In entering the third dimension, Super Mario 64 largely eschews the obstacle course-based design of the 2D Mario platformers for a mission structure and gameplay focused on exploring a larger area. Since its release, Super Mario 64 has been widely acclaimed as one of the greatest and most important games of all time. Despite its name, but like most Nintendo 64 games at the time, Super Mario 64 runs in 32-bit. This game was one of two (three in Japan) launch titles for the Nintendo 64, along with Pilotwings 64, which helped drive initial sales of the console. It is the eighth entry in the Super Mario series. Super Mario 64 is a 3D action-adventure platform game released for the Nintendo 64 in 1996 for Japan and North America and in 1997 for Europe and Australia.
