Dark Dark Cave

Dark Dark Cave is a level that appears in some copies of Super Mario 64. This level is known for its unnerving darkness, coupled with the fear factor of what could be lurking in the shadows. It is a cave that is based on a real-life cave that is well-known for its treacherous terrain, known as the Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, USA. Mario must navigate through the dark and treacherous terrain to collect all six stars within the level.

Description
As soon as Mario enters the Dark Dark Cave in Super Mario 64, he is plunged into complete darkness. His only weapon is his trusty flashlight, which he must use to light up the path ahead. The air is damp, and the only sound that can be heard is the dripping of water from the cave walls. The darkness in the cave is so complete that Mario cannot see beyond the reach of his flashlight cap; a cap that is obtained at the very beginning of the level. It is an eerie feeling that makes Mario feel like he's being watched.

As Mario navigates through the Dark Dark Cave in Super Mario 64, he must master his platforming skills to avoid falling into bottomless pits and dodging obstacles and enemies. The cave is filled with perilous jumps and other obstacles that Mario must overcome to collect the six stars hidden within the level. Some of these stars are in plain sight, while others are hidden in the shadows and must be discovered.

One of the stars that Mario must collect in the Dark Dark Cave is hidden behind a wall that can only be broken using a powerful explosive box. Another star is hidden inside a secret cavern and can only be accessed by a hidden platform. And yet, another star is guarded by a giant underground dragon that Mario must defeat in battle.

Throughout the level, Mario must use his platforming and puzzle-solving skills to uncover the stars. He must jump across gaps, climb ropes, and solve puzzles to access different parts of the level. It is a daunting task that requires excellent timing and precision.

Magazine Information
In a Nintendo power magazine, information about this level was once supposedly revealed, albeit the exact details otherwise are relatively unknown. The only known parts of this magazine include this small quoted snippet, describing the level:

"In conclusion, the Dark Dark Cave in Super Mario 64 is an incredible level that is based on the real-life Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico. It is a level that is fun and challenging with unique obstacles and enemies lurking in every corner. Mario must navigate through the dark and treacherous terrain to collect the six stars hidden within the level. It is an exciting level that requires skill and determination, leaving players exhilarated as they conquer it."