The video explores the creepypasta theory that every copy of Super Mario 64 is personalized with an AI that changes gameplay based on player decisions. It debunks this theory but delves into why the game, despite not being a horror game, can feel unsettling to some players. It suggests that the game's early 3D limitations, empty and eerie environments, lifeless character expressions, and certain game mechanics contribute to a sense of unease. The video also compares Super Mario 64's vibe to other 3D Mario games and discusses the concept of liminal spaces to explain the game's strange atmosphere.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Super Mario 64 is a 3D platformer game.
2. The game was released on the Nintendo 64 console.
3. The game's code has been reverse-engineered, and its inner workings are now understood.
4. A creepypasta exists claiming that each copy of Super Mario 64 is personalized with an AI that alters the gameplay experience.
5. The game's graphics and mechanics were limited by the technology of the time.
6. The game's world, Peach's Castle, is a barren wasteland with no music or life outside.
7. The game's enemies have blank, expressionless faces due to the limitations of early 3D graphics.
8. The game features a "liminal space" aesthetic, which can create a feeling of eeriness and unease.
9. The game's protagonist, Mario, is often alone, and there is a lack of personality and characters in the game.
10. The game's beta version had even creepier enemy designs that were ultimately scrapped.
11. The game features a wide array of spooky game mechanics and graphics, including a realistic drowning sequence.
12. The game's age and outdated graphics can contribute to its creepy factor.
13. The game has a number of glitches, including the "backwards long jump" glitch.