Super Mario 64 defined the 3D platformer with a hub world, open sandbox levels and a moveset that made simply running and jumping fun. We chose games that share its collect-a-thon structure, its focus on movement, or both.
1. Banjo-Kazooie (Nintendo 64)
Banjo-Kazooie · $54.97
Rare's take on the Mario 64 formula: a hub castle opens into themed worlds where you collect Jiggies and notes, learning new moves as you go.
2. Banjo-Tooie (Nintendo 64)
Banjo Tooie · $81.97
The sequel keeps the Jiggy collecting but makes the worlds larger and interconnected, adding new moves and the ability to split Banjo and Kazooie apart.
3. Super Mario Sunshine (GameCube)
Super Mario Sunshine · $60.00
The direct follow-up keeps the hub-and-levels structure and Mario's acrobatics, adding the FLUDD water pack for hovering, cleaning goop and new platforming tricks.
4. Super Mario Galaxy (Wii)
Super Mario Galaxy · $40.97
Mario's moveset returns on small spherical planets with shifting gravity, and the Comet Observatory hub works much like Peach's Castle as you gather Power Stars.
5. Spyro the Dragon (PlayStation)
Spyro the Dragon · $26.97
Insomniac's PlayStation platformer offers open levels reached from hub worlds, with gems and trapped dragons to find, rewarding the same urge to explore every corner.
6. Donkey Kong 64 (Nintendo 64)
Donkey Kong 64 · $59.97
Built by Rare on a similar template to Banjo-Kazooie, with large worlds to explore and five playable Kongs, each with their own abilities and items to collect.
7. Jak and Daxter: The Precursor Legacy (PlayStation 2)
Jak and Daxter · $26.97
Naughty Dog's platformer has you collect power cells across a world that loads without breaks, pairing Mario-style jumping with a more connected setting.
8. Psychonauts (PlayStation 2)
Psychonauts · $37.50
Double Fine's platformer sends Raz into other characters' minds, each a self-contained level with its own theme, collectibles and powers to master.
9. Super Mario 3D Land (Nintendo 3DS)
Super Mario 3D Land · $26.97
Uses Mario's 3D movement in shorter, more linear courses with a flagpole finish, making it a good fit if you liked Mario 64's platforming challenges most.
10. Rayman 2: The Great Escape (Nintendo 64)
Ubisoft's 3D platformer focuses on varied levels with swinging and riding sections, plus Lums to collect, giving it a strong sense of movement and flow.
Frequently asked questions
How many stars are in Super Mario 64?
There are 120 Power Stars in Super Mario 64. You need 70 to reach the final Bowser fight, but collecting all 120 unlocks a bonus on the castle roof.
Was Super Mario 64 remade?
Yes. Super Mario 64 DS on the Nintendo DS is an expanded remake that adds Yoshi, Luigi and Wario as playable characters along with extra stars and minigames.
What is the most similar game to Super Mario 64?
Banjo-Kazooie is the closest match, with a hub world leading to themed levels full of collectibles. Super Mario Sunshine is the closest within the Mario series.