10 Awesome Moments That Defined The N64

Released in 1996, Super Mario 64 was a tremendously innovative platformer, perfectly integrating gameplay into a 3D environment, pioneering three-dimensional platforming, and completely holding up today – besides a couple camera issues, which are only of detriment on a handful of occasions. Besides that, it’s perfect.

The original jumpscare – well, not really – the demonic piano in Big Boo’s Haunt is completely terrifying. After all, it comes out of nowhere, lulling the player into a false sense of security before pouncing without adequate warning. The piano – a demonic, possible haunted instrument of destruction – appears completely harmless when you first enter the room, only springing to life once approached, attacking the player relentlessly, forcing them to keep their distance.

This moment was a standout in the game, defining many player’s experiences with the console. The stage itself is fairly spooky, so a haunted piano isn’t completely unfathomable, but the room is brightly lit and invinting, and even the piano seems oddly welcoming, until it isn’t.