Note: As per usual, I did a quick Google search to see if this topic exists. As far as I know, it does not. If anyone corrects me, I'll happily delete the thread.
Let's discuss Super Mario 64, one of my favorite Mario games (and my favorite 3D one). Right now I'm trying to beat the game in the space of a weekend (DS version) and so far I have 45/80 (bare minimum) stars. I've just been thinking about how brilliant the design is - not quite as beautiful as games like Yoshi's Island or Sunshine, but nonetheless amazing. I have nothing more to expand upon that with
Anyway, bring up any points of interest about Super Mario 64 right here.

What's the best way to search if forums have already been talked about. Wording?

I Googled:
"super mario 64" site:nintendolife.com/forums
I only read the first few links. I assumed that what I was looking for would be in the top 5 or so.

Super Mario 64 is one of my favorite games of all time. I really wish they had done a better job designing the fights with Bowser though. Seriously, you just run around him, pick him up, and throw him? He hardly even fights back, and it only takes 1 hit to beat him in the first 2 fights. That is probably the game's biggest shortcoming in my opinion. Another problem I have with the game is that it hardly features any of the traditional Mario elements like ? Blocks, Super Mushrooms, Super Star, and so on. I suppose much of the stuff featured in the 2D games would have been too hard translate to 3D gameplay and has only been done successfully with Super Mario 3D Land, a very recent title. Also, the lack of enemies was kind of a letdown too. There were only 2 or 3 koopas in the entire game (not counting Koopa the Quick), which seems odd as Bowser is the "King of the Koopas." Still, these are such minor flaws I would still give it a 10 out of 10. I think it's more fun than Zelda: Ocarina of Time and has way more replay value as well, but that's a discussion for a different thread. In short, Super Mario 64 is awesome.

I really liked Super Mario 64, but the camera can be a bother every now and then.

I actually find the controls and camera in this game much bether in the DS remake (espacially when playing on the 3DS). Love that version of the game.

Yes, the camera can be a bother, especially in places like the second Bowser level and Big Boo's Haunt.
@Xilef I've only played the original once or twice (thankfully it was on an actual N64) and I hardly remember it. I could never get used to touch screen controls in the remake, so I used the D-Pad and I grew quite comfortable with it - of course, that cannot trump the Slide Pad.
@PoorVGameNerd Earlier today, I was struggling through the second Bowser level (I kept on getting trapped in a sea of lava, partially due to the camera and partially due to my hastiness). When I finally got to the end, it took me a few seconds to beat him. I'm sure there's an article on TV Tropes about that but I forgot the name.

This is pretty crazy, because I have a thread that's a vote of Super Mario 64 vs. Super Mario Sunshine. Obviously Super Mario 64 is pummeling it

Anyways, love this game. Although, CONFESSION TYME I've only played the DS version, pretty lame I know. I'm planning on getting it on Virtual Console someday.

Edit : Correction, I have in fact played the original on my cousin's Nintendo 64, but I only own the DS version, as I don't have a 64.

Yeah, that's going pretty strong. Interesting.

Since I'm bored I might as well say that I'm now 59 stars in. I should definitely be able to beat the game by the end of Sunday.

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I've gotten 120 stars and i'd say in my opinion that the rainbow red coin wing cap one is the hardest one.

@Jumbif
Sounds like you know exactly what I was talking about. Bowser's always been kind of a pushover but Super Mario 64 made him look like a total wimp. The third and final battle was decent, but it still wasn't as satisfying as the fight scenes in the 2D Mario games.

@Electricmasto
which red coin wing cap star are you talking about? The one in the secret stage, Tower of the Wing Cap? I agree it's not exactly the easiest star to get, but I don't think it compares at all to the stars that require you to collect 100 coins in Tick Tock Clock and Rainbow Ride. Those were some of the most nerve-racking minutes of my gaming life. I couldn't imagine trying to get those 2 in the DS version using the stylus or wrist strap.

I've never played Super Mario 64 DS but I'm sure it must feel pretty awkward, to say the least. I wish they would port SM 64 DS to one of the consoles so it could be played with an actual analog stick. I'd love to try and get the additional 30 stars that were added to the game. Not only that, but I'm sure the more detailed character models with the higher polygon counts would look amazing on a big screen. I'm sure a Wii U re-release of Mario 64 DS with HD graphics would look breathtaking, and seeing as how the game already exists, the development time would be much shorter than it would be for an all-new 3D Mario. Would be a great launch title but I'm sure I'm only dreaming.

'Wing Mario Over the Rainbow' is a mission in the room where Tick Tock Clock's hub entrance is located.

@PoorVGameNerd I simply cannot use the touch screen and never have been able to. It's probably pretty awkward compared to the original, but I felt comfortable playing it on my DS Lite and I feel comfortable playing it on my 3DS.
Personally, I would love to see a Super Mario Sunshine port/remake to 3DS. Makes sense. I missed out on that game because I was unfortunately not a member of the PS2/GCN/XBox generation - if my GameCube controller wasn't broken I'd track down an old copy.
As for HD Super Mario 64... I don't see the point, really. But yes, it would look great.

This is one of the games that pratically defined my childhood honestly. I think it might be the first game I 100% when getting 100% is actually an accomplishment or worthwhile. So many hours trying to get that last star in Tick Tock Clock. Stupid Thwomp.

@Electric Mastro
Thanks for giving me the name of the mission, I just looked it up on Youtube and wow, I had completely forgotten about that one! It was kind of a pain to get and it certainly didn't help that every time you failed, you would get dropped in the lake outside the castle. At least it didn't cost you a life each time. Still, I don't think it has anything on the 100 coin stars in Tick Tock Clock and Rainbow Ride. Those were extremely hard to get, and if you failed those missions, you would lose a life.

@Jumbif
I was just saying I would like to see the DS version of Super Mario 64 re-released on an actual console, I wouldn't really care if the graphics were improved. My point was that Super Mario 64 DS is an enhanced version with a ton of new content, including 30 new stars, and I would like to be able to play it on a good-sized screen and with an analog stick. There were a lot of reviewers and average players who said the game would have been better than the 64 version if it weren't for the limited control options, and I think it's a waste that there is a better version of a classic game that can't be played the way it should be, i.e. with an analog stick.

I nearly pooped myself the first time I saw (and then played!) Super Mario 64 in person. It's the only time that I've been truly blown away by a game's visuals, which I realize sounds silly now, but back then... I mean, there was Mario... in 3D... and you could move him in any direction you wanted!

This is the best game ever made.
It comes close, at least.

@PoorVGameNerd Ah, now I understand.
There should be a 3D Mario collection for Wii U that consists of Super Mario 64 (DS), Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy 1&2.
Maybe even 3D Land, MUAHAHA!
It would have to retail for at least $110 but it'd be worth it IMO.

I've never understood why people complained so much about the controls in SM64DS. Sure it would have been better with analogue controls but I really didn't find the D-pad controls much of a problem and since I had no problem with the controls, that version is better to me with all the new levels, the new characters, multi-player and mini-games.

Just finished Bowser in the Sky, beating the game in around 43 hours (not of gameplay, I'll check that on my 3DS later). He was a LOT harder than he was in the first two fights.

On a sidenote, what do you guys think of Eyerok?

I first faced them in Mario Kart DS, I didn't know they were an actual boss in a platformer.
I hate Shifting Sand Land.