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   KEVIN'S SUPER MARIO 64 FAQ v1.4 - All the secrets are now unlocked!

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*                              * IMPORTANT INFO *                          *
*                              ******************                          *
* - Is the latest text version of the FAQ?                                 *
* - Check http://www.users.lith.com/~kevin/mario64/mar64faq.txt to see!    *
* - Where can you view the latest HTML version of this FAQ?                *
* - Check http://www.users.lith.com/~kevin/mario64/                        *
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*                             * IMPORTANT INFO *                           *
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Last update: Thursday, January 23, 1997 - Added more common questions


Contents:
 1) What is Mario64
 2) How to Play Mario64 (controller/moves/japenese options/etc...)
 3) Courses 1-15 (location of stars on each of the 15 courses)
 4) Bowser Levels 1, 2, and 3
 5) Green ! Switch
 6) Blue ! Switch
 7) Red ! Switch
 8) Extra Stars
 9) Warps
10) Tips and Tricks
11) Common Questions
12) Credits


What is Mario64?

Mario64 is one of the first generation software titles for the Nintendo64. As
one might expect, being a first generation software title, Mario64 doesn't
completely show all of the capabilities of the hardware. Mario64 is basically
an extension of the 2D mario games on the NES and SNES. If you liked the old
mario games, then you will most likely love Mario64. I'm not going to spout
out technical babble here, but I will say that in my opinion, Mario64 is way
beyond any 3D action game that exists present day. Some aspects of it are
amazing, and other aspects leave something to be desired. For example, the
water effects are incredible, but the music could have been done a bit better
in order to show more of what the hardware can do. One must remember, however,
that Mario64 is a first generation title, and it is hard to expect a game like
this to show off ALL the capibilities of the hardware. I can't say whether the
game is good or bad, as that is an opinion. On one hand, a person might say
that Mario64 is the best game ever, but on the other hand, a person might say
that it's terrible. All I can say is that seeing and playing is believing. I
am a professional game programmer and game designer, and have been playing
games all my life... and in my opinion, that Mario64 is truly an awesome game.
As for the Nintendo 64 system, personally, I think the it has alot of
potential. The only thing that worries me is, how will the N64 controller fit
into the hands of a 5-7 year old kid? Not only is the N64 controller nearly
twice the size of the SNES control pad, but the analog joystick presents even
more of a problem for kids with small hands. That minor problem aside, we will
just have to wait for the second, third, and further generation software
titles and hope that they show everyone what kind of horsepower the N64 has
to offer.


How to play Mario64

The Controller: The first thing that players will need to get used to is the
analog joystick. The easiest way to hold the controller is with your left
hand gripping the middle, and your right hand gripping the right side. I have
seen people hold the controller in many different ways, but I recommend
holding it the way I mentioned because it makes it easier for you to press
the Z button (located underneath the controller) with your index finger. Once
you get used to the the analog joystick, the game will be easier to play, and
hence more fun.

The Object: The object of Mario64 is to beat Bowser and save the princess. And
of course, like in Super Mario Bros., you must defeat bowser more than once.
(3 times to be precise, and it is more difficult each time)

The Stars: In order to be able to open the doors to Bowser's lair(s) and to
progress further in the game, you will need to collect a certain number of
yellow stars. There are exactly 7 stars that may be obtained in each course,
and 15 extra stars that can be found in bonus levels or in other various
locations. There are 120 stars total in the game. If you manage to collect
them all, you might even find Yoshi!

Collecting Stars: There are many ways to get stars in the game. Some stars
might be right out in the open, some stars are hidden, some characters in the
game will give you stars, and some stars require you to do special things
just to get them to appear. (Then you still need to go get them!)

Mario's Power Meter: The round meter at the top of the screen. (which will go
away sometimes when it is full) To get more power, touch the spinning heart
that you find on some courses, get coins, or go to the top of the water when
you are swimming.

Coins: There are many coins scattered throughout the level. If you get 50
coins and finish the course (i.e. get a star), you will get an extra life.
          Yellow coins are worth 1.
          Red coins are worth 2.
          Blue coins are worth 5.

Yellow Boxes: Stand under them and jump up to hit them from below. Inside you
may find coins, an extra life, a turtle shell, or in certain boxes, maybe
even a star.

Red, Blue and Green Boxes (with an exclamation mark "!" on them): When you
first start the game, all these boxes will be transparent. You can't hit them
until they become solid. Once you find and hit the matching switch, all boxes
in all courses of that color will become permanently solid. (There is only 1
switch of each color in the entire game, and they are very well hidden)

The Buttons on the Controller:
   Blue Button: Jump or swim.
   Green Button: Punch.
   Yellow Button on the Left: Rotate the camera clockwise around mario.
   Yellow Button on the Right: Rotat the camera counter-clockwise around
     mario.
   Yellow Button on the Top: Zoom the camera in.
   Yellow Button on the Bottom: Zoom the camera out.
   R Button (located on the top right of the controller): Switch the camera
     mode between Mario mode (close in), or Spectator mode (farther out).
   Z Button (located underneath the controller): Aids in certain special moves
     (see the next section).

Mario's Moves: (on the ground)
   Single Jump: Press the blue button. (The longer you hold down the button,
     the higher you will jump) Mario will jump and make a "hoh!" sound.
   Double Jump: Press the blue button, Mario will jump and make a "hoh!"
     sound... As soon as you land, press the blue button again. (The longer
     you hold down the button, the higher you will jump) Mario will jump
     higher and make a "hoho!" sound.
   Triple Jump: You need to be moving in some direction for this jump. Press
     the blue button while moving (it doesn't matter how fast you are moving).
     Mario will make a "hoh!" sound... As soon as you land, (while still
     moving in the same direction) press the blue button again. Mario will
     jump higher and make a "hoho!" sound... As soon as you land, make sure
     you are pressing the joystick all the way in the direction you are moving
     and press the blue button again. Mario will do a very high forward flip
     and say "Yahoo!"
   Turnaround Flip: Be running in some direction... turn in the exact opposite
     direction and jump. Mario will spin around and do a flip.
   Punch: Press the green button when you are moving slowly or standing still.
     (Press the green button quickly 3 times in a row for a punch-punch-kick
     combo) You can pick some objects and enemies up by standing right next
     to them and pressing punch. (Press punch again to throw them)
   Dive Punch: While running full speed, press the green button. Mario will
     dive forward onto his stomach. (Press the green button while mario is
     sliding to make him quickly jump to his feet again.)
   Jump Kick: When you are moving slowly or standing still, jump and press the
     green button. Mario will jump up and kick.
   Butt-slam: Jump and press the Z button. (located underneath the controller)
     Mario will spin around and slam down on his butt. (You can kill most
     small enemies with this)
   Back Flip: Press and hold the Z button. As soon as Mario brings his hands
     over his head, jump. Mario will do a high backflip.
   Circle Kick: Press and hold the Z button. As soon as Mario brings his hands
     over his head, punch. Mario will swing his feet around in a circle.
   Yahoo Jump: While running, press and hold the Z button and then press the
     jump button immediately afterward. Mario will jump very far but not very
     high.
   Feet-first Slide: While running, press and hold the Z button and then press
     the punch button immediately afterward. Mario will jump and slide feet
     first.
   Jump-off-the-wall Technique: Jump at any wall. (You need to actually hit
     the wall... you will hear a sound when you hit the wall if you do it
     right) As soon as you make contact with the wall, jump again in the
     direction you want to go. (Make sure and hold the button on this second
     jump if you want to jump high) Mario will jump into the wall, and then
     jump again off of the wall. This technique is good for getting onto very
     high platforms. You can use this technique during any type of jump, or
     anytime you hit a wall in the air.

Mario's Moves (in the water - swimming)
   Press up on the joystick to dive deeper, and press down on the joystick to
     swim up. (Left and right act as you would expect)
   Stroke: Press the jump button to make Mario go faster. (You can hold the
     button, and Mario will swim, but he will go fastest if you press stroke,
     then as soon as his arms are at his sides, press stroke again, etc...)
   Grab: I'm not sure what this is for, but if you press the punch button
     under water, Mario will grab forward...
   Jump out of the water: This can be very frustrating if you don't learn it
     correctly. You must be at the very top of the water, and you must be
     pulling straight down on the joystick. Then press jump and he will jump
     out.

Mario's Moves (in the air - flying)
   Press up on the joystick to dive, and press down on the joystick to go
     higher. (Left and right act as you would expect)
   Any button will send stop mario flying.

Mario's Moves (on the turtle shell)
   You may find the turtle shell in certain yellow boxes, in certain oysters
     (underwater), or if you punch the turtle. To ride the shell, just touch
     it or jump on it.
   You can kill most enemies by running into them while you are on the shell.
   The more you move around, the faster you will go.
   Press jump to jump, and press the Z button to get off the shell. (Or run
     into a wall with it)

Mario's Moves (hanging from a ledge)
   To hang from a ledge, just push the joystick towards the ledge when you
     fall off of it, or when you jump next to it.
   Press the joystick toward the ledge when you are hanging and Mario will
     slowly climb back up.
   Press the joystick toward the ledge and press jump and Mario will quickly
     hop back up.

The Cannon and the Pink Bomb Guy: There is a pink bomb guy and at least one
cannon on each course. if you talk to the pink bomb guy, he will open the
cannon for you. Before you talk to the pink bomb guy, the cannon is covered
by a flat square with a picture of the pink bomb guy on it. After you talk to
him, there will be a square hole you can fall into.

Launching Yourself from the Cannon: This takes some practice. Learn how to
use the cannon, because you will need to execute some pretty fancy shooting
if you want to get all 120 stars.

Enemies: Most enemies, when killed, will give you a coin.

Characters: Always talk to any characters you see in the game... It isn't
important to understand what they say (but if you can read Japanese, tell me
what they all say!!)... Some characters will want to challenge you to a race,
and some might even give you a star.

Wooden Boxes: Some boxes can be picked up and thrown, and some can be smashed o
r broken.
(Sometimes coins are hidden inside boxes) If you pick up a box that is shaking,
 it will
spring you three times in the air.

Japanese Options (Main Screen):
   Green Square: Score (Show how many stars you have on a game)
   Blue Square: Copy (Copy a game to another save slot)
   Red Square: New (Erase a game)
   Pink Square: Stereo/Mono/Headphones
   Yellow Square: (only available in subscreens) Go back to the main screen.

Japanese Options (When you get a star and leave the course):
   The first option is Save and Continue.
   The second option is Save and Quit.
   The third option is Do Not Save and Continue.

Japanese Options (When you get the 7th star in a course or when you get a
star from a toadstool guy)
   The first option is Save and Continue.
   The second option is Do not save and continue.

Japanese Options (When you pause the game in a level and you are not moving):
   The first option is Return to the game.
   The second option is Quit the current level and go to the main floor of
     the castle.
   The third option brings up to different settings. First setting: R button
     toggles between Mario view (closer in) or Spectator view (further out).
     Second setting: Spectator view will only be available while you are
     holding down the R button.

(did I leave anything out? please let me know... I'm still adding to this
section)


Course 1 : Bob-Omb Battlefield
------------------------------
Location: Main floor of castle, left side, upstairs, blank star on the door.
(Picture of bomb guys)

Description: Mountain level with 2 pink bomb guys at the start and an
air-island. (Big bomb guy at the top of the mountain)

Star 1: Climb to the top of the mountain and beat the bomb boss. (Get behind
  him, pick him up and throw him onto the ground 3 times)
Star 2: Beat the turtle in a race from the beginning of the stage to the top
  of the mountain.
Star 3: In the yellow box on the air-island.
Star 4: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 5: Fly through the 5 rings of gold coins in the air and get the 5 center
  gold coins. (Use the cannon on the air-island)
Star 6: Butt-slam the wooden post that the chomp monster is attached to 3
  times and he will open the gate.
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 2 : Whomp's Fortress
---------------------------
Location: Main floor of castle, right side, star with a 1 in it on the door.
  (Picture of castle tower)

Description: Castle level with a plant monster nearby your starting point.
(Big stone guy at the top of the level)

Star 1: Climb to the top of the mountain and beat the stone boss. (Stand in
  front of him, he try to fall on you... move out of the way, jump on his
  back, and butt-slam him... repeat 3 times)
Star 2: At the top of the mountain in the tower. (Use the owl in the tree
  where you start, or just climb all the way there)
Star 3: Launch yourself out of the cannon to the platform underneath the
  flagpole. Climb down the pole to get the star.
Star 4: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 5: In a cage in the air. (Use the owl in the tree where you start, or use
  the cannon to launch yourself into it)
Star 6: Launch yourself out of the cannon at the corners of the brick walls
  that are closest to you. (The corners will break off... the one on the right
  has the star)
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 3 :  Jolly Roger Bay
---------------------------
Location: Main floor of castle, right side, up the stairs star with a 3 in it
on the door. (Picture of underwater sea)

Description: Water level with the pirate ship down below that you can raise
up...

Star 1: Wait until the giant eel swims out of the ship... swim into the ship
  where he was and unlock the 4 chests. (The order is: Chest farthest from
  you, chest on your right, chest closest to you, and chest on your left)
Star 2: Swim next to the giant eel again... He will swim out... The star is
  on his tail.
Star 3: Swim through the tunnel near the ship. You will surface in a cave.
  Unlock the 4 chests. (The order is: Chest farthest from you, chest on your
  left, chest on your right, chest closest to you)
Star 4: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 5: Launch yourself out of the cannon onto the leftmost spike that extends
  out of the water. (You have to hit the top of the spike, or mario will slide
  down) Then climb to the top of the spike and jump onto the ledge with the
  star.
Star 6: You need the green ! block for this star... Hit the green block and
  jump off the ledge into the water... run to the star in the bubbles.
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 4 : Cool, Cool Mountain
------------------------------
Location: Main floor of castle, left side, star with a 3 in it on the door.
(Picture of snow and snowman)

Description: Snowy level with the penguins and the snowball man.

Star 1: Climb onto the house where you start, go down the chimney and finish
  the race. (There is a shortcut on the right wall when it curves upward...
  just hug the right wall when you see it)
Star 2: Take the baby penguin that you see when you start down to the mama
  penguin.
Star 3: Go down the chimney again, and beat the penguin in a race to the end.
  (You can't use the shortcut here)
Star 4: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 5: Talk to the snowball at the TOP of the mountain... beat it down in a
  race and stand next to the snowball face. The rolling snowball will run
  into the snowball face and create a snowman... Talk to him for the star.
Star 6: Launch yourself out of the cannon at the tree. Follow the path and
  climb up to the star. (This can be done using the jump-off-the-wall
  technique)
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 5 : Big Boo's Haunt
--------------------------
Location: Main floor of castle, open either of the 2 doors with no stars on
them. Go down the hall where you see the big ghost. Go into the garden and
hit the large ghost. (Small cage dropped by the ghost)

Description: Large ghost mansion with many rooms and a shed outside.

Star 1: Kill enough small ghosts to make the large ghost appear outside in
  front of the mansion... then kill the large ghost.
Star 2: In the spinning wheel at the bottom of the outside house, kill small
  ghosts until a large ghost appears... then kill the large ghost.
Star 3: Upstairs, in the room where the small books fly out at you, there are
  3 books sticking out. Hit them in this order: Book on the top, book on the
  right, book on the left.
Star 4: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 5: Upstairs in the room on the far right, there is a platform you can
  stand on... Look up... you will see a platform up high that you need to
  jump to. (This can be done using the jump-off-the-wall technique) Go through
  the double doors near the blue star box in the ground, and beat the ghost
  outside. The star will appear on the roof. (To get the star, you can jump to
  either of the flat side ledges, then jump to the center ledge with the
  star... it's not incredibly easy)
Star 6: Get the blue ! box, then quickly go up to where the blue star box in
  the ground is (from Star 5), instead of going outside, go through the ghost
  picture on the wall, and beat an eyeball for the star.
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 6 : Hazy Maze Cave
-------------------------
Location: Lower floor of castle, from the front of the Fire Picture, take a
right and go through the door with the star on it. (Pool of metallic liquid)

Description: Level with huge rolling boulders, a blue water creature, green
radioactive fog, and a 4-way moving platform in the air.

Star 1: On the middle of the island where the blue water creature is. (run up
  onto the creature's head, and steer him)
Star 2: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 3: When you take the elevator down to the blue water creature area, get
  the green ! block... then quickly run to the flat ! switch under the
  water... this will open the metal bars guarding the door in front of you...
  go in the door... the star is across a chasm.
Star 4: Just before you drop down into the radioactive green fog area, there
  is a map on the wall... Look at the map. The DOWN arrow is where you will
  start... the UP arrow is where you can get out... the 3 blue circles are
  ledges that you can double jump and catch on... jump up to the one
  corresponding to the second blue circle from left... there is a door there,
  it will take you up to the star.
Star 5: Same as star 4 except use the blue circle on the far left. (you need
  to jump and travel across the grating to get the star, or just yahoo-jump
  over to it) (There is no door on the ledge corresponding to the blue circle
  on the right) (An alternative method to find these ledges is to hit the blue
  star box in the ground and follow the blue coins)
Star 6: Stand under the place where the giant boulders fall down... look up
  and towards the door. The star is on the ledge. (You can use the jump-off-
  the-wall technique to get there)
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 7 : Lethal Lava Land
---------------------------
Location: Lower floor of castle. (Picture of fire)

Description: Fire level with a volcano in the center.

Star 1: Knock the large bomb monster into the lava. (The best way to do this
  is to stand on the edge and let him run towards you... when he gets close,
  do a butt-slam... he will run under you and you should knock him into the
  fire)
Star 2: There is an island all the way across the level with 3 small bomb
  monsters on it... knock them all into the lava... A big bomb monster will
  appear... knock him in for the star.
Star 3: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 4: In one corner of the level, there is grating... make your way over to
  it and use the spinning log to get on the island against the grate... the
  star is there.
Star 5: Jump into the volcano in the center of the level. Make your way to the
  top by running and jumping along the side. The star is at the top.
Star 6: Jump into the volcano in the center of the level. Jump onto the moving
  platform... keep climbing to the top.
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 8 : Shifting Sand Land
-----------------------------
Location: Lower floor of castle, from the front of the Fire Picture, take a
left and go down the hall till you reach a dead end... (Wall at the dead end)

Description: Sandy level with large pyramid in the center.

Star 1: Smack the vulture flying near the pool of water outside the pyramid.
Star 2: In a crevice on the outside of the pyramid near the top. (You can use
  the wings from the red ! block to get it or you can just climb up)
Star 3: Inside the pyramid, all the way at the top.
Star 4: Inside the pyramid, there is a red building in the center of the
  floor. Get on top of the building and jump so that you catch your hands on
  the hole in it. Climb in and beat the 2-fists boss. (Punch the eyes when
  they open)
    OR: Outside the pyramid, climb up each of the 4 posts that you can walk
    up. Make sure that you touch the top of each one. After you touch all 4,
    the top of the pyramid will open up. Fly into it, and a cage will bring
    you down to the red building in the center of the floor. Climb in and
    beat the 2-fists boss.
Star 5: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 6: Get the 5 special gold coins inside the pyramid. (2 of them are on
  the moving sand bridge, the other 3 are in the center of small square
  platforms up higher than the sand bridge)
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 9 : Dire, Dire Docks
---------------------------
Location: Lower floor of castle, go in the large star door, (Wall of water)

Description: Water level with the big whirlpool at the bottom where you start
and a submarine.

Star 1: On the top of the submarine.
Star 2: Swim all the way down when you start the level. There are 4 chests...
  Open them in this order: If you are at the tunnel looking at the whirlpool:
  Chest on the left, chest on the right, chest in the back, and chest in the
  front. (the one closest to the whirlpool)
Star 3: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 4: The bubbles on the ground in the room with the submarine will send up
  rings of water... swim down through 5 in a row. The star will appear on the
  ground in the bubbles. (You can use the green ! block to get the star)
Star 5: The manta ray will leave rings of water behind him... swim through 5
  in a row.
Star 6: In the red gate in the water. You need to get the blue ! box, then
  get the green ! box, then get the star.
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 10 : Snowman's Land
--------------------------
Location: Upper floor of castle, in the room with the huge mirror in it... at
one end you will see a picture in the mirror that is not there on your side...
(Wall where the picture should be)

Description: Icy stage with a big ice guy, a penguin, and a snowman face that
blows you off the mountain.

Star 1: Climb up the mountain (jump above where the triangular speed bumps are
  coming from), and walk along side of the large penguin... he will block the
  wind... the star is at the top.
Star 2: Knock the big ice guy off the platform (similar technique as knocking
  the bomb monsters off the platforms in course 7)
Star 3: Get the star in the 3D ice puzzle near where you start.
Star 4: There is a helicopter guy in the water near the ramp where the
  triangular speed bumps come at you... jump on his head (just a regular jump)
  and fly over to the platform... the left box is the star, the right box is
  the turtle shell.
Star 5: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 6: Use the turtle shell to slide up the ramp with the 3 yellow coins...
  Crawl into the cavern... get the Blue ! box to get the star in the maze.
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 11 : Wet-Dry World
-------------------------
Location: Upper floor of castle. (Picture of water spider)

Description: Level where you can raise or lower the water by touching the
colored spinning diamonds.

Star 1: In the yellow box near the small moving platforms with the arrows on
  them.
Star 2: In the yellow box on the highest air-island. (Across the wooden plank)
Star 3: Find all 5 secret spots. (One is behind the block that you push at the
  very bottom of the level, one is in the yellow box that you can get by
  standing on the block that you push at the very bottom of the level, one is
  behind the block you push into a hole near one of the guys who throws you
  up, one is in the yellow box above the cage with the star in it, and one is
  in the yellow box on top of the small island that the bomb is spinning
  around.)
Star 4: In the cage up high... to get it, you need to lower the water level to
  the ground, break the block at the bottom of the cage, climb up so you are
  on top of the cage with the star, stand on the left half of the wooden
  platform (it will fall down), jump off it, run into the cage, and jump back
  on the platform before it goes up. (Inside the cage)
Star 5: Get all 8 red coins. (You need to use the cannon to launch yourself
  into the grate in the corner of the level, and swim into the other section
  of this stage.)
Star 6: Use the cannon to launch yourself into the grate in the corner of the
  level, and swim to the other section of this stage. Use the blue ! box to
  get behind the grate near the corner of this section (there is another blue
  ! box inside the grate)... up top is the star. (You can use the jump-off-
  the-wall technique to get it)
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 12 : Tall, Tall Mountain
-------------------------------
Location: Upper floor of castle (Small picture with mushroom platforms on it)

Description: Mountain level with monkeys, a waterfall, and mushroom platforms.

Star 1: At the very top of the mountain.
Star 2: Catch the monkey at the very top of the mountain (where Star 1 was)
  and follow him... he will open the cage with the star.
Star 3: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 4: Near the top of the mountain, there will be a vertical wall about the
  same size as the entrance to course 8 that you can jump through. (You can
  see it when you touch it because it will shake)
Star 5: Step on the flat ! switch near the top of the mountain... this will
  make a block appear in front of you, and a block will appear in front of
  the waterfall... You need to go to the waterfall and jump on the block to
  get the star that is behind the water.
Star 6: Use the cannon to shoot yourself into the star that is sitting on top
  of the mushroom platform. (The cannon is on a thin ledge beneath the ledge
  where the gophers are). (The bomb guy is on a small ledge below where the
  first monkey is.)
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 13 : Tiny-Huge Island
----------------------------
Location: Upper floor of castle, through a door with a star on it. (Picture of
big and small goombas on the left or picture of big and small goombas on
the right).

Description: If you enter the picture on the left, you will be big mario
relative to the world. If you enter the picture on the right, you will be
small mario relative to the world. If you jump in a pipe, you will change
from big to small, or from small to big.

Star 1: At the green pipe near the flat ! switch that makes a bridge out to
  the air-island, make sure you are small mario. Then kill the 5 plant
  monsters that spit fire at you and you will get the star.
Star 2: In a yellow box almost at the very top of the mountain. You need to
  be small mario to get this.
Star 3: Just past the hole where the black balls roll out of, there is a koopa
  troopa (turtle). Be small mario here and talk to the turtle... beat him in a
  race and you will get a star.
Star 4: Find all 5 secret spots when you are the big mario. (One is on the
  cannon, one is in the hole where the black balls roll out of, one is the
  inside of the hole where little mario can run through to get to pool with
  the spikeys, one is in the pool at the very top of the mountain, and one is
  the the hole in the mountain at the edge of the wooden bridge above the
  pool with the spikeys)
Star 5: Be small mario, launch yourself from the cannon at the tree. (To find
  the pink bomb guy, you need to be big mario and go to the place where the
  cannon is.) When you catch the tree, climb down and walk across the wooden
  bridge and into the hole. Get all 8 red coins.
Star 6: Be big mario, climb to the pool at the very top of the mountain and
  do a butt-slam in the center. You will create a hole. Go down and transform
  into small mario, climb back up, go down the hole, and beat the caterpiller.
  (You can do the butt-slam on his head)
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 14 : Tick Tock Clock
---------------------------
Location: Upper floor of castle, go up the stairs to the very top section of
the castle and go in the door with the huge star on it. (The face of the clock
is the level)

Description: If you enter the clock at any hour exactly on the hour
(1 O'clock, 4 O'clock, 12 O'clock, etc...), all the parts will be stopped.
(You can't get all the stats with the clock stopped, however.)

Star 1: Climb up along the normal path, and you will see the star within some
  grating. You can jump onto the platforms nearby and get it. (Clock may be
  stopped OR moving for this star... easier when stopped)
Star 2: Climb up farther than star 1, and you will eventually come to a
  monster who will throw you up. Go past him and jump across the chasm. The
  star is just ahead. (Clock may be stopped OR moving for this star... easier
  when stopped)
Star 3: Stand on the clock hand that looks like an arrow and let it swing you
  around. When you see the star in front of you, jump onto the ledge and get
  it. (Clock must be moving for this star)
Star 4: Climb up to the VERY VERY top of the stage...swing around on the clock
  hand, and jump onto the blue stomping stone for the star. (Clock must be
  moving for this star)
Star 5: Climb up higher than star 1, but not as high as star 4. You will see
  the star in a cage. You need to stand on top of the cage, then jump onto the
  platform that comes in and out of the wall to get the star.
Star 6: Get all 8 red coins. (Clock may be stopped OR moving for this star...
  easier when stopped)
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Course 15 : Rainbow Ride
------------------------
Location: Upper floor of castle, in the room with course 14. There are 2
platforms in the corners of the room. Near them are rooms up high in the wall
that you can jump into. One of them is course 15. (The other is a bonus level)

Description: Rainbow flying carpet level with a big pirate ship and a castle
in the sky.

Star 1: On one end of the pirate ship.
Star 2: Ride the carpets up as high as you can go (you will pass through the
  castle in the sky twice) The star is on top of of the castle in the sky.
Star 3: Get all 8 red coins.
Star 4: From the section where there are 4 spinning circular islands, go
  towards the tilting bridges and the platforms that swing back and forth. Go
  across one of the swinging platforms and you should see a flat ! switch on
  the ground near some triangular blocks. Step on it and the blocks will turn
  upside down so you can jump on them temporarily. Climb up them for the star.
Star 5: From the section where there are 4 spinning circular islands, go
  towards the tilting bridges and the platforms that swing back and forth.
  Climb up the steep wood slope, and go across the swinging platform to get
  the star.
Star 6: Launch yourself from the cannon so you catch the large pole coming
  from the island in the sky. Climb down and the star is in the yellow box.
  (The cannon is on the opposite side of the pirate ship as star 1) (To get
  to the pink bomb guy, you need to get on top of the building where all the
  red coins are, and jump down 1 ledge) The best way to get on top of the
  building where all the red coins are is to take the carpet near the 4
  spinning circular islands, and then when it ends, take the carpet on the
  right. You will jump off it onto the falling wooden blocks, then jump back
  on it, then jump off it again onto the falling wooden blocks, then back
  onto it again. You should now be over the building, so you can get off the
  carpet. (There is a yellow box on top of the building for reference)
Star 7: Get 100 Coins.


Bowser 1
--------
Location: (You need 10 stars to enter the largr star door to this
level) Main floor of the castle, up the stairs, through the door with the
huge star on it. (Trapdoor in the floor in the hallway)

Prize: The first key. (opens the locked door to the lower floor of the castle
and gives you access to courses 6,7,8 and when you get enough stars to enter
the next door with the huge star on it, course 9)

To kill Bowser: Run around him, pick him up by the tail, and rotate the
  joystick in circles... the faster you swing him, the farther you will throw
  him... throw him into 1 bomb to kill him.
Star 1: Get all 8 red coins.


Bowser 2
--------
Location: (You need 30 stars to enter the large star door to this
level) Lower floor of the castle, through the door with the huge star on
it.

Prize: The second key. (opens the locked door to the upper floor of the castle
and gives you access to courses 10,11,12,13, and when you get enough stars to
enter the next door with the huge star on it, courses 14 and 15.)

To kill Bowser: Run around him, (easiest when he throws fire or runs at you),
  pick him up by the tail, and swing him into 1 bomb again.
Star 1: Get all 8 red coins.


Bowser 3
--------
Location: (You need 70 stars to get to this level) Upper floor of the
castle, up the stairs that lead to the very top,
through the star door, and up the final staircase. (If you don't have enough
stars, the staircase will go on forever... if you do have enough, you will
reach the top of the staircase.)

Prize: Finishing the game! Woohoo!

To kill Bowser: Run around him, (easiest when he throws fire), pick him up by
  the tail, and swing him into 3 bombs.
Star 1: Get all 8 red coins.


Green ! Switch
--------------
Location: In Course 6, make your way to the blue water creature area. Climb on
his head and steer him over to the island where there is red grating on the
ground but not blocking the door. Jump off onto the red grating, go through
the door, and jump into the pool of metallic liquid. You will be metallic
mario here temporarily which will allow you to walk underwater, and against
the current. Hop from island to island and you will see the green ! switch.

Description: Makes you metallic mario which allows you to walk under water
and can kill most enemies by touching them.


Blue ! Switch
-------------
Location: From the door that leads to course 6 (facing away from the door),
go left, and left again. There should be a door with no star on it. Go in it
and you will come to an area with water. There should be 2 small platforms in
the water that you can jump on. Do a butt-slam on both of them, and this will
drain the moat. Once you have drained the moat, go out the door, and head
towards the waterfall. There will be a hole you can fall in. Follow the
logical path through this area and you will see the blue ! switch.

Description: Makes you transparent mario which allows you to walk through all
grating and certain other places.


Red ! Switch
------------
Location: After you get 10 stars, a light will shine down on the main floor
where you first enter the castle. There is a large picture of the sun on
the ground. Stand in the center and look up at the sun. The red ! switch
is on the platform in the center of the level.

Description: Gives you wings. To fly, either do a triple jump, or launch
yourself out of a cannon.


Extra Stars
-----------
Star 1: Main floor of castle, up the stairs, door on the right with a star on
it. There are pictures of the princess in the small room, jump through the one
on the right and finish the race for a star.

Star 2: In the room with the picture for course 3, there are 2 holes in the
wall up high that you can jump into. One of them has extra men, and the other
is a bonus swimming level. Collect all 8 red coins for a star.

Star 3: After you have 20 stars, catch the bunny in the lower level of the
castle where courses 6-8 are. (You can run and press punch and dive on him...
it's not easy) :)

Star 4: After you have 20 stars, talk to the toadstool guy who should be in
room where you enter course 6. He will give you a star.

Star 5: After you have 30 stars, in the upper level of the castle where
courses 10-13 are, one of the toadstool guys will give you a star if you
talk to him.

Star 6: After you have 50 stars, the bunny will be back for more.
(apparently he didn't learn his lesson the first time). Catch him again
for a star.

Star 7: After you have 50 stars, in the room with courses 14 and 15, talk to
the toadstool guy and get a star.

Star 8: In the room with courses 14 and 15, go into the room high up in the
wall across from where course 15 is. There is a bonus level there. Collect
all red coins for a star.

Star 9: Bowser level 1 - get all 8 red coins.

Star 10: Bowser level 2 - get all 8 red coins

Star 11: Bowser level 3 - get all 8 red coins

Star 12: Green ! switch level - get all 8 red coins

Star 13: Blue ! switch level - get all 8 red coins

Star 14: Red ! switch level - get all 8 red coins

Star 15: Same location as extra star 1 (the princes picture on the main floor
of the castle). Finish the race in under 21 seconds.


YOSHI:
------
After you have all 120 stars, go outside the castle to the grate that has
been closed for the whole game. There is a cannon inside. Launch yourself on
top of the castle, go around back, and talk to Yoshi!

Yoshi says (translated to English), "Wow, I was told that if I hung around
here that I'd get to see you! I guess they were right. I have a message
for you: 'This is nothing to get excited about, but, since we want you to
play this game some more, please accept this "boring" gift.' - from the
Mario Staff"

Warps:
------
Warps are areas that if you stand still in them, you will be transported to
another location in the level. If you want to reuse the same warp, all you
need to do is jump, or walk off the warp spot and then walk back. Warp 1a
will take you to warp 1b, warp 1b will take you to warp 1a, warp 2a will take
you to warp 2b, warp 2b will take you to warp 2a, etc...

Course 1 (Bob-Omb Battlefield):
  Warp 1a: From where you start, as soon as you cross the brown bridge, jump
  over the fence to the right. The warp is in the center of the yellow flower
  bed.

  Warp 1b: When you cross the bridge that tilts, climb up the stairs, and keep
  going straight and to the left of the black bomb guys. The warp is in the
  center of the yellow flower bed near the red ! box.

  Warp 2a and 2b: As you are climbing up the mountain, you will notice that
  the black rolling balls come out of the holes in the side of the mountain.
  There is a warp in the center of both holes... one takes you to the other,
  and vice-versa.

Course 2 (Whomp's Fortress):
  Warp 1a: In the corner next to the only green ! block on the level. (near
  the big blue puffy stomping guys)

  Warp 1b: (Click here for pictures) In the corner of the platform with the
  flagpole that extends up into the sky.

Course 3 (Jolly Roger Bay):
  ???

Course 4 (Cool, Cool Mountain):
  Warp 1a: When you start the level, go around to the right... The warp is on
  the edge of the broken bridge.

  Warp 1b: At the bottom of the level from the pool with the large penguin in
  it, go right. The warp is at the edge of the broken bridge under the
  mountain.

Course 5 (Big Boo's Haunt):
  ???

Course 6 (Hazy Maze Cave):
  ???

Course 7 (Lethal Lava Land):
  Warp 1a: From the start of the level, there is an island behind you across
  the fire. It has a red ! block on it... The warp is in the center of that
  island.

  Warp 1b: There is a platform near where you start with an eyeball on it.
  Underneath him is a hole in the grating. The warp is in the hole.

Course 8 (Shifting Sand Land):
  Warp 1a: There is a palm tree next to a pool of water near where the vulture
  is flying. The warp is at the bottom of the tree in the tree's shadow.

  Warp 1b: In the corner of the entire level where the cannon is, (on the
  section with the large cubes), the ground is divided into squares. The warp
  is in the center of the 4th square down from the cannon. (Stand at the
  cannon, and face the pyramid, then turn left, then go down 4 squares and
  stand in the center)

  Warp 2a: Inside the pyramid, in the corner of the second floor, there
  are some goombas around a pole that goes up to the third floor.  After
  you climb the pole, the warp is in the corner on your right.  This takes
  you above the grating on the second floor where you can get an extra
  man. This is a one-way warp, there is no warp that will take you
  back.

Course 9 (Dire, Dire Docks):
  ???

Course 10 (Snowman's Land):
  Warp 1a: In the shadow of the tree in the corner of the entire level.

  Warp 1b: In the shadow of the tree just before the island with the moving
  triangles on it.

Course 11 (Wet-Dry World):
  Warp 1a: The water level must be all the way down in order to use this
  warp... On the ground there is a white structure made up of 3 steps. On the
  second step, there is a spinning black ball that will shock you if you touch
  it. On the third step there is a diamond that will raise the water level.
  The warp is on the ground (you will be standing in the water) in the corner
  of the smallest step and the largest step.

  Warp 1b: In the corner on the platform with the cannon. If you are standing
  on the ramp up to the cannon facing the cannon, the warp is in the farthest
  corner on the left.

Course 12 (Tall, Tall Mountain):
  Warp 1a: In the chasm with the mushroom platforms with the red coins on
  them, there are 2 very small platforms with no coin on them next to each
  other. The warp is on the small platform closest to the center of the chasm.

  Warp 1b: At the other end of the path with the cannon on this level, there
  is a square area with a sign on it. The warp is in the corner against the
  two mountain walls.

Course 13 (Tiny-Huge Island):
  Warp 1a: When you are Big Mario, there is a flat ! switch on the ground
  that will make a temporary bridge appear that will lead out to a square
  island in the air.  In the corner of the island with the gold coin is
  the warp.

  Warp 1b: Unfortunately, this is only a one-way warp... when you take
  warp 1a, you will appear next to the pipe near the flat ! switch
  mentioned in warp 1a. (So there is really no warp 1b)

Course 14 (Tick Tock Clock):
  ???

Course 15 (Rainbow Ride):
  Warp 1a: Outside on the edge of the platform leading into the castle up in
  the sky. (Directly across from the fireplace)

  Warp 1b: (Click here for pictures) In the center on top of the rectangular
  building with all the red coins and the pink bomb guy.

If you know where any warps are that I don't have listed, please e-mail them
to me and I will give you credit on the FAQ if I don't already have them by
then.

Tips and Tricks:
----------------
     Course 10 (Snowman's Land): To cross the bridge with the snowman
blowing wind, you can jump up on the penguin's head and let him carry you
across.
     Course 11 (Wet-Dry World): You can raise or lower the starting water
level in this course by how high you jump into the picture.  There are 3
distinc levels. If you jump into the picture very low, the water level
will start almost on the ground. If you jump in around the center of the
picture, the water level will start at mid level. If you jump in above the
center of the picture, the water level will start higher than you can
actully set it in the level... This makes getting to the pink bomb guy a
piece of cake!! The easiest way to jump into the picture above the center
is to stand two checkerboard floor tiles away from the picture and do a
backflip into it... (double jump, triple jump, and turnaround flip also
work)
     Course 13 (Tiny-Huge Island): If you do a butt-stomp on the large
goombas when you are small mario, you will get a blue coin. This makes
collecting 100 coins easier.
     Bowser Trick: Here is an easy way to kill bowser: When you grab him
by the tail, don't swing him around... just point him towards a bomb and
let him go. He will fall in front of you. Go pick him up again, then let
him go, etc... He will move forward a tiny bit each time and he will
eventually hit the bomb! This trick will kill bowser 1 and bowser 2 no
problem. On bowser 3, this trick only works twice. (The third time you
actually have to throw him into a bomb)
     1000 Coin/Infinite Lives trick FOR JAPENESE VERSION OF MARIO64
ONLY!!!: This takes a lot of patience, but it may be worth it for some
people. When you are fighting bowser, don't kill him. Hang around and pick
up 1000 coins. If you do this, you will get a special "M" next to your
lives. Then, every time you die, you will gain a life, and every time you
pick up an extra man mushroom, you will lose a life. (Be careful not to
pick up too many extra men, or your game will be over!) This way, you can
have infinite lives!
     5 Coin Post Trick: If you come across a wooden post in the
ground, run around it. After you run about 4 complete circles around it,
5 coins will pop out. This makes collecting 100 coins a lot easier on
certain levels.
     The Butterfly 1-UP Trick: Sometimes in the game you will see a bunch
of butterflies fly out of a tree or grass. Punch or touch any of them and
they will turn into a 1-UP. (Normally, they will all scatter, but one will
stay around for you to get)
     The Fat Penguin Trick: After you get 120 stars, go back to course 4
and select star 3 (the penguin race.) Jump into the chimney to race the
penguin. Now the penguin is extremely fat and is a bit harder to beat.
This is just one of the cool things that happen after you get 120 stars
that don't really mean anything. :-)
     Mario's Hat Trick: Mario can lose his hat in 3 stages. In course 10,
if the snowman face blows you off of the bridge, your hat will fall off. In
course 8, the vulture can steal your hat. In course 12, the monkey will
take it when you pick him up. NOTE: WHEN MARIO'S HAT IS OFF, HE TAKES
DOUBLE DAMAGE! This trick only works in course 8 or 10. Make sure your hat
is on the ground. (If you are in course 8, you need to smack the vulture
to make him drop the hat.) Don't pick up the hat. Instead, go to any
teleporter and warp back and fourth at least twice. Then go back and pick
up the hat. Mario will put it on, but more hats will still be on the
ground (depending on how many times you warped back and fourth). When you
pick up a hat now, Mario will keep holding on to it instead of putting it
on his head. Now when you punch, Mario will swing his hat so it looks like
he is smacking enemies with the hat.
     How to get Mario's hat back: See the Common Questions section.

Common Questions:
-----------------
     Course 9 (Dire, Dire Docks): Q: How do I get the 8 red coins on
Course 9? There doesn't seem to be a way to reach them... A: You must
defeat the second bowser before you can get these. After you beat the
second bowser, there will be some moving poles that hang from the ceiling
on Course 9. You need to use these poles to get the 8 red coins.
     Course 9 (Dire, Dire Docks) Q: I can only get 90 or 95 coins on
Course 9. Where are the rest?  A: There are some coins along the wall in
the first part of Course 9 (Near where you start.) You can't see them
until you get close to them. The best way to make sure you get them is to
swim next to the wall when you start the level and stay against the wall
as you circle your way down to the bottom. (The coins I am referring to
are pretty high up, so if you get to the bottom, you missed them.)
     Course 11 (Wet-Dry World): Q: Some of the 8 red coins in the
underwater city are in boxes on top of buildings. They are very high up,
and I can't reach them. How do I get those coins? A: The water needs to
be all the way down, climb up the pole above the church, walk out to the
central island, and yahoo-jump over to the rooftops of the buildings with
the red coins on them. (You have to place your jump just right so that you
don't hit the ceiling)
     Course 11 (Wet-Dry World): Q: There is a flat ! switch on the ground
in the underwater city. When I step on it, I hear the tick-tock, but don't
see anything. What happens when you press it? A: A small temporary block
appears behind the grate by star 6 which makes climbing up a little
easier. (To use it, first get the hat that lets you become transparent
mario (blue ! box), then run quickly to the flat ! switch, then go into
the grate and use the temporary block to climb up)
     Course 15 (Rainbow Ride): Q: How do I get to the pink bomb guy in
course 15? A: there are two ways to do this. One way is to ride the
carpet up toward the castle in the sky and jump off on top of the building
with the red coins. (Or even easier: use warp 1a in this course) This will
put you one level above the pink bomb guy. Now you can jump and catch onto
the floor where the pink bomb guy is and climb up. Another way to get to
the pink bomb guy is to go around to where the blue star box in the ground
is. (The box that makes the blue coins appear-it's on the ground in the
section with all the red coins) If you press the blue star box, you will
notice that blue coins go upward. You can use the jump-off-the-wall
technique to jump all the way up, collect alot of blue coins, and end up
on the level with the pink bomb guy.
     Red ! Switch: Q: I have 10 stars, but I don't know how
to get Mario to "look up" into the light. How can I get Mario to look up?
A: Use the Zoom-In button (topmost yellow button). If you press it enough
times, the camera will go directly behind Mario's head. When the camera is
directly behind Mario's head, moving the joystick only moves the camera...
and Mario will not move. Once you are in this mode, simply move the camera
around until you are looking into the light. If you have at least 10
stars, Mario will warp into the bonus level which contains the red !
switch.
     Mario's Hat: Q: Mario lost his hat, then I left the course and I don't
know how to get it back. How do I get Mario's hat back? A: Course 8: When
you first enter the course, select any star EXCEPT star #1. The vulture
will be carrying Mario's hat, smack him and he will drop it. (If you
select star #1, the vulture will be carriny a star instead of Mario's hat)
Course 10: A snowman on the ground will be wearing it. Just run circles
around him and he will die and drop Mario's hat. Course 12: The monkey
will still have it. Just pick up the monkey and he will give it back. (You
may have to re-enter the course before the monkey will be wearing it)
     Eyeballs & Snowmen: Q: How do I kill those big eyeballs and
snowmen? A: Let them see you, then run circles around them. They will
get dizzy and die.


Credits:
--------
     Kevin Lambert (kevin@lith.com) - Creator, organizer, and found most (but
       not all) of the secrets and stars.
     Jesse Howeth (ferrisb@gnn.com) - Helping with the locations of some of
       the secrets and stars. (Found Yoshi before I did!)
     Derrin Z. (dmzerr@inst.augie.edu) - For all the screen shots, and the
       first player I know that found all 120 stars.
     Foh Chit Yee (chityee@signet.com.sg) - Helping translate some of the
       Japanese.
     Scott McCall (capscott@nauticom.net) - Converted the HTML text to an
       80 column text file.



Thanks to Scott McCall for converting this FAQ to text format!

This FAQ is copyright 1996, Kevin Lambert.  It may be distributed freely,
but please keep the credits section and this copyright notice intact.

Feel free to mail me if you have any questions or comments about Mario64:
    kevin@lith.com

Check out my Mario 64 FAQ on the World Wide Web:
    http://www.users.lith.com/~kevin/mario64/

Also, check out my Shadows of the Empire FAQ on the World Wide Web:
    http://www.users.lith.com/~kevin/sote/

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