Dire, Dire Docks



Dire, Dire Docks is the ninth course in Super Mario 64 and its remake, Super Mario 64 DS. Like Jolly Roger Bay, this course takes place in and about a large, deep body of water. The entrance to the course is above a large pool of water connected to a submarine dock by an underwater passageway. A variety of marine life, including Sushis and a Manta Ray, live in the first pool. The course is notable as the only course which changes based on the completion of another: Bowser's Sub sits in the docking area of this world until Mario defeats him a in Bowser in the Fire Sea, after which Bowser's submarine disappears, the gate blocking the passageway to the pond outside Princess Peach's Castle opens, and moving poles appear in the framework of the docks. Additionally, the level contains only 106 Yellow Coins, making it one of the most difficult levels to collect one hundred coins in.

During the events of Super Mario 64, a flat, watery portal leading to the docks was located in the basement of Princess Peach's Castle, separated from the rest of the castle by a Star Door. When Bowser invaded the castle, he sealed the door and used the location of the portal to his advantage. After Mario defeated him in Bowser in the Dark World, Bowser retreated to another area, Bowser in the Fire Sea. The connection between the castle and his new hideout was behind the portal to Dire, Dire Docks. Bowser also kept a submarine at the docks.

When Mario broke the spell on the Star Door with the combined power of thirty Power Stars, he jumped into the portal and found himself in Dire, Dire Docks. After collecting the first Star, Board Bowser's Sub, located on top of Bowser's submarine, the portal moved backwards, revealing the connection to Bowser in the Fire Sea. After defeating Bowser there, Mario could return to Dire Dire Docks to find that the sub was gone, the gate to the pond opened, and moving poles were now moving on the ceiling.

Levels
The level titles and numbers correspond to Super Mario 64 unless otherwise noted.

Star 1: Board Bowser's Sub
This level is the same in both Super Mario 64 and its remake, Super Mario 64 DS.

As mentioned previously, Mario must collect this Power Star he can fight Bowser the second time. Due to the presence of Bowser's sub and other changes throughout the dock area, this is the only Power Star currently accessible to Mario. The hero must dive down into the first pool, swim through the underwater tunnel, find a ! Switch on the dock, and use the blocks that appear for a short time to jump on top of the sub. The Power Star was located at the front of the sub.

Obtaining this Power Star gives Mario access to Bowser in the Fire Sea as the entire painting face is pushed back revealing the opening in the floor. On a side note, Bowser's Sub will disappear after getting the key from Bowser in the Fire Sea, replacing it with the moving poles that are necessary to get a different star. Therefore, re-doing this star is extremely difficult, though it is easier in the DS version because Mario can use the Power Flower.

Star 2: Chests In The Current
Returning for the second star, Mario should dive down into the pool. Around the whirlpool, treasure chests are located. Mario will need to open all 4 chests in a specific order to reveal the power star while resisting the pull of the swirling vortex. The star will appear near the whirlpool.

This level is the same in Super Mario 64 DS, but there are 3 chests instead of 4.

Star 3: Pole-Jumping For Red Coins
This level is the same in both Super Mario 64 and its remake. Red coins are scattered throughout the submarine dock. Nearly all are near the ceiling and Mario will need to utilize the moving poles. After collecting the 8 coins, a Power Star will appear above the star marker. The poles necessary to reach the red coins and star in the usual way will not appear unless Mario has completed Bowser in the Fire Sea which will make Bowser's Sub disappear. Alternatively, Mario can jump from the submarine itself and get the red coins and star that way.

Star 4: Through The Jet Stream
The next star is located on the floor literally underneath where the submarine was. Mario will need to pass through five rings that are being emitted from the jet stream. The Star will appear afterward and be right atop the stream generator. Since the current is too powerful to swim against, Mario will need to become metal and sink to the bottom.

In Super Mario 64 DS, the mission is the same as in the original, however Wario must be used to collect the Star, as he is the only playable character who can turn to Metal Wario in this game.

Star 5: The Manta Ray's Reward
For this Star, Mario must find the Manta Ray in the first part of the course. Mario must swim through five of the Rings that the Manta Ray leaves behind it. When Mario has done this, the star will appear just above the whirlpool.

This mission is the same in Super Mario 64 DS, however it is moved to Star 7, with a Koopa Surfin' Switch Star as Star 5.

Star 5 (DS): Koopa Surfin' Switch Star
In this Super Mario 64 DS-exlusive mission, Wario must be used to collect the Star. He must swim over to and hit the yellow block, avoiding the shell. Breaking the three black blocks reveals a switch, which can be reached using the shell. Flipping the switch reveals the Power Star, which Wario must retrieve before the time runs out.

Star 6: Collect the Caps...
To get this Star, Mario must collect a Vanish Cap near where Bowser's Sub was, swim down to the sea floor, into a cage at the side where the Power Star awaits. Mario could also combine the Vanish Cap with the Metal Cap to become Vanish Metal Mario.

In Super Mario 64 DS, the name of the mission is Inside the Cage and the player has to use Luigi in order to retrieve the Star, as he's the only one who can turn invisible in the remake.