This is where 3D platforming began! Not only did this game start the launch of the N64, but it also carried it through it's entire life span as well, selling many copies and becoming a favorite game among players and pros alike. However, does the actual game live up to all the hype?
In this game, Bowser is up to his evil old tricks again, as this time he invades Princess Peach's castle, and steals the power stars (which is some kind of power source to the castle itself). Mario has to restore peace to the castle and stop Bowser yet again.
Now, in past Mario games, you had to go through every entire level just to get to the end of the game. Things don't work that exact way this time. Basically, all worlds are trapped behind paintings or walls inside the castle, so you will get your choice of what worlds you will have to do. Eventually, if you want to get all the power stars and finish with a 100% completion, you will have to go into every world and get all the stars, but as I said earlier, it isn't necessary.
Inside a 3D environment, Mario has a lot more moves to work with besides his jump. Mario can punch, kick, throw stuff, ground pound, and even more. However, Mario's jumping moves aren't neglected though. You can perform many types of Mario jumps, from the very high triple jump, gap crossing long jump, and the wall climbing wall kick. You will have to learn these different types of jumps if you want to get far into the game.
Since this game was released back when the N64 was first released, graphics will not look as good as they do now in the year 2005, but back then, a game would have killed for graphics like this. All the 3D environments are a treat to look at. Also, the music in this game is great!
Now, if you are insane and have never had your hands on a controller with a control stick before, the controls will seem to be a little strange at first, but its easy to adjust to, as they end up being some great controls. Using the C buttons as camera tools was also another smart move.
Replay value shouldn't be much of a concern. You have 4 data files to work with when you start the game, and since the game is somewhat long, you won't have to worry about much deleting files to make room for data. Also, whenever you want to replay a world and get a certain star again, you can simply just return to the world, select the star level you wanted to play again, and simply go from there.
In the end, this game has no real flaws except for some of the aggrivation you will have from your several attempts of claiming some of the stars, but I find that challenging, and when a game isn't challenging, its just dull and too easy. This game is really fun to play and anybody can enjoy it. I give SM64 a 10/10.
Create an Account
Member Login
