Today, I wake up and learn that some amazing developers have created a hack for Super Mario 64 that allows you to create your own levels! Yes, you will be able to make your own levels in this legendary Nintendo 64 game. Finally!
So, let’s talk a little about Mario Builder 64. First of all, it’s a rather intuitive and well-designed tool. You don’t need to be a developer to use it, and with a little practice, you’ll be able to shape your dream levels in no time. Place platforms here, enemies there, add collectible coins, power-ups, secret passages… In short, unleash your creativity to create fun, challenging, or completely WTF levels, much like you would in creative mode in Minecraft!
Technically, Mario Builder 64 is a hack of the Super Mario 64 ROM. This means you’ll need to tinker a bit to get it working, but it’s within reach of everyone. You’ll need a Super Mario 64 ROM, a Nintendo 64 emulator, and the Mario Builder 64 patch available here, ideally with a legal copy of the original game, of course.
To install Mario Builder 64, follow these steps:
- Download a Nintendo 64 emulator like Parallel Launcher that supports virtual SD card emulation, which is necessary for Mario Builder 64.
- Get a Super Mario 64 ROM in .z64 format (preferably the US version). Unzip it if necessary.
- Download the Mario Builder 64 BPS patch from Romhacking.com or gamebanana.com.
- Patch the SM64 ROM with the BPS file, either directly in Parallel Launcher (Options menu > Manage ROM Sources > BPS Patches tab) or with a tool like Romhacking.net’s patcher. The Mario Builder 64 ROM is then created!
Once everything is installed, it’s time for hours of intense level design! The Mario Builder 64 interface is clear and well thought out. You have access to a library of over 100 elements to place in your level: blocks, pipes, enemies, obstacles, etc. You can also adjust settings like music, time limit, Mario’s starting position, and even customize the visual theme of your level. Whether you want to create a speedrun level, an 8-star course, or even an 8-bit calculator, you’ll have all the necessary tools. In short, it’s super comprehensive!
Your creations are stored on a virtual SD card automatically created by the emulator on the first launch. In Parallel Launcher, click the button next to the SD card dropdown menu and then “Browse Files” to access the “Mario Builder 64 Levels” folder containing all your levels in .mb64 format.
But the coolest part is that it’s super easy to access levels created by the community. Just place the downloaded .mb64 files in the same folder on your SD card. Whether you’re a fan of retro levels or hardcore kaizo platforms, you’ll definitely find what you’re looking for on sites like Level Share Square or Rovertronic’s Roundtable Discord server. And if you can’t find what you want, you can always create it yourself!
On top of all that, Mario Builder 64 even offers a special theme called ‘Beyond the Cursed Mirror,’ which integrates elements from the hack of the same name, like the ‘Badges’ system giving permanent power-ups unlockable to the player, or even a new boss called Showrunner. This pushes the creation possibilities even further!
And once your masterpiece is finished, you can share it with the world! It’s great to be able to play levels created by others, to see their ingenuity, and sometimes to pull your hair out over some really hardcore levels, and vice versa, it’s super cool to see your creation appreciated and commented on by other players.
Anyway, I hope this little article has made you want to try Mario Builder 64. It’s up to you to create now!