee and zelda heartpieces for later :)

[@MrDrBoi]

@999trivorce thanks glad you enjoyed!

[@redlineeliminator7146]

I still remember the magic of when this game came out.

[@MrDrBoi]

Nothing like playing this as a little kid in the 90s.

[@craydallexus2218]

that’s insane dire dire docks is one of my favorites to play

[@Dethbytrain]

Agreed