"Super Mario 64" is known for its sense of freedom and non-linearity. A central hub, where controls can be learned before entering levels themselves, has been used in many 3D platformers since. In addition, the game's mission-based level design is an inspiration for other game designers. Martin Hollis, who produced and directed Rare's "GoldenEye 007", says "the idea for the huge variety of missions within a level came from "Super Mario 64"". In 2012, Dan Houser, a prominent figure in the development of the "Grand Theft Auto" series, stated, "Anyone who makes 3D games who says they've not borrowed something from "Mario" or "Zelda" the Nintendo 64 is lying." Tetsuya Nomura, a leading designer at Square Enix, stated in 2016 that "Super Mario 64" was the impetus for the creation of the "Kingdom Hearts" series.