Super Mario 64: Every Level Ranked From Worst To Best

Super Mario 64’s inaugural level gets the game off to a great start. Bob-omb Battlefield somehow still looks great more than two decades down the line, a lush green arena with so much to explore.

Its genius lies in how it teaches the player the game’s mechanics. There are gaps to traverse with your new 3D jumps; a boss to best with Mario’s grab; later you’ll be taught to ground pound, and to utilise the flying cap once unlocked. More advanced techniques like Koopa shell riding and hidden teleports are there to be found by keen-eyed players.

Nintendo was sure to keep things varied at the top to grab players, as no two stars are exactly alike. You need to reach the summit of the mountain twice, but first, there’s a boss battle, the second time a race. The red coin challenge takes you around the entire world, allowing the player to notice things they may have missed.

The difficulty is spot on, too. For new players, it may be daunting to have to battle a big king Bob-omb right out the gate, but once you’ve got your head around that, you’re away.