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More Than A Nintendo Port - A Nintendo Miracle

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 10 / 12
Date: November 16, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Nintendo has surprised us by not only bringing back an old favorite, but by improving it at that. This new DS version not only provides us with the stunning visuals, huge world, and hours and hours of fun found in the original, it does it all in a compact size.

Graphics--
The graphics in this game are more than the average gamer could hope for. Nicely textured worlds in complete 3d, full moving models of hundreds of characters (4 of which are playable), and quick frame rate allow for all the graphic goodness of the n64 in a portable size. The only drawback is the smaller screen, but Nintendo makes up for that by providing the extra needed info on the bottom screen to give as much viewing space as possible.

Gameplay--
The gameplay is the best part of this game, as it is with all platformers. You begin as Yoshi and can turn into other characters by collecting new "cap" boxes throughout the level. You must use their various abilities to solve puzzles and defeat enemies in an attempt to collect the stars that Bowser has spread out throughout the castle. Speaking of stars, Nintendo has provided us with an extra 30 stars more than was in the original game. This doesn't only include more stars in the old levels; it also provides us with new levels to conquer. What's more is that even once you've beaten the game, there's a new "Rec Room" that contains dozens of mini-games. Each character has their own mini-games, and there are enough of them to keep you occupied for hours on end. What more could you ask from a new system's launch lineup?

Story--
There isn't much story to this game, but only because it's a platformer. The majority of the game is focused on the intense gameplay, and doesn't contain many story elements to slow it down. The only noticeable story scenes are the intro, where you begin your quest as Yoshi, and the ending, when you bring down the infamous Bowser. But with all the star-searching in between, you couldn't ask for a better mix of story and gameplay.

Overall--
Overall this game is going to be one to remember. Every aspect of it is perfect, and it all fits into the new game "cards" for the DS. So if you're thinking of getting a DS this holiday season, you can't go wrong with nabbing this title while you're at it. Perfect for any ages, and with the new system console size, its perfect to play anywhere. Literally.

The DS launch game to get!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 7 / 7
Date: December 25, 2004
Author: Amazon User

In 1996 Super Mario 64 came out on launch with the Nintendo 64 and completely changed the way we look at games! Since then, Super Mario 64 has been regarded as one of the greatest games ever made! Now, the classic N64 title has gotten a makeover and you can carry with you everywhere you go.

Nintendo has been notorious in re-releasing Mario games. Look at the Super Mario Advance Series. But Super Mario 64 DS is like a special edition DVD release! There's new features that make it more than just a simple "port".

Super Mario 64 DS includes new features. The game still opens up with Princess Toadstool inviting Mario in (and still getting kidnapped). This time though, Mario has brough Luigi and Wario along! The three split up and go into the castle.

Yoshi then awakens on the top of the castle (where you found him in the original) and notices its eerily quiet and sets out to find the three characters. You begin the game as Yoshi who doesn't really attack, but can make enemies into eggs and throw them.

If you remember the original Super Mario 64, you'll also remember that to begin a course requires you to jump into different paintings. Each time you jump into a painting you'll be able to select an objective.

As you progress through the game you'll note some courses are changed. Also, there are 30 more stars in this version (bringing the total to 150) to collect.

Each character has his own attribute that makes him worthwhile. Luigi can jump really high, Yoshi makes eggs, Wario is incredibly powerful and Mario is the only character that can do the triangle jump off the walls. You can change characters at anytime when you're in a course and you'll have to sometimes. You may need Wario to smash a block, or Mario to jump up a wall.

Some powerstars are also more troublesome to get than others. Luckily the DS has a map on one screen. This map shows you where powerstars are, making some easier to find than others. Other powerstars that are shown on the map but hidden may actually require memory of the N64 version.

The control scheme is where the problem is however. If the DS had an analog joystick it would've been easier. I suffered from falling off a cliff more than not simply because the D-Pad isn't as responsive as the joystick.

The other problem with the game is that it doesn't utilize the touch screen. You COULD use it to run and rotate the camara... but it's much easier just to use the controls to do that. Not only that but using the touch screen to run proves more troublesome than not. Sadly, there's nothing in which you absolutely have to use the touchscreen. In other words, it doesn't shower as much of the Ninendo DS's power as you'd like.

Some parts of the game have aged better than others. Some courses are just downright silly! Others are still classics, but it seems as though the trend Super Mario 64 began it can't live up to. The "collecting" trend it began seems a bit overdone in this title. The battles with Bowser have not lost their flare though.

There are also some mini-games that, dare I say, are addictive! You'll often find yourself playing them over and over again! There were moments I was so wrapped up playing the mini-games I forgot about the main quest. The game begins with only eight at first but you'll be able to catch rabbits that unlock other mini-games.

Graphic wise, this game is cleaned up and runs smoother than the original N64 version. The graphics are smoother and the overall presentation is wonderful! There's nothing better than seeing an old game get a facelift the way Super Mario 64 has. It also runs at a smoother framerate.

Soundwise let's just say it's an awesome thing the DS has stereo sound. It sounds almost exactly like the N64 version. A great soundtrack that gamers who are familiar with will hum it all over again. It's incredible nostalgia.

It's great to relive a classic. Some aspects have aged better than others. I wish Nintendo would have used this game to shower more of what the DS can do but the gameplay more than makes up for it!

The Good
+Lavish graphics
+Runs smoother than the N64 version
+More expanded throughout than other re-release games
+More characters to play as
+Stil hasn't lost its classic feel

The Bad
-It doesn't demonstrate everything the DS can do
-Some Power Stars require memory of the previous version found on the N64
-The Control Scheme isn't as smooth as the original N64 version

Very Challenging!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: January 31, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game is great!

There is VS mode, where you can play multiplayer with friends. You can even play it alone! You have to pick a course and get all the stars.

The adventure mode is the main thing. You can play as Yoshi, and later unlock Mario, Luigi, and Wario. Here, you have to rescue the princess, Princess Peach, from the evil Bowser!

I love the Rec Room, where you can play mini games. You can unlock more of them by finding keys in adventure mode. You get the keys by capturing rabbits.

By the way, this game is NOT the same as the Nintendo 64 game. There are so many more things to do and levels to play.

Hope I helped!

Wow. Just...wow.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 8
Date: December 31, 2004
Author: Amazon User

In my opinion, this is the best game of the year. Super Mario 64 for N64 was a classic in its own right, but apparently the creative minds at Nintendo were not satisfied. So fear not, owners of the original, 'cause this game has got a whole book of new tricks up its sleeve.

First of all, Nintendo decided that it'd be better to have FOUR characters to choose from (Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, and Wario), instead of letting good ol' Mario steal the show. And they didn't just say "OK, here's three new players, but they basically work the same so it doesn't matter who you use." Each character is integrated into the story, and to complete each course you have to use all of them. They also have unique moves and powers, such as Yoshi's ability to swallow objects and Wario's wall-smashing punch. You'll start out as Yoshi, but on your adventure you'll have to rescue the other three heroes.

Secondly, this game has tons of new levels added to the original 120 stars. Finding every single star is sure to be difficult--and a whole lot of fun. Not only are there the traditional courses with bosses and objectives with a star as your reward, but there are secret stars hidden in stained glass windows and even fish tanks. If you've played the original you'll probably know of quite a few, but don't think you're out of the woods yet, because there's plenty more to find. And rarely will you just "stumble" across a star--you'll have to work for every last one of them.

Overall this is just a really great game. You'll be hooked in no time, whether it's chasing theiving rabbits to unlock new minigames, or swinging Bowser around like a rag doll. Although the controls and cameras take a little getting used to, the graphics are as good as Nintendo 64's--at a fraction of the size. And anyway, as soon as you pick up your first star you won't be able to put your DS down. With plenty of challenges and surprises, Super Mario 64 is a must-have.

Amazing platform game for the N64, so-so for DS

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 8 / 11
Date: October 28, 2006
Author: Amazon User

When Super Mario 64 came out on the Nintendo 64, the control style was great, with the anolog stick controlling Mario was a snap. Now you control Mario, Yoshi, Luigi, or Wario with the Control Pad, Stylus, Finger/Thumb, or Thumb Strap. Most of the controls are pretty bad, and you'll just stick with the Control Pad, which is unfortunately the best control type of them all. Adding 3 new characters, and 30 new stars is new. However, most of the "New" stars are just extra stars in a level (1 extra for each level) and very few new stages. Some things in the levels are changed from the original, with the creators trying to make the game easier then the original. I greatly like that idea, since the controls are sort of hard to control.

Best DS Launch Game; By-Far.

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: December 09, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Super Mario 64 DS is pretty much the same game that many people may remember from the Nintendo 64 version, Super Mario 64. Super Mario 64 DS just about took that same exact idea and just improve on it by making the amount of stars in this game from 120 to 150, including a splash of some fun minigames, pretty solid multiplayer, and the playable characters Yoshi, Luigi, and Wario. This version is better than the Nintendo 64 version in almost every way. Why? It improved on the already fantastic original game.

Graphics: 5/5. The DS's graphical capabilities are nothing compared to the PSP as we all know, but this game delivers the whole Nintendo 64 version of the game on one cartridge, and more. The graphics are a bit sharper and less blocky, but you can see some graphical blurs here and there. Does it matter? No it doesn't, since this game features all levels imaginable from sandy deserts to a cave with a lake to platforms floating on lava. The graphics are extremely sharp and pretty to look at.

Sound: 5/5. The sound in this game is the best I've heard from any handheld: period. It is okay when listening without headphones, but with headphones; the sound is awesome. It's surround sound right into your ears. From Mario's "Woo-Hoos" to the sound of collecting a coin, Bowser's laugh, the music... everything sounds spectacular with headphones on.

Control: 4/5. The control is fine, but it definitely has some frustrating problems. Occasionaly when time counts to get a star, it can definitely be hard to get where you want to go. Since the camera angles are a little awkward, when in a strange position between 2 or 3 walls and you're trying to jump on a platform, you have to predict. Many times you can't see, but you can normally make it. All other controls in this game are great; it's just the camera angles that prevent this score from going any higher.

Fun: 4.5/5. This game has everything Mario fans want in an on-the-go adventure game and more; great graphics, fantastic sound, over 20 great minigames,4 player multiplayer on one cartridge, 4 different playable characters with different abilities, and a not-too-easy-not-too-hard story. If you are craving some on-the-go Mario adventure, this is the only one out there. Why would you need any other adventure game anyways if you have a game like this? This is a must-buy for any DS owner.

Its really 4.5 but still mind blowing

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: January 20, 2005
Author: Amazon User

I bought this game and was very happy to say it was worth the $30. It has been upgraded with 3 new playable characters and tons of new levels, with tons of mini games that features the touch screen. I have played with one of my friends wireless and it takes a while to load by thats life. But all you can do is race for stars, with a couple of levels to pick. I was hoping for a little bit more.Maybe like the main game co-op 2 players. This is a great game to start out with for a nintendo ds.
Hope my reviewed helped.

Great game from a great franchise!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: January 08, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Now we all know that mario is a gaming icon. one of the most notible of all time. Super Mario 64 DS lives up to its height. Its pretty much the same game you played for the 64 in '96 but you get to play as 3 new characters and the starts are 150 instead of 130.

Graphics 4.5/5 These are excellent graphics for the nintendo ds. All the water effects and fire effects are well done. Mario looks great in this game. OMG he looks so cool! Ive said this before, the ninteno ds doesnt have texture filtering so some objects are a little blocky up close

Controls 4/5 This is where the game falls. The controls as we all know are made for the analog stick, but the ds doesnt have one so we got the d-pad it doesnt work that well, but its playable. you will be falling off ledges and platforms. Also the camera controls are a little awkard at times, but good most of the time.

Sound 5/5 Its got all the classic Mario sounds from the franchise and from the n64 version.

Fun: 4.5/5 This game is overall pretty fun. and the unlockable mini games are cool. This isnt a game that you are going to be playing 1-2 hrs at time. You are going to play like 30 min , get couple stars and put it down. Overall great game.

REALLY FUN!!!!!!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 5 / 5
Date: January 02, 2007
Author: Amazon User

So if you like big, chalenging games,buy this. I own both a NIntendo64 and DS Lite.This version of the game is great.The minigames are really fun and they are not too easy. The game is hard and if I didn't know of some secret levels and how to get some stars, I would still have about ten.THis game has some extra levels, but they are all the same. you have to get five silver stars and then get the gold one, but that is pretty much the only kind of extra level.
You can play four characters:Mario, Yoshi, Luigi and Wario. You collect these characters by beating bosses in particular worlds.Such as luigi.He is in big boo's haunt.The characters also have special powers, such as luigi, when you collect a flower from a box,dissapears and can go through things.
The reason I gave the overall rating four stars is because the extra levels are all the same.
conclusion: I wouldn't buy this game for a 7 year old, but if you play hard games alot,Buy it. you won't be sorry.

Good Buy

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 7 / 9
Date: October 20, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This is a tough review. First off, I played the original SM64 back when Nintendo still thought cartridge systems were a good idea. The DS version adds enough to this new version to truly warrant the buy.
The added puzzles and different beginning add another level of playability for older gamers as well as people new to the game.

The controls are what get in the way of this being the perfect game.
Kudos to Nintendo for trying to do the pseudo-analog control on the touchscreen, but it just isn't the same. There have been too many times where I'm running around trying to do something and I'll fall off a cliff because, well, there's not true analog control. There is the standard digital D-pad, but there's just not enough tactile response or accuracy for my taste.

Ultimately, the game is a blast. The controls can get extremely frustrating (I can be tricky, but it's never been THAT hard to stomp on a goomba.) If you own a DS Lite, [...](I was lucky enough to get one as a free gift.)

Again, this is a very good game. With all the DS titles available now, though, I'd put this lower on your video game shopping list. It's not a waste of money, but DS games have evolved over the years since SM64 was released. Still good, but definately not the best.

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