Nintendo ushered in the 3D era with a massive 3D
model of Mario’s grinning face, which protruded
from the title screen and which you could fool
around with to your heart’s content. From there,
we cut to Lakitu as he performs a dramatic swoop-
by of Peach’s castle. Truly we were about to enter a
whole new era of gaming.CLASSIC INTRO
Impossible just to pick one from such a consistently
outstanding selection. Peach’s Castle was delightful,
a hub that functioned as a great Mario level in and of
itself. But there was something special about the rangy,
satisfying Whomp’s Fortress that made it a joy to
return to. Nintendo evidently agreed, resurrecting it in
Super Mario Galaxy 2.CLASSIC LEVEL
01 Despite the emergence of a whole new
dimension, Mario 64’s levels managed to feature
platforming action just as taut as those seen
in his 2D adventures.