Super Mario 64 DS Review
3D gaming is normal now a days We see it everywhere. And when Super Mario 64 first released for the Nintendo 64, it brought console gaming to a whole other level. Everyone saw Mario as a 2D platformer, and a semi 3D character in Super Mario RPG, but never in high definition as the N64 portrayed him. Super Mario 64 DS is the old N64 hit, applied on a handheld device. Sure there are extras in the game that add to the fun, but it is still the same old classic Mario we all know. The only frustrating part about Super Mario 64 DS is that the controls will take a little while to get used to. New areas, and new characters will add excitement to Mario’s adventure as he ventures through the Kingdom.
The whole game starts off with Peach inviting Mario to her castle, until she is kidnapped of course. Mario then shows up for a party in town with Wario and Luigi. As the three of the enter Peach’s Castle, they disappear. This is where that green dinosaur comes into play. Yoshi who has been hiding at the top of the castle (in the original game), wakes up, and notices it is to quiet, so he goes off to find them. Eventually you get to play as Yoshi, looking for Mario and the crew. The characters are almost all identical when it comes to controls, so there are no worries there. Once Yoshi finds the other characters, you can then switch in between different characters throughout the game, which will be needed eventually. Mario is the only character that can do his famous wall jump though, so keep that in mind. Each character has special attributes. Luigi and Yoshi can jump a bit higher, while Wario’s punch is a bit stronger then all. As I said every character has it’s special abilities, so when Mario collects a flower he inflates like a balloon and can float around for a small period of time. Yoshi can breath fire when he uses the flower power, and Wario turns into Metal, making him invincible, Luigi turns invisible so no one can see him. As these features help you throughout the whole game, you have to use them wisely. The game’s learning curve is about 2 hours, so the average gamer won’t just blow right through the game, as it has a little more then the first game for the N64.
The controls like I said before will take a little more time to get used to, but before all is said and done, you will have no problems at all controlling your characters. By default the game is to set to play without using the system’s touch screen. For movement the D pad is used for movement, and the buttons are used for the characters movements, jumping, ducking, running, and attacking. The touch screen can be used for running, but it is a pain in the neck to use, to I would just stick to the buttons. Overall the controls are the only thing that lack in the DS version of Super Mario 64, but all is still well in the overall performance of the game.
The graphics set a record for console gaming back when this game was released for the N64. On the DS the graphics haven’t changed all that much… In fact, the graphics are just as good as the N64’s, which is a great thing, as this is a portable device, and it is amazing to see such spectacular graphics on a portable system. Another problem with Super Mario 64 DS is the camera angles, which was a problem in the N64 version as well. You might have to spend a little extra time getting the right camera angles in the DS version but again… All is well as you will eventually get used to it. I promise! When Mario flies is the worst part, as in the air there is much more space to move, so the camera can get pretty tedious up there. Overall though, if you were pretty good with the N64’s camera angles, then this will not take you too long to learn and understand.
The gameplay, with the exception of the camera angles is flawless. Super Mario 64 had great gameplay, and interesting environments with colorful animation and nice visuals, so there was never a problem from the start with the gameplay. With puzzles, and adventures for Mario and his crew, this game is sure to keep you busy for hours. When you fight bosses, it is actually a little easier on the DS, as you have a more portable view, and feel to fighting them.
Another cool feature about the DS version of Super Mario 64 is the competitive 4 – player mode. If you are near three other DS’s, you can play others in a multiplayer mode. Multiplayer only requires you to have one game cartridge, so that saves time, without loading, etc. The difficulty is not too hard in Multiplayer mode as the only goal is to hold the most stars at the end of the round. Your goal is to make the other players drop there stars so you can pick them up, that’s all. Doesn’t sound to fun does it? It isn’t bad at all, just the Multiplayer isn’t the best part about Super Mario 64 DS.
And we get to the music part of the game. Mario has always had amazing music, and it continues in this game. The same music that was used in the N64 version is used right here. The catchy tunes will have you singing them in your head for days to comes, so that didn’t disappoint anyone with any changes. The only thing that has changed is the sound effects when Mario or someone jumps on a monster, etc. They actually have a more realistic voice when attempting that, so that is pretty cool.
All in all the overall appearance of the game is great, and most people if any won’t have any problems with Super Mario 64 DS.
