Super Mario 64 - More Than a Game

Super Mario 64 is more than a game in the modern day. This videos examines the game's legacy through its outstanding gameplay, speedrunning, content creation, and obsession over the little secrets we once dreamt were real.
Thumbnail by / eunaoseibrother
Special thanks to my Dad for allowing me to record him playing Super Mario 64 for the first time. Also, special thanks to my brother for helping me film shots of the controllers.
Speedrunners I featured in this video:
Simply / simply
Cheese / cheese
Liam / liam
GreenSuigi / greensuigi
KANNO / kanno
Siglemic (inactive… but I miss the runs) / siglemic
Xiah / @xiah7s
Check out Super Mario 64 Beta Archive here: / supermario64betaarchive
Check out sm64romhacks.com/
Featuring music by
• desert sand feels warm... desert sand feels warm at night - 新世界の弟子たち (New World Disciples)
• Wet-Dry World 1995/07/... Wet Dry World 1995/07/29 build by Jim Nopedie
• Dire Dire Docks But yo... Dire, Dire Docks but it’s underwater.
• Scatman John: Scatman'... Scatman’s World 8-Bit by Xiotrion
HUGE list of sources for this video: pastebin.com/1JBmzbhQ
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
1:37 Development
13:49 The Game
39:05 Speedrunning
52:41 How the Game Has Aged
1:12:29 Beyond the Castle Walls
1:21:22 Enduring Mysteries and L is Real
1:39:03 Every copy of Super Mario 64 is personalized
1:48:01 Conclusion
Like my videos a ton? Consider becoming a Patron (or KZbin Member): / liamtriforce
/ @liamtriforce
Follow me on Twitch: / liamtriforce
Check out this post to see which videos are coming next! / big-video-51059902
Be sure to check out Last Life, a community and forum for thoughtful video game discussion! www.last-life.net

[@vinesauce]

This video makes me appreciate a game I already deeply appreciate even more.

[@TheKyle2256]

Thanks for introducing me to corruptions!

[@Mister_Clean]

binty

[@SONGOKU02]

I first saw this video today, then watched your vod on 7 Days to die and Splatoon. I watched them back to back and you suddenly talking about this video, i just watched, was awesome. Thanks. I hold this game also very deeply to my heart. Thanks for all Vinnie. You also helped me got through some rough times. This is what i wantes to tell you. Greetings from germany and have a great day. (Wow, this sounds strange... ^^¡

[@gigastrike2]

It'll make you love the fandom even more!

[@camma...]

Big ups Binyot! been a fan for nearly 10 years now I hope life is good

[@jonbourgoin182]

Hearing how excited and supportive Simply's parents were when he achieved the world record was just so wholesome and touching.

[@Tomversal]

For real, I don't think my parents would ever be that proud if I was in his shoes, not that they aren't proud of me but they're kinda boomery and would probably find eSports/Speedrunning sad... All the while watching sports

[@apairofglasses775]

@@Tomversal in their view you are just playing a game which... you do

[@KrazzeeKane]

@@apairofglasses775 It's all a game, whether you won a world record in Super Mario 64, or Ping Pong, or Baseball, or Bowling, etc.--why should it being a "game" only negatively affect reactions to video game world records rather than other games? In every case of those records, whether in video games or other games and sports, it was a combination of the player's skill, determination, physical ability, persistence concentration, and more. It is just as deserving of praise as any other record, and Simply's parents are great examples of people who understand that.

[@Cman04092]

Damn, you beat me too it, but i totally agree. It was cool to see some parents who support their kid chassing a dream like that, because i feel most parents would be discouraging of "wasting time on that silly video game".

[@SECONDQUEST]

I watched Simply back in the day, when he had a job as a lifeguard. He was so humble. I broke down similarly to how he reacted. I was so happy. He recovered from hand pain, and grinded out the goal he always wanted. And Simp Family was so supportive. Truly, each one of them are champions.

[@OptimistPrime1]

Man, to be 9 years old again and having Bowser as the biggest stress in my life. 90's kids, I LOVE YOU. KEEP GOING!!!

[@anthonys.8569]

90s= best decade ever!

[@kezisthename]

good times

[@nekonomicon2983]

Heh looks like someone's nostalgic

[@Karlach_]

I was born in 98' and due to that, I am obligated to say the 2000s were the best decade ever followed closely by the 2010s. The 90s were mid/cringe and the 2020s have sucked total ass so far

[@OptimistPrime1]

@@Karlach_ lol you liked your own comment too.

[@anthus9786]

That "24 years and one month" bit kind of gave me chills. I know it's a coincidence, but it's still kind of crazy to think about lmao.

[@Wyattporter]

Finally, my recommendations have been so dry for days

[@AcesPluim]

I was just thinking the same thing. I know what i am doing tonight. 😁

[@TeraunceFoaloke]

Frig now I have the water level with lyrics song stuck in my head now.

[@kileysevens9116]

Same lol

[@nurk_barry]

Same thing, the algorithm is giving me lame shit all week…

[@jeromealday614]

same, it was nothing but HoTD and ROP discussions and reviews

[@LonkinPork]

51:06 Simply's mom bursting out with such sincere and honest love, pride, and support makes me cry every single time I see it. It's so hard to get into a niche activity like speedrunning and have the people in your life empathize with how intense it can be to chase records and grind like hell for that fleeting taste of glory.

[@HistoryandReviews]

You do not cry

[@SECONDQUEST]

Simp mom, the while Simp Family are so amazingly supportive.

[@SECONDQUEST]

@@DropkickNation pretty sure getting your comment noticed on KZbin is the lowest form of achievement.

[@SECONDQUEST]

@@HistoryandReviews of course, nobody has emotions. Especially emotions you don't have 💀

[@inray__]

@@DropkickNation nobody asked

[@stevedietemann264]

Whenever I feel sad, I'm going to come back to the moment of Simply telling his parents about his WR. Such a pure and touching reaction.

[@SuperSamGalaxy]

Right! Between the impressiveness of the achievement itself, and the love and support shown by his parents, that's enough to put a smile on anyone's face 😊

[@YourInternetHistory676]

@@SuperSamGalaxy This moment is so wholesome !

[@JudeDelaRosa]

The support shown by their parents is priceless, I wasn't expecting to get emotional watching this video hahaha

[@ic4149]

@@SuperSamGalaxy 28:16

[@ic4149]

@@SuperSamGalaxy 28:37 28:37

[@alexanderhdmi7704]

I'm impressed by his analysis of "The Game" at 14:00. Usually people just discuss the "plot" (or lack thereof), and give a brief rundown of how to access different levels. But Liam is one of the few people I've seen who go IN DEPTH about what you actually DO in Super Mario 64... like, what is expected of you? What kind of skills are required? Unlike other analyses, Liam actually spent 20 minutes describing the SPECIFIC movements, puzzles, and strategizations you'll encounter in the game. Very technical explanation. Very impressive.

[@EZOnTheEyes]

Seeing the clip of that guy setting WR and his parents praising him always melts my heart... the 'are you winning son?' Meme but put in practice. (And yes, he's winning.)

[@AcidelCyqage]

Shame his record was beat a week later.

[@hiei7682]

@@AcidelCyqage don't matter too much, the important part is to get at it, because that is the real question.

[@niallmcardle7]

That run is not even top 3 anymore. He's dropped to 5th :(

[@AcidelCyqage]

@@niallmcardle7 let's hope it will not take him another 1k hours to become the first one again.

[@niallmcardle7]

@@AcidelCyqage hope not :'(

[@roccosmos1913]

charles martinez s voice telling us "thank you so much for the playing my game" always been the greatest moments of my childhood... it still is...

[@bullfrogjay4383]

This and Ocarina of Time are two of my most cherished gaming memories. Growing up in a less than ideal environment these two games made life bearable and magical even. SM 64 is etched into my heart.

[@electrominded8372]

Same here. Super Mario 64 was amazement and bliss, Ocarina of Time was... Something life-changing.

[@TheOfficialRandomGuy]

Majora’s Mask too! At least for me.

[@montanastranger]

So true and same for me. It was such an amazing game for me at the time.

[@03chrisv]

I don't have to imagine, I remember having that experience at a Blockbuster with a N64 kiosk. I was blown away by this game as a kid back in 1996.

[@seventh-hydra]

Man you just made me remember when _McDonald's_ had this

[@jamesshipley9164]

I stood in line at every kiosk that had it in 1996, it was mindblowing. I don't remember Mario 64 at McDonalds, but I do remember when they had Sonic and Knuckles hooked up in a playland kiosk a year or two earlier. I knew the level select too which was like a crazy bar trick when you're six.

[@kennymichaelalanya7134]

What I remembered as a kid, is that they pushed back the date to release SM64. I forgot the reason but I remember talking to my cousin on the phone about it. Those were great times.

[@Seeker_of_Truth_and_Beauty]

My first experience with SM64 was actually with the DS remaster, which had several gameplay additions and tweaks. For example, you start as Yoshi, and unlock Mario, Luigi and Wario as playable characters as you progress, each with their own strengths and unique power up you can get from the "!" Blocks. You even hear Mario say "Bye bye!" If you close the DS while it was on. :D I must've put in at least 400 hours into that game as a kid.

[@cris3760]

Even with the weaker controls, i still think that version is the best

[@nintony2994]

Mario also does that in NSMB

[@atmatey]

The physics and controls in the DS version are way worse than the original. Those are the most important things in a Mario game. Also, controlling a 3D game with a d-pad doesn't feel good at all. Even though the DS version adds new stuff, I would definitely recommend the original N64 version.

[@nintony2994]

@@atmatey Counterpoint, it doesn't have Luigi lol

[@doomasil7232]

@@nintony2994 i believe you won the argument

[@tetermc]

Simply's parents cheering him and showing their support when he got the WR might be one of the most wholesome things I've ever seen. Love him and all the speedrunning community for keeping this game alive. This video really shows why this is my favorite game of all time. I never get tired of replaying it.

[@tetermc]

@@Trixtoxia Same here 😂

[@syrew900]

Why do people feel the need to make things about themselves? Sorry you had less than ideal parents. But what does that have to do with a wholesome retrospective?

[@suprememasteroftheuniverse]

What's his job today?

[@iantaran2843]

This comment right here, I wrote it, scrolled down and saw you were way ahead of me and... Ya That shit brought tears to my eyes. I wish all of us could have parents like that 🥺

[@iantaran2843]

@@syrew900 He felt something from the moment and chose to express it... Which is the healthy thing to do 🤷 I didn't know KZbin comments had to meet some kind of requirement 🙄

[@NickMcC]

I’m just old enough to remember playing Mario 64 for the first time when it launched. My dad had a connection at a local electronics store and got the N64 a few days early. I think we stayed up all night playing it. It’s a core memory for sure. It’s hard to forget seeing Mario walk *into* the background for the first time.

[@jamesprimmer355]

I was five years old. We had a big car accident in November and I was in traction for Christmas. My parents got me a Nintendo 64 and it came with this game. We didn't have a lot of cash but that's the kinda shit you do for your kid when they're stuck in a hospital for the holidays. I didn't find that out until my teen years and it legit made it hit even harder. The entire thing was so magical. The music, the atmospheres and how it brought me and my father incredibly close. I'll never forget any of the happy memories we made with this game. Looking back on it, I know he held back and nudged me toward the goals rather than telling me what to do. He'd always pretend to be surprised when me or him made a discovery and he'd always find the time to do the hard parts for me. Me and my old man are still best friends to this day. I love him and this game so fucking much.

[@Isabel-kl6gd]

The speed runner celebrating with his parents on stream for the world record made me cry, lmao

[@moosesues8887]

I wish I was born

[@Mynar123]

@@moosesues8887 i wish i wasn't

[@iamafanofmanythings3973]

W parents

[@IfIWasDemoPan]

shoutout to simpmom and simpdad

[@carlrygwelski586]

It should make you smile

[@DJTS1991]

I'm floored that even 25 years later, the game has gone from a three dimensional marvel in game design to a frightening, existential phenomenon that gamers and KZbinrs alike project their thoughts and feelings onto. It's cultural significance is astounding. Fantastic video, L.T.

[@Tanekoshima]

I cannot imagine the absolute surge of emotions when Simply got the world record: - Knowing that, after all this time, effort and struggle, he finally did it. His work finally paid off; - His family showing immense support and love to him after his accomplishment (something that a lot of families tend to shrug off or refuse to try and understand if it's not a "traditional" accomplishment such as graduating or getting a promotion); - His chat going bananas and being wholesome af; - That fucking Staff Roll music, holy shit. A game isn't successful because it sold well or got XYZ awards. A game is successful because of the joy it brought people. Excellent video, Liam. Gonna binge watch the rest of your stuff over the next few days.

[@gnarlynicholasreviews]

Your dad holding back on the analog stick to not fall off Peach’s slide level is adorable lmao

[@iamLI3]

i missed this , where is it in the vid??...

[@eppinizer]

I remember visiting my rich cousins house and seeing the n64 for the first time mid 90s. They had a giant CRT and massive speakers. I vividly recall us trying to get into the door underwater in the moat. The loud ""Whah!" over those big speakers, the foot taps as we walked around, the sliding sound as we rubbed against things. They handed me the controller and for the first time I got to move mario in 3D for myself. It was ground breaking and life changing. It would be over a year until I got my own n64, and in the interim I would read about everything in Nintendo power, each issue now worn and torn from multiple reads. My favorite "bathroom reading". My parents made a rule that I had to read a minute for every minute of video games I played, but whenever I wasnt playing I was reading about games. That and Calvin and Hobbes. Good times.

[@carlrygwelski586]

Calvin and Hobbes gave me an insane vocabluary at a young age. I would ask my parents the words I didn't know and boom

[@nonamelegend_vapor]

@@carlrygwelski586 good to know it wasn’t just me hahaha. I have the famous Hamlet soliloquy memorized because of Calvin and Hobbes

[@Madroxide704]

I related to ask of these details. Man I miss the 90s!

[@lapthom]

Whoa! I had a similar "Mario moment" where it was love at first sight, but that was with Super Mario Bros. 2 on the NES. I randomly fell over someone playing the game, in a TV program when randomly channel surfing, and the display of color, jump sounds, cheerful music and level design was love at first sight. I got an NES for my birthday a year later or so, and then was a hooked gamer for most of my childhood.

[@mattodude237]

The eel terrified me as a kid. Now its my three year olds favorite character and we have to "visit" him everyday 🤣🤣

[@thomaswest4033]

Oh my gosh that's so cute haha I was terrified of it too

[@ZimmervisionCZ]

I am incredibly grateful that you highlighted the game's predecessor's in the 3D platforming space. While Super Mario 64 is often credited as the dawn of the genre, and I wasn't familiar with the titles you highlighted, it's nice to see that multiple people were taking their own approach to solving these problems, and that Nintendo's solution didn't just emerge fully formed from the ether.

[@metalmario1231]

....not that it matters much since sm64 was and is the best of all of them...but i guess knowing they existed is cool

[@mikoro88]

The movement in SM64 is _SO_ crisp, that even today, over a quarter of a century later, it still holds up brilliantly well!

[@baileyt640]

I grew up with the DS version, and it 100% solidified my love for exploratory games. Also, love the Red vs Blue name drop, one of my favorite shows

[@gonedark1049]

Same. I think the Ds version has as much excitement and mystery around it as the 64 version. I can't remember how many times I tried to unlock waluigi.

[@freddiefreakedit]

me too! i used to play for hours at a time, just exploring before I ever beat the game

[@jonathanjoestar_real]

Bruh I remember watchin my boys playin the DS version during school Recess, those were the days!

[@C1c4da]

same!

[@uzi3771]

Same here and even after so many years of playing so many different consoles and titles none will ever much up to this masterpiece 🥲

[@FutaYuuta]

My dad never really cared much for video games, but Mario 64 managed to sink its hooks into him. I got it as a christmas present way back in the day, and he ended up playing it even more than I did. There was a whole month where he'd come back from work and spend the entire night grinding stars while I watched. After he fully completed the game, that was it. He's never gotten into another video game since. Something about Mario 64 truly is magical.

[@tumultuousv]

Give him mario oddessey

[@xxxShiroKirixxx]

Gift him mario galaxy and sunshine. Trust me, he will love it.

[@SloneStudios]

I still to this day, (being 29) remember being around 6 or 7 playing this game so much i would have dreams about it. There was this one dream i had that was so vivid i still remember it. Me and a bunch of my friends (oddly enough) were in the game on the top of Peach's castle and there was like a secret cloud world. Brings me such nostalgia hearing others experience with this masterpiece of a game that is my childhood! XP

[@anthonys.8569]

28 here. Played this in turns with my brother around the same age. Great one of our childhoods

[@HanSanwich]

It’s always amazed me the impact that Mario 64 has had on video game culture as a whole. The innovation at the time, speedrunning, rumors, mods, hacks, and so on. It’s not the greatest game of all time or anything, but it hits a level of worth as a piece of media that few other games have reached. Also, the Piranha Plant’s Lullaby always makes me emotional. I don’t know why. It’s just a lullaby, but it hits this level of innocence and tranquility that resonates with me. It’s the kind of feeling I get with Nintendo games in general. They didn’t have to put sleeping Piranha Plants in the game, and they didn’t have to put soothing music over it. And they didn’t have to go out of their way to program Mario to fall asleep if you left him idle for a while. But they did. And that shows just how much Miyamoto and the developers cared about what they were creating. That’s what makes art beautiful. When the artist creates something for the sole purpose of creation and self-fulfillment. It’s an expression of the artist’s self. In the moment that he decided that a Piranha Plant would sleep to a soothing lullaby, Miyamoto was a child at heart.

[@crakhaed]

Beautiful. Thank you.

[@gamemaster9612]

Being a kid in the 90's and witnessing the evolution of video games was truly a wondrous time. Going from being wowed at Daytona and Virtua Fighter 2 in arcades to controlling characters in 3D spaces at home just a couple years later was mind blowing to 9-12 year old me. The mid to late 90's will always be my favorite time for video games, with 1996 in particular being notable for Mario 64, Crash, Tomb Raider and Resident Evil all games that amazed me seeing and playing them for the first time.

[@ZombieOfun]

I agree! I was born way late in the 90s, so I got to experience a bit less of that evolution, but things still came a long way from the Dreamcast era

[@tgo007]

Most of the games suck if it wasn't for nostalgia.

[@mem3b0i_]

@@tgo007 kinda like em’ tbh

[@tgo007]

@@mem3b0i_ that's fair. Out of all the games listed in the original comment, I think only mario 64 holds up. Maybe Virtual fighter since fighting games don't really change much. Original Resident evil, or tomb raider is so clunky. Just my opinion. I didn't grow up playing these games so I had no attachment. I only went back and played them as first time experience because of the hype from boomers. Didn't enjoy it so I explain it as it must because of their childhood. I didn't have that.

[@Cheezmonka]

'96 and '97 were insane years for gaming.

[@jarod-xr8gb]

The immense quality u put in this video combined with the nostalgia of having played the DS version of this game has made this one of the most incredible watching experiences i've ever had. Absolutely amazing job.

[@bennybenny55]

I remember playing this as a kid, it was my first 3d experience. After 3 hours or so i remember walking to the shop and having the strangest urge to try and triple jump in real life. ive never had the feeling since.

[@Justin-uc8sc]

Thanks man. I just took a dump.

[@uzi3771]

They will never be a game that has mesmerized me as much as this one. Even after years of playing it and playing so many other great titles none of them will ever match up to this masterpiece right here.

[@jayvee5686]

The N64 was such a unique system. The PS1 was a beautiful game console too, but the N64 was so wild and weird

[@danmoll7069]

Having grown up in the 70s, I have had most of the major consoles. Of them all N64 was the apex. Not only did it have Mario 64 and the Zelda games but also the great Rare games that were on the system.

[@GraveyardMurmurs]

Every time a retrospective/review for Mario 64 pops up I watch it. But I’ve never been too impressed with the videos. I think because I was obsessed with the game, no review feels like it does the game justice for just how important it is, and how many different things you need to tackle in covering it. You did it Liam. This is absolutely the best video I’ve ever seen covering super Mario 64 by a mile.

[@areyoujelton]

When I opened my N64 on Christmas Day I freaked the fug out!!! Such good memories! I remember playing this in Babbages at my local mall before it was released. Instant fascination. Being a 90s kid was so pure 😊

[@nintony2994]

NINTENNNNNDO SIXTYYYYYYY FOURRRRRRRR 🎁

[@pixelmentia]

Babbage's! What a great store.

[@ryandavis8658]

@@pixelmentia Babbages/Software Etc became GameStop unfortunately.

[@FattyFatMatt]

It’s nice to watch a almost 2 hour video of SM64 from a guy that can make it entertaining thank you

[@beanario69]

I just watch the entirety of the video speechless. Early years in children's brains are incredibly important for the person's development through their entire lives, and this game having a big influence on many of us since the early years had an amazing impact on us in ways we are probably not aware of. Myself, I started playing Mario 64 when I was 3 years old on surreal 64, since then Mario has been my entire life obsession and purpose in a way, since kindergarten and middle school I was known as the Mario kid, thanks to mario I learned how to: Play games, Draw, Voice act, video&photo edit, 3D animate, 2D animate, Make Vtuber Models, and many other things. At some point I spent hours of my life doing my best to improve my Mario impression and used modern tools to virtually become Mario himself. When I see mario 64 I see the start of my baby years introducing me to what I would passionately dedicate the rest of my life to, now I realize how nostalgia is a powerful drug and how important early childhood years are to people's brains. As this game gets preserved and younger generations experience them in early years it will keep changing people which I find beautiful! Thanks for this video, Im so happy other people in this world connect with this game as deep as me!

[@ssppeeaarr]

ya it the best tech demo nintendo ever made. lol. srsly tho it lived upto all the hype. the full 360 n fluid movements. the graphics. the open world. it all so magical. it set the standard. its historical n iconic n never to be forgotten...also the voice of martinet added charm to the overall experience of this game. the power of the nintendo 64 and mario first adventure in the 3D realm back in the 90s just epic. ya u had to be there kind of thing. thank you nintendo n all sm64 staff! ✌

[@iamLI3]

wow great personal comment....

[@PFabry10]

Literally got emotional watching this. Took me back to being a kid and when all we had to worry about was who’s house we were playing at.

[@pinkpools]

Super Mario 64 is partly why my parents seperated. My dad bought my mom an N64 for Mother's Day and she was absolutely livid. This started a cascade of arguments and fighting, while 5-year-old me happily frolicked around the castle oblivious to the marriage crumbling behind me.

[@DarkoFitCoach]

Who needs parents when u go sm64 ey!

[@colonel_yuri]

give us the full story

[@joshshrum2764]

I, I’m so sorry to hear about this haaaahhh, i bet the ending theme hits you in the feels.

[@pinkpools]

@@joshshrum2764 Don’t be sorry! My dad got like 15 games and 4 controller setup, shit was cash.

[@nonamelegend_vapor]

@@pinkpools tbf there were probably other issues, that was just the random first domino set in motion. Hope all turned out as ok as it could have

[@SirSethery]

So so good. There’s so much that could be talked about, though I do wish you’d mentioned Charles Martinet. Crazy to think that Mario didn’t really have a voice before this game, and Charles has been killing it for 3 decades

[@iantaran2843]

When Simply got the world record and his parents came in and congratulated him... Dude... All that love and support, I WISH we could all have that. Honestly brought a tear to my eye 🥲

[@sauce1232]

If you think that was genuine joy you're highly delusional. Do you really think his parents are happy their son spends 24/7 in his room playing games and masturbating?

[@philly799]

Liam, your essay is poetic and heartfelt. This perfectly captures the magic of Mario 64. Thanks for sharing your childhood with us.

[@dragonfan4399]

His family cheering him on brought a tear to my face. That was great.

[@LDAR]

So so cute

[@Midna360]

@@LDAR ikr

[@sauce1232]

If you think that was genuine joy you're highly delusional. Do you really think his parents are happy their son spends 24/7 in his room playing games and masturbating?

[@Ladykady1823]

The support from the parents 🥺 how wholesome. That's the parent I aspire to be

[@chad3232132]

As a kid, it was the opposite for me. I was always at school while my mom didn't work, so she could play Super Mario Bros. for hours a day. I could clear Super Mario Bros. in a single life, but my mom's times would wipe the floor with my own and all my friends.

[@jakechristensen8967]

I've always felt that Mario 64 is the game that perfectly encapsulated "videogame magic", not only through it's gameplay, but how fun it was to talk about it with friends. So many good memories.

[@buttpiratesbuttpirate5913]

This is a game that always *always* puts me in a state of euphoric joy. Maybe it's a bit of rose tinted glasses, but... something about Mario 64 is is such a complete masterpiece and should always be remembered and preserved.

[@kieranstark7213]

It must be that when the gameplay can be a lot of fun when isn’t frustrating because of an infamous camera, the graphics look like a 1990s VeggieTales video and the soundtrack of that decade like in this game is very catchy (which is expectable from Nintendo regardless of the current and understandable controversies), especially the water levels, the Bowser levels and the end credits theme.

[@homiefromgrovestreet4588]

You finally made a video about one of the games that defined the whole gaming industry and made many kids fall in love with Super Mario series. This game means a lot to so many people

[@TWHowl]

5 years old, Christmas morning, a n64 and copy of Mario 64. Needed dads help for the first star. Amazing experience. EVERYONE had this game.

[@kyleontilt]

This is the best video on Mario 64 I've ever seen! It's so comprehensive and accurate in every aspect. Great work man!

[@yokaiwatcher8500]

Simplys parents are PROUD of him, you can hear it, and it makes me happy to a degree I love

[@Garrulous64]

This is a video I'm definitely going to come back to several times, I can already tell. Super informative and fun and really captures the connection so many people have with this game. I really enjoyed this one a lot!

[@TMW_ShadowStarr]

This game holds a special place in my heart. But the part when you mentioned your dad playing it makes me wonder if my dad would have ever gotten into games because he was always interested in them but just never personally picked up a controller and gave them a chance aside from arcade games and smartphone games when they first started coming out.

[@MrAndersonAFK]

Can you imagine if these speedrunners were at the official releases of Super Mario 64 people's minds would have melted

[@JuliusCaesar103]

The atmosphere of this game makes me automatically feel like a child even though I played this for the first time as an adult.

[@leeartlee915]

I know that people are born all the time, every year… but as a child of the 80s, it blows my mind that Mario 64 is before peoples time. I remember when people not growing up with Super Mario Bros. was strange to me. Glad you appreciate it, as dated as it is.

[@JuliusCaesar103]

@@leeartlee915 good games are timeless, my friend.

[@leeartlee915]

@@JuliusCaesar103 Agreed, obviously. But I do wonder what I would think if I played Mario 64 for the first time today. Clearly 3D games have come a looooooong way. And not all classics hold up. Goldeneye is a great example of that (imo). That game blew my little tiny mind when I was 13. Going back to it now? It plays like garbage… well maybe not garbage but it’s fucking rough to go back to.

[@ilavain]

@@leeartlee915 Have you ever tried playing Goldeneye with mouse + keyboard? I heard it makes the game feel way less dated

[@leeartlee915]

@@ilavain No and I’m sure you’re right…. but that doesn’t even sound like “playing Goldeneye”. What made that game *was* the funky controls. Plus I no longer fuck with PC gaming. If I emulate, I do it on my television. I made a decision long ago that my computer is the place I work. Not a place I play.

[@bregowine]

Been waiting for this one for a while. This title, despite how many times it is replayed or talked about, never misses its magic. One of the best and most satisfying character movements ever crafted

[@magic3383]

I was 13 when this came out and spent the entire summer mowing lawns so that I could buy it day one, and Mario 64 is still my 2nd favorite game of all time. 10 out of 10, literal perfection.

[@KaylaTheKindOne]

ooh, what's your first favorite

[@magic3383]

@@KaylaTheKindOne World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade. I'm sorry.

[@KaylaTheKindOne]

@@magic3383 no problem ^^

[@riccardoman7620]

Everything about Mario 64 was my first nightmare It was the first time I could experience pure, unadulterated rage, confusion, terror while playing a game 10/10

[@AmyGoo22]

51:06 at this point of the video I burst into tears. seeing how supportive and knowledgable his parents are just hit me different. speedrunning sm64 is his passion and his parents are so proud of him

[@leargamma4912]

His parents should have flattened his ass and kicked him out for this crap. Speedrunners are worthless hacks with no real lives.

[@ennbee2051]

I bet he still lives in moms basement🤣

[@Trashcandogchoir]

Man, I teared up at Simply's parents' reaction at him getting the world record. What amazing parents!

[@troyseppala5811]

I teared up at that part too it was so wholesome

[@JohnnyMontilla]

This whole video filled me with so much nostalgia. Amazing work, Liam!

[@JMPDev]

33:24 fun fact: you can move up the slopes without slipping while crawling. I believe that was even listed in one of the official game guidebooks, and something that the Mario 64 speedrunner ‘Simply’ showed off in a video about that book a while back.

[@ThyFloorestFloor]

My first experience with this game was through the DS version. I remember that one of my friends had the game and a DS and he would usually bring it to school and we would spend a lot of recess time playing it, eventually other friend got his so we could play multiplayer together. Sadly I didn't got to own the game until years later as I lost contact with those two, I really wish that I would've been able to play with both guys again.

[@zacharyolson9020]

so many friends back in they day that i would love to talk to and game again

[@bodgmasterxionobst3r983]

I too played the DS Version first. Also I didn't buy 3D All Stars but yeah

[@thelegitpilot135]

I also remember playing the DS version with elementary school friends, but I also remember mainly playing Mario Kart DS, especially when our bus broke down during a field trip lmao

[@PunchFaceChamp9]

This game was such a big part of my life - born in 1993 this was the first game that I felt like was "mine". And what luck that was...

[@SaintSpace]

That scene where that guy's(I think you said his name was cheese I can't remember) parents got super excited that he got the world record is so freaking wholesome that it makes my cold dead heart warm up.

[@snailbail2261]

Mario 64 is my favorite game of all time. It's hard to summarize my feelings as to why I love it so much, but this nearly 2 hour video of the jumpy wahoo man definitely sums it up well. Thanks so much for all the hard work you put into this video. ❤️

[@LowkeyRmc]

Same my uncle gave me and my brother a n64 in 2005 when the next Nintendo console was out, my parents didn’t have a lot of money so the N64 and Mario 64 will always have a special place in my heart

[@whocares9033]

I remember getting this and the N64 Christmas of 1996 You said it perfectly: It was a magical time to be a gamer

[@dankachilles9356]

You had me crying from the first five minutes. I put myself in the shoes of kid me again and Jesus, you awoke memories I thought I had burned away. Such an awesome video. Thank you so much for making and sharing this ❤️

[@coldcoffeegaming2798]

I'm not old enough to have grown up with Mario 64, but hearing about all of the passion and imagination spurred by this game, I just can't help but reminisce on the games that I grew up with. I must have spent well over a thousand hours in the gen 4 and 5 pokemon games, just exploring the world, finding every little hidden item, listening to all of the NPC dialogue I could find, trying to build the strongest team I could. The feeling of exploring those worlds, from the mysterious caves outside driftveil to the everyday life of NPCs in peaceful towns and bustling cities is probably one of the biggest reasons I still love video games as a medium. Thank you for making this video.

[@amberhawksong]

Same but for me it was Wizard101.

[@maaki50]

Insane timing. I just played Sm64 for the first time a few weeks ago and loved it. Now one of my favorite youtubers has made an almost 2 hour video about it!

[@nintony2994]

Enjoy man! Enjoy!

[@RoseQuartz692]

you have never played it before?

[@dachel683]

@@RoseQuartz692 everyone starts somewhere

[@glasssawsslipperstraws7410]

I was born in 2001, so I was very late to mario 64 when I played it, but it was still my first game ever and I have very deep nostalgia for both the N64 version and the DS version. The end credits music never fails to get me emotional... Also I see Odyssey as the true sequel to Mario 64, it really does feel like 64 fully realized.

[@jaykebird2go]

This is an absolutely amazing video. In the course of almost 2 hours, you've been able to cover practically every aspect of Super Mario 64 (including ROM hacks, the DS "remake", the L is real theory, and even Pannenkoek's videos) with great transitions and while also being able to interweave it with your own story of how you grew up and experienced the game. Including the section of showing the game to your dad was a genius way to tackle discussing the vastly different experiences between someone who grew up playing the game and newcomers trying the game for the first time. This was like perfectly done, discussed everything that could be discussed about the game, was whole and complete on its own, and felt like the perfect love letter for the game you put so much time into. Thank you so much for your work on this! It's incredible.

[@Rafael_Oiticica]

Super Mario 64 was one of the greatest experiences I had being a gamer. I grew with it (born in 1996) and even did an 16 star speedrun in a game conference here in Brazil some years ago. No one was able to see these little glitches live, and everyone was impressed, like I was doing something otherworldly! I love everything about this game, even its flaws. Thank you for creating this masterpiece of content in this platform. I appreciate very much some videos like these, and appreciate even more being alive to watch something so warming like this. :)

[@TheVividKiWi]

It’s always a good time whenever Liam uploads a new retrospective.

[@joshshrum2764]

Yo it’s you hey man.

[@TheArsenalMan125]

I very rarely like a video but i did it for this video for the depth and effort he put in for this

[@eric.waffles]

the BCS analysis king has arrived

[@BierBart12]

It's interesting how you felt the same way about the outside of the castle as I felt about the Delfino Runway. It just feels like home, no matter how long you play around it

[@Misanu]

You probably wont see this but this is a phenomenal video. Almost 2 hours yet was engrossed the whole time.

[@7hestraywolf505]

Wow I wish I was born earlier. This video was so amazing, and I remember playing the game on my grandparents Wii with the virtual console. I never got that far, but this game truly was and still is a wonder to everyone. It’s something you can only truly experience in the handful years after it’s release, and I was born too late.

[@Trianull]

I grew up with the DS release, and even then it still had the same sort of atmosphere to it. I remember getting a really strange feeling from Mario's unlock level, thinking that it being in Peach's room somehow tied it directly to her, that it was a world she created and escaped to now and again, now overrun in her absence. There must've been other things that drove my imagination up the wall that have now unfortunately slipped my mind. The game was really challenging though, and I don't think I've ever beaten it. This is mostly since I got my DS on Christmas of 2012, a fair while after the 3DS had released, so I had a plethora of games to play with how cheap they were. When it got too hard, I played something else. Really enjoyable video as always.

[@taidakun_ig]

Dude... I haven't finished the video yet, but I straight up teared up when you talked about the speedrunner getting big love from his parents and the experience with your father playing the game. It's the experience I wish I could have but I know I could never get. He's not dead or anything and I love my pops very much. But he's never been so willing to put himself out there for me, just to spend time doing something I love.

[@flameoftheend2347]

Me: born in 2008 Still me: grew up with Mario 64

[@sugimation8575]

One of the best feelings was at the end, running to the final boss fight having mastered all the mechanics and controls the game taught you and you feel like some kind of master unstoppable.

[@benbriggsmusic]

Honestly, Wall Kicks Will work really was the pivotal moment in SM64 for me, and probably for many others. I remember feeling so accomplished when I figured out you need to fire the cannon at that iconic distant tree, and throwing yourself at that super high wall until you make it up there, the terror of tiptoeing across the thin icy bridge… it’s all just so genius!

[@nickglaza]

Wow, this is ridiculously high quality and a wonderfully deep dive into what some consider a topic that's been done to death. Love it!

[@mrspacely7320]

man, when he said imagine your first time playing mario 64, i remembered being little and my mom taking me and my brother to my granny house to spend the night and all she played was The new Tetris, and i remember my uncle stayed with her and he had an entire collection of n64 games, he'd give us a game to play in the living room and i remember playing mario 64, i use to think that game was so long, there was so many levels and it felt like i'd been everywhere except up the bowser stairway . but man, that memory alone is so special, i could never go back to being little, riding in the car, getting dropped off at grandma's, sleeping under quilts she made, helping her finish puzzles, playing with the dogs, hearing the fan blow at night, she had every vhs on bookshelves, first time playing n64 was at her house. super smash bros, pokemon stadium, f zero, castlevania, mario 64, tetris 64, walking to the store to get chips and soda, man!!! life just keeps going on and on and on like a paradox until you realize where you came from and want to just find your way back but you cant,

[@Clou9Gaming]

The aesthetics of this game are the main thing that keeps me coming back for new runs . Something about it just makes me feel safe

[@Bitlytic]

I'm glad you were able to put into words why I've loved this game for years and why it's drawn me to the romhacking scene. Terrific video as always Liam.

[@NathanielBandy]

Mario 64 is a good video game

[@Gevs]

Yep

[@cYObEL]

yes

[@liammcnicholas918]

Understatement of the century

[@Kuriboh1008]

Mario 64 is a video game

[@spuffspuff9413]

i could beat up mario 64

[@BounciestSky152]

I get up with the original and then a few years later got the ds version loved both of them to death. Had dreams about levels that never existed and I even have some fuzzy memories of them to this day.

[@ledojaeger7474]

The part where you talk about how satisfying the controls are- every year I’ve revisited Mario Odyssey around Christmas (there’s always been moons to find), and I’m always struck by how fun it is to pull off complex moves with Odyssey’s Mario. That game really is the Mario 64 sequel I always wanted

[@SuperMario9080]

Even to this day where we think we know everything about the game, there's always little bits and pieces here that we haven't discovered about it. The community making projects, content, and creative things out of this game is all the more worthwhile to say that this game truly impacted our lives. Needless to say, SM64 is one of my favorite video games of all time, so thank you for covering this amazing game!

[@AaronJLong]

I can definitely remember my first time playing this game. I figured out the triple jump on my way to the castle, but other moves like the back-lit, side flip, ground pound, and long jump I had to later learn from signposts or trial and error. It felt like learning the shinespark and wall jump in Super Metroid, new tools to add to my arsenal that could be used from the beginning on future playthroughs, and changed how I look at the game world. And speaking of wall jumps, it is embarrassing how long it took me to get that down, because I kept trying to do it like in Super Metroid

[@TheOGNoName]

I'll never forget the first time playing this game. I was probably 4 or 5 years old and we rented an N64 from a local store...my family ordered pizza that night and i finally got to hold that cool looking controller with the green blue and yellow buttons. Life was so simple for me back then, and the feeling of playing Mario 64 for the first time can't be put into words for me.

[@Anthrocarbon]

Another Liam video that gives me back a little of something I had forgotten. The Sunscreen Song says that as we get older we'll need people who grew up beside us ever more. This is why. All together we remember enough to verify that much of our childhood was just as verbose and enriching as we thought. It also helps us accept that we don't need to criticise the youth of today for their choices of pastime, as they're only doing as we did in trying to sculpt both personal and shared values through what they do as peers. And Liam, if you were to create a mega Newgrounds video, I would watch a 36 hour doco in one sitting. You just get it.

[@abyss9316]

Super Mario 64 what a amazing groundbreaking game after it was released everything was changed with one of the best soundtracks the best level design and probably the greatest Mario game ever created Super Mario 64 stands as a pillar in The Gaming Community as one of the most rich and diverse experiences that has ever been put to code

[@flutterymuffins]

"Imagine playing Mario 64 for the first time." Don't have to, I remember the magic well

[@TheUntypicalGerman]

The Nintendo 64 was one of the best parts of my childhood. I had a very good childhood in every aspect possible, but the N64 is one of my favourite memories. Playing Super Mario 64, exploring the vast world of Hyrule in Ocarina of Time, the silly characters and amazing music in Banjo Kazooie, the fun and action in Mario Kart, the endless laughs and unpredictable nature of Mario Party... Although the N64 being 20+ years old, I hope that I can replay those games with my own children someday

[@SECONDQUEST]

Simply always brings tears to my eyes. Such a prime example of human determination. I was a part of the journey, is watched him back when he was a lifeguard. I can't tell you how much he's supported me with offhand comments. Just a nice homie.

[@Liilac__]

Another great video Liam 🙏 I've only had the time to watch a few of yours, but this one takes the cake so far. Every chapter feels like it can be its own standalone video. Great work!

[@keetonlane]

i feel like a big appeal with your content is that you're so unabashedly sincere about how joyful the titles can make us

[@steveharper879]

The first time I saw Mario 64 was at live play display in a store called The Wiz at my local mall. I was mesmerized and fell in love. That same Christmas I received a N64 and Mario 64 from my grandmother, which was the overall best and most impactful gift I've ever gotten. This game solidified my love as a gamer (more so than prior 2d titles) and 25 years or so later I'm still an active gamer creating my first video game that is an online shooter genre game that's inspired more by Mario 64 than actual shooter genre games. Mario games in general on the 64 were a huge joy and memorable

[@joebykaeby]

I've watched a lot of the retrospectives and several on this game, but this is easily the best one I've ever seen. You touched on things that most miss, and I actually learned things that I did not know despite watching several documentaries on the same subject already. And you touched the nostalgia within me without turning sappy and making me roll my eyes. Really, really excellent video essay.

[@kayleigh1991]

Simply’s parents’ reaction is so pure