What Characters Can You Play as in Super Mario 64?
The answer to the question of which characters you can play as in Super Mario 64 is deceptively simple yet often misunderstood. In the original Super Mario 64 released on the Nintendo 64, the only playable character is Mario. That’s right, despite the rich lore of the Mario universe, the iconic platformer solely features Mario as the star of the show. While you might see other familiar faces like Yoshi at the very end of the game, and the game’s plot involves the capture of other characters, you do not control them in the original Super Mario 64.
However, the story changes when we discuss Super Mario 64 DS. This version, released for the Nintendo DS, offers a completely different experience by including multiple playable characters. In Super Mario 64 DS, you can play as Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, and Wario. This significantly expands the gameplay experience, offering unique abilities and challenges with each character.
Super Mario 64 vs. Super Mario 64 DS: A Key Difference
It’s crucial to distinguish between the two versions. The original Super Mario 64 is a solo adventure with Mario, whereas the DS remake allows you to switch between four different characters as you journey through Peach’s castle and its various worlds.
Original Super Mario 64 Character
- Mario: The mustachioed plumber is the default and only playable character in the original game. He has the standard range of jumps, punches, and can utilize power-ups like the Wing Cap.
Super Mario 64 DS Characters
- Yoshi: You begin the DS version as Yoshi, who starts outside Peach’s castle. He has a unique flutter jump and can eat enemies with his tongue.
- Mario: Captured by Bowser, he needs to be unlocked. Once free, Mario retains his traditional move set.
- Luigi: Also needing rescue, Luigi can jump higher than Mario and can utilize an invisible move.
- Wario: The last character to be unlocked, Wario uses his strength to break through certain objects, making him a formidable character.
Unlocking Characters in Super Mario 64 DS
The story of Super Mario 64 DS begins with Yoshi. He needs to rescue Mario, Luigi, and Wario, who are trapped inside Peach’s Castle. Here’s how you unlock each one:
- Mario: After beginning the game as Yoshi, you must locate and unlock Mario to continue your journey.
- Luigi: After rescuing Mario, you’ll have to enter his chamber to discover the door with the green “L”, where Luigi is locked behind it.
- Wario: The last to be unlocked, Wario is hidden behind his portrait within the mirror room located on the castle’s second floor.
Once you have rescued a character, you can switch between them by returning to the room they were initially locked in. This adds a tactical layer to the game, as each character’s unique abilities are essential to collecting all 150 Power Stars.
Why the Difference Between Versions?
The decision to include multiple playable characters in Super Mario 64 DS was primarily due to the technological capabilities of the DS and the desire to enhance the original gameplay. The DS provided a platform to add content that wasn’t feasible on the N64. The inclusion of other characters also adds a level of replayability, making the DS version a unique and engaging experience compared to the original.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about playable characters and related topics in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 64 DS, addressing common queries and misconceptions:
1. Is it possible to play as Luigi in Super Mario 64?
No, in the original Super Mario 64, you cannot play as Luigi. Mario is the sole playable character. Luigi appears only at the end of the game. However, in Super Mario 64 DS, you can unlock and play as Luigi.
2. Can you play as Yoshi in Super Mario 64?
In the original Super Mario 64, you encounter Yoshi only at the very end, and he is not a playable character. However, in Super Mario 64 DS, Yoshi is the first playable character you control at the start of the game.
3. Can you play as Wario in Super Mario 64?
No, Wario is not playable in the original Super Mario 64. He is, however, a playable character in Super Mario 64 DS. Wario is the last character you can unlock in the DS remake.
4. Why isn’t Luigi in Super Mario 64?
According to Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, Luigi was not included in Super Mario 64 due to “memory issues” at the time of development on the Nintendo 64.
5. Why isn’t Yoshi in Mario 64?
Yoshi was originally planned for an event in Super Mario 64, but due to being unsatisfied with the event it was removed and he was placed at the end of the game as a reward for beating it.
6. How many Power Stars are there in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario 64 DS?
There are 120 Power Stars in Super Mario 64 and 150 Power Stars in Super Mario 64 DS.
7. How do you get Yoshi in Mario 64 DS?
In Super Mario 64 DS, Yoshi is the first character you play as. You do not need to “get” him; he’s the starting character. You unlock the other three.
8. Is Bowser a playable character in any Mario games?
While Bowser is not typically a playable character in mainline Super Mario games, he has been featured as a playable character in titles like the Super Smash Bros. series and in games like Tetris Attack.
9. How do you unlock characters in Mario Party games?
The way to unlock characters varies between Mario Party games. Typically, unlocking characters involves completing certain modes, achievements, or by playing regularly. For specific games, consult the game’s manual.
10. Why was the Black Yoshi removed from Super Mario Sunshine?
Black Yoshi was originally planned for Super Mario Sunshine but was removed along with White Yoshi, likely due to time and developmental limitations.
11. What is the storyline of Super Mario 64?
The main storyline revolves around Mario entering Peach’s castle and recovering Power Stars to save Princess Peach from Bowser, who has captured her and her staff.
12. Why is Super Mario 64 so special?
Super Mario 64 is renowned for setting many precedents in the 3D platformer genre, including its open, non-linear freedom, revolutionary camera control, and gameplay.
13. How do you beat Big Boo in Mario 64?
The easiest way to defeat Big Boo is to perform a couch jump and ground-pound him as he floats underneath you. Do this three times to defeat him.
14. Is there a Super Mario 64 sequel?
There isn’t a direct sequel, but a game called Super Mario 64-2 was a rumored expansion on the Nintendo 64DD that was canceled. Super Mario 64 DS can be seen as an enhanced remake.
15. What happens when you run out of lives in Super Mario 64?
If Mario loses all his lives, the game ends, and you must restart from your last saved point.
Conclusion
In summary, while the original Super Mario 64 only features Mario as a playable character, the Super Mario 64 DS expands this to include Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, and Wario. Understanding this difference is key to appreciating the unique experience each version of the game offers. With unique abilities and gameplay for each character, the DS version provides a richer and more dynamic adventure for fans.