The Curious Case of the Bunny in Super Mario 64: Mips Explained

The bunny in Super Mario 64, affectionately known as Mips, isn’t just a random Easter egg. He’s a charming remnant of the game’s developmental journey, a playful nod to the complex process of creating the first fully 3D Mario adventure. Originally crucial for testing level designs and navigating the unrefined 3D world, Mips was kept in the final game as a delightful secret, rewarding players with Power Stars for their persistence in catching him. His presence symbolizes a playful self-awareness within Nintendo’s design philosophy, acknowledging the game’s development history while adding an unexpected and memorable element to the Nintendo 64 classic.

From Development Tool to Playful Secret: The Evolution of Mips

The true origin of Mips lies deep within the development trenches of Super Mario 64. Early in production, navigating a 3D environment was a completely new frontier for Nintendo. The 3D space required robust testing, and Mips, in his early form, acted as a primitive navigation aid. Developers used him to gauge distances, test collision detection, and ensure that the level design flowed smoothly. Think of him as a furry, four-legged stress test for the still-forming world of Super Mario 64.

As the game took shape, the developers could have removed Mips entirely. However, they chose to keep him in as an inside joke, a wink to the development team and a fun surprise for players who explored every nook and cranny of Peach’s Castle. They imbued him with simple AI, making him run away from Mario when approached, and gave him two Power Stars to award as a reward for catching him, transforming him from a debugging tool into a fully integrated, albeit quirky, part of the game. His inclusion shows how game development processes often leave traces in the final product, sometimes in the most unexpected and endearing ways.

The Significance of Mips: More Than Just a Cute Bunny

Mips represents more than just a hidden character. He is a tangible link to the behind-the-scenes magic of game development. In a way, he personifies the iterative process of creating video games, where debugging and playtesting are as crucial as artistic vision.

Moreover, the act of chasing and catching Mips taps into the core gameplay loop of Super Mario 64: exploration and discovery. The game constantly encourages players to venture off the beaten path, to experiment with Mario’s movements, and to uncover hidden secrets. Mips is one of the ultimate rewards for this adventurous spirit, a testament to the game’s commitment to rewarding curiosity. He encourages exploration and makes the player feel like they’re uncovering something special that isn’t immediately obvious.

Finally, Mips contributes to the overall charm and personality of Super Mario 64. He adds a touch of whimsy and lightheartedness to the game, reminding players that even in a grand adventure, there’s always room for playful surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mips and Rabbits in Super Mario 64

How many times can you catch Mips in Super Mario 64?

You can catch Mips a total of two times in Super Mario 64. The first time he appears in the basement after you collect 15 Power Stars, and the second time he appears in the castle basement after you collect 50 Power Stars.

What do you get for catching Mips?

Each time you catch Mips, he rewards you with a Power Star. These Power Stars are essential for unlocking more areas of the castle and progressing through the game.

Where exactly is Mips located in the castle?

Mips is found in the basement of Peach’s Castle. After acquiring the required number of Power Stars, he appears near the entrance to the Hazy Maze Cave or in other basement locations.

Are there other rabbits besides Mips in Super Mario 64?

Yes! Aside from Mips, there are other rabbits hidden throughout the castle grounds. These smaller rabbits don’t give you Power Stars, but they are important for unlocking a secret key.

How many of these smaller rabbits are there, and where are they located?

The article mentioned catching seven rabbits, and the following is most likely not true: Each of the four characters has seven rabbits to catch — below is a list of their locations. The easiest way to catch the rabbits is to chase them into a corner and dive at them. There is only one character, Mario, in Super Mario 64. If there are seven rabbits to catch, then the player must go to these locations and dive at them to catch them.

What do you get for catching all the smaller rabbits?

Catching all the smaller rabbits unlocks a key to a door in the castle, leading to a mini-course or a Power Star. Each of the four characters has seven rabbits to catch — below is a list of their locations. The easiest way to catch the rabbits is to chase them into a corner and dive at them.

Is there an easy way to catch Mips?

Mips is fast, but you can corner him in certain areas of the basement. Try using Mario’s dive to close the distance quickly. You could also anticipate his movement and block his path.

Does Mips have any significance in other Mario games?

While the name Mips hasn’t reappeared prominently in other Mario games, the concept of a hidden rabbit character with rewards has occasionally surfaced, hinting at the enduring legacy of Mips from Super Mario 64. The rabbits in Super Mario Galaxy are an example.

Is there any connection between Mips and Yoshi in Super Mario 64?

There is no direct connection between Mips and Yoshi in Super Mario 64 in terms of gameplay mechanics. Yoshi is a separate, hidden character who appears after you collect all 120 Power Stars.

How does losing Mario’s hat affect the bunny catching process?

Losing Mario’s hat doesn’t directly affect the bunny-catching process. However, it makes Mario more vulnerable, so it’s best to retrieve it before venturing into areas with enemies. A cap-less Mario takes more damage from enemies.

How does Mario’s movement affect catching the bunny?

Mastering Mario’s movements, especially his dive, is crucial for catching both Mips and the smaller rabbits. The dive allows you to close the gap quickly and grab them before they escape.

Why are rabbits often used as symbols in games?

Rabbits often symbolize secrecy, hidden rewards, and agility in games. Their elusive nature makes them perfect for rewarding players who explore and persevere.

How did Super Mario 64 influence other 3D platformers?

Super Mario 64 is considered a groundbreaking game that set the standard for 3D platformers. Its innovative camera controls, level design, and movement mechanics influenced countless games that followed.

What makes Super Mario 64 a rare game?

Super Mario 64 is no exception, with it being the defining game of the N64 console. It’s the rarest Not For Resale Mario game, but there are even more rare variants.

How does Mips encourage learning and problem-solving?

Mips encourages learning and problem-solving by requiring players to explore the game world, experiment with Mario’s abilities, and develop strategies to catch him. This playful challenge reinforces key skills that can be applied to other areas of life. You can learn more about the intersection of games and education at GamesLearningSociety.org.

The inclusion of Mips and other rabbits in Super Mario 64 exemplifies the creative process of game development, where initial development tools can evolve into charming and integral parts of the gaming experience. They added a unique and special element to the game.