Every generation of player has a level, one that sticks out in their memory not because it was fun, but because it was terrifying. Nintendo is predominantly known for its brightly colored and cheerful games, but it has proven it can traumatize not just children, but adults with its games. Lavender Town in Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue, the Well and Dead Hands in The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time are just some examples of how Nintendo has terrorized gamers. These moments are so unexpected in Nintendo’s games and stand out all the more for it.
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But one level in particular in a cult classic Nintendo 64 game remains one of the scariest moments for that generation, myself included. I still remember sitting in front of my TV, controller in hand and having the time of my life playing Super Mario 64. But that all changed when I played one level I was not prepared for, and not expecting.
Super Mario 64’s Haunted House No One Saw Coming
From the first moment I stepped foot into Big Boo’s Haunt, I knew something had changed. Gone were the bright colors and charming world of Super Mario 64 that still deserves a sequel. In its place was a level devoid of color, an ominous message, and unsettling music. This was not what I had expected despite the invitation to enter a haunted house for a ghost hunt because the shift was so jarring. As a kid, I almost didn’t even want to enter the mansion.
This feeling only got worse and worse as I explored, being taunted by each Boo I encountered. The flying furniture and secrets throughout the mansion only added to this tension. And that’s not even taking into account the giant eyeball you stumble across, the creep carnival music, or the endless staircase. One moment in this level stands out as nearly giving me a heart attack, a sentiment that many other gamers share.
The infamous Mad Piano is one of the most terrifying experiences in the Nintendo 64 era. It disturbs the creeping dread of Big Boo’s Haunt by springing to life in startling jumpscare fashion, slamming its keys as it chased me around the room. The fact that it cannot be defeated only adds to the danger and caused child me more panic than I care to remember. To this day, I am leery of any piano I see in video games and reluctantly interact with them only if I’m forced.
Why Big Boo’s Haunt Still Resonates
Even today, Big Boo’s Haunt still resonates with gamers decades later. The horror feels unintentional and out of place for Nintendo, scarring a generation in the most fascinating way. Upon release, it was primarily kids who played Super Mario 64 and as such were traumatized with Nintendo’s experiments. The vision is clear to see, as Nintendo wanted to create an unsettling ghost-themed stage to fit the Boos. The only problem is Nintendo was too successful in its departure from the sunny environments of the rest of the game.
This is why not just Big Boo’s Haunt endured, but Super Mario 64 has a reputation as the best 3D Mario platformer. The experimentation solidified it as one of the best Nintendo 64 games and Mario games of all time. The limitations of the console’s hardware, blocky textures, minimalist sound design, and awkward camera angles all heightened the level’s environment to make it feel mysterious and unsafe. All of this aligned to catch players offguard and take them out of their comfort, even if it was a brief moment.
Ask any Nintendo fan and most of them will remember Big Boo’s Haunt. Whether it was the oppressive quiet, the endless staircase, or the piano, many have not so fond memories of this level. As a kid, I hated this level and dreaded going through it again on replays, but looking back, I see it as a rare instance when Nintendo’s playful creativity instead led to unintentional horror and how it worked. This level in Super Mario 64 also feels like a rite of passage for those who played the underrated Nintendo 64, and it certainly has become one of my most memorable gaming moments.
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