Let's get it out of the way in paragraph number one:  Bringing mario into 3d was gutsy move at the time nintendo did it. 

Of course, nowadays leaving him in 2d feels equally gutsy, but the current comfort of gaming in 3d can be traced in large part to mario 64.  There may have been several 3d games back then but none carries on to this day with the confidence and pizaz of Mario (see Super Mario Galaxy 2 and its 40 dollar price to get it used at gamestop). 

Sound gets high marks not just because of Nintendo's trademark attention to detail with the sound effects, but the musical tracks for each level is pretty cool.  If you don't believe me keep playing till you get to the first swimming level.  Once you are impressed by the music, try to find the remixes of it at OCRemix.  Good times.

Mario 64 is a game that is not afraid to put an epic amount of crud before the gamer, because it knows that so much polish and shine was put into the fundamental game mechanics and play control that it would be a joy for gamers to tackle every single challenge the developers put before the intrepid plumber.  My one beef is that Mario's origin has been swept under the carpet.  Does he never get homesick for Brooklyn. 

I strongly recommend Mario 64, its spot on vizzed.com's front page of games is well-deserved.  It is truly a strong reason why the human race should endure, if only for more generations to get a chance to experience such a gem. 

Yeah, This is a Very Good game, Execpt N64 gets kind of fussy with me, (As well as the RGR plugin) And it doesn't want to play any game.
They rerelased this game in 2004, On the DS, I think.