Super Mario 64 is a 3D platformer game released for the Nintendo 64. Being the first 3D Mario game, Super Mario 64 has introduced several moves, including triple-jumping, ground-pounding, long-jumping, diving, and somersaulting, which would be used in most subsequent installments of the Super Mario series. The core gameplay is similar to previous games, focusing on jumping, avoiding obstacles and defeating enemies. Since its release, Super Mario 64 has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest and most important games of all time.

Mario is invited by Princess Peach to her castle, but once he arrives he finds out that Bowser has kidnapped her. Mario has to overcome many challenges and collect Power Stars hidden in the castle's paintings and walls to defeat Bowser and rescue Peach in this seminal 3D platformer.