The game keeps the original third-person 3D movement of Super Mario 64, with Mario collecting stars to advance through worlds. Stages are more linear than the base game and usually feature 5 to 6 playable levels per world, along with themed environments, platforming sections, and hidden objectives. Players use running, jumping, double jumps, ground pounds, and grabs to clear hazards and reach new areas, while progression is tied to star collection and world access.

Learn each stage’s main route first, then return for optional stars and hidden routes. Linear layouts reward efficient movement, so watch for set-piece timing and plan jumps before committing. When a section looks risky, slow down and preserve momentum only where it clearly helps.