6 Terrifying Moments In Non-Horror Video Games

Super Mario isn't a series anyone would expect to have scenes that could creep even adults out of their skins. But the developers of Super Mario 64 certainly caught us by surprise with this hyper-creepy level and its highlight: The Mad Piano.

To make it even more unsettling, another name for this monstrosity in the Japanese version is: "Kirā Piano" - or ... "Killer Piano".

Even the name itself can give you the heebie-jeebies.

The Mad Piano makes an appearance during "Big Boo's Haunt" - a level that's often considered by many as the scariest level in the entire game. I'm also willing to bet $5 that it's one of the scariest in the entire franchise. In Big Boo's Haunt, you - as the friendly Italian plumber - have to venture through a haunted castle that promises quite a lot of "light-hearted" jumpscares.

It's all fun until you find a grand piano tucked into the corner of the room, behind it a Red Coin that is just waiting to be taken. You naturally think it's an easy claim and move to take it... then the piano freaking bursts into life.

The lid pops open, revealing rows of sharp teeth just waiting to grind you to dust while snapping back and forth like a literal maw. A horrible tune that sounds like someone smacking the keys in a fit of rage echoes in the room every time the maw snaps shut.

It then lifts itself off the ground and starts chasing after you.

Good thing that it's a slow, lumbering beast and you can easily outrun it. But the memory's still there and I'm pretty sure that the piano's been heavily featured in kids' nightmare for sometimes.