Below are user reviews of Super Mario 64 and on the right are links to professionally written reviews.
The summary of review scores shows the distribution of scores given by the professional reviewers for Super Mario 64.
Column height indicates the number of reviews with a score within the range shown at the bottom of the column.
Higher scores (columns further towards the right) are better.
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User Reviews (1 - 11 of 239)
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A Classic Game with New Spins!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 113 / 129
Date: November 22, 2004
Author: Amazon User
If you love Mario 64 you of course are going to love having your old game back in a handheld version. The game, however, is even better now that it is on the DS!
You start out as Yoshi but get to unlock doors to become Mario, Luigi and Wario! Having the map on the bottom screen is a wonderful feature and the plethora of mini-games is very exciting. You get to unlock them the more you play. The mini-games themselves are worth the purchase. You will really get a chance to use the stylus and the new touch screen capabilities.
This is a game for everyone. Parents will even enjoy several of the mini-games which are even accessible to those of us who are game-play challenged.
A must have for the DS.
Almost perfection!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 27 / 32
Date: November 22, 2004
Author: Amazon User
first and foremost, I have to apologize to everyone who will not be able to own a DS this holiday season, as they are now all but sold. There are rumors of a second shipment arriving in December, but it's just a rumor. I was fortunate enough to wait three hours in line to obtain my DS so I am grateful to be able to write this review. WIth that said...
Mario DS is probably the best overall game that is available for the launch. Even though the game is already 8 years old, it still plays remarkably well. Nintendo really added enough things to keep it interesting for even the most seasoned gamers. 4 playable characters, wireless multiplayer, AWESOME mini games... all great stuff. This is easily worth the $30 (or more) you'll pay for it. The game probably will end up giving you 20-25 hours to completely conquer it, which is good for a handheld. Graphics are beautiful, and the touch screen really does make it a unique experience to play (esp. in the minigames). My only complaint is that the control is just a little too rough (which is mainly because of DS's lack of a joystick, a necessity in 3d gaming).
Overall, if you are considering this game at all, jump on it, whether its new to you or, like me, you have beaten it several times. It will have a very nostalgic feeling.
OVERALL SCORE: 9.1/10, which I'll translate to an even 5 stars!
Very Good
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 29 / 32
Date: November 28, 2004
Author: Amazon User
I have to admit that I was completely suprised at how much I enjoy this game. The advances Nintendo has made over its "GameBoy Advanced" is amazing. In fact, just the "mini" games in Super Mario 64 has more entertainment value than almost any Gameboy Advanced Game. Another thing that is amazing is the size of the game... it is the size of a standard flash memory card, which makes Nintendo DS games about 75% smaller than those for GB Adv.
As far as the game itself- it is completely what you expect...Nitendo 64's Super Mario, but with a few new tricks. This has always been one of my favorite games - The last "real" Mario game before Nintendo turned everything into a "Mario" game. The game is very playable, however, I didn't find the touch screen to be too helpful (although it is very well incorporated in some of the mini games).
I can honestly give thisgame 5 full stars - and say that it is a bargain at only $30 (Which is what I paid for the game).
A Repackaged, Improved Mario Platforming Classic
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 12 / 12
Date: December 14, 2004
Author: Amazon User
Just bought this game to play with my new DS. The original 64 version made me nauseous (from the graphics), so I stopped playing it after a few weeks.
This game is a lot of fun. You start playing as Yoshi, and must rescue other characters throughout the game (including Mario) who then become playable. The levels are very well-rendered, and feature the fun characters that have made Nintendo famous (Princess Peach, Toad, etc.)
As well as a slightly revamped Mario 64, the game also includes several unlockabl mini-games that are a lot of fun. Making ample use of the touch screen, these games are quick and fun time wasters that I've actually spent as much time playing as Mario64 DS itself!
All in all, unless you really hated Mario 64 or dislike platformers, this is a good game. For any fans of Nintendo's Mario games, this is a must own.
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.
After Sunshine, Mario truly gets his day in the sun!!!
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 9 / 10
Date: November 26, 2004
Author: Amazon User
Many people dreamed of the day Mario would hit the Gamecube. Along came Mario Sunshine but with some disappointment, it just didn't quite live up to the hype. What could Mario possibly do to regain his place in our hearts? How about a rerelease of the original, wildly popular Mario 64 (with MANY additions and improvements) on the new Nintendo DS!
The first thing you notice while setting out on your adventure is the vastly improved graphics. Everything looks crisper, cleaner, and sharper than the original. It is a beautiful game to explore. If you enjoyed the original 64 bit adventure, then you will love this 96 bit masterpiece.
Mario lacks nothing in the sound department either. New voiceovers and remixed music join the originals voices and tunes to create a very pleasant sounding experience. Nothing sounded "tinny" here. The virtual surround sound even allows you to hear when something is approaching from behind. No problems here.
The issue on everyone's mind is in the control department. Does it work? The short answer is yes, with some practice. Remember that the original used an analog stick for movement so some small compromises had to be made. It can be controlled in 3 different ways.
1)You can use the control pad for movement. It works fairly well. Most of the trouble stems from the inability to be really precise with your movements. You may find it hard to cross a narrow bridge or sneak by a sleeping enemy, but overall it's decent.
2)The second method is using the enclosed thumbpad and sliding it on the touchscreen for simulated analog control. This is the most natural of the three. You simply place the pad (or your bare thumb) anywhere on the screen. That point becomes the "neutral point" so the further you slide your thumb away from it, the faster you will move. You can reset the neutral point at anytime by simply lifting your thumb from the screen and setting it in a more comfortable spot.
3)The last way is to use the stylus for movement and either the ABX and Y buttons or the control pad (which functions the same as ABXY). The advantage here is that you can move with either hand and jump, punch, etc. with the other. It's pretty effective overall just like method #2; I just don't use it much.
Many addtions were made to the original. The game now includes four playable characters (Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Yoshi) as well as 30 more stars than the original. Also included are several minigames which are extraordinarily fun and are great to play when you have just a few minutes.
All in all this game is well worth the $30-$35. It showcases many of the features and much of the potential that the DS possesses. It is one game that no DS owner should be without, and it does a wonderful job bringing Mario back into the limelight (or sunshine as the case may be)!!!
a great game
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 9 / 10
Date: December 01, 2004
Author: Amazon User
This is definatly one of the best games I have ever played. The graphics are awesome, I'd say better than those on the nintendo 64. The stereo sound is great too, if someone is sneeking up on your right side, you hear a noise from that side, and are able to react quickly. It is a little bit easier noticing these noises with headphones, but the speakers on the system do a great job without headphones. I would also like to point out that J. Morrison is incorrect, you can switch between using either the control pad to control mario, or the touchscreen,(I like the control pad because my hands are big).
I think that this game deserves 5 out of 5 stars, and long time gamers or newer ones will enjoy this classic game.
Mario 64 review.
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 4 / 5
Date: April 01, 2007
Author: Amazon User
This game is a great port over from the orignial. Everything works great. My only gripe about it is the directioal pad is a little bit more difficult than the joy stick the original control had on the N64. It takes a little getting used to, but its nothing that detracts from the game play. The new levels and the use of the new characters are great.
Mario 64 DS
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 4 / 4
Date: September 02, 2005
Author: Amazon User
Mario has been out long since i was born. Its one of the best games that was played back then. when technology has grown, graphics and gameplay has improved. storyline was based on the original Nintendo's Super Mario 64 for Nintendo 64. They made improvements on the new version on the DS. they included some characters that you can play and some new levels were added to the game. I believe before, the Nintendo 64 version, Super Mario 64 is a game where you have to save princess toadstool and other specific things. you also have to collect certain stars to get to certain places. In the Nintendo 64 version, you have to collect 120 stars while the new verion on the Nintendo DS, you have to collect 150 stars, Making this game longer, harder and much more fun. I rate this game a 5 out of 5.
Some technical features of this game from the offical Nintendo Website:
Features
* Play as Mario, Yoshi, Luigi and even Wario. You'll need to use each one's unique abilities to find 150 Power Stars hidden in the castle and grounds.
* Play through Adventure mode and try your stylus-wielding hand at tons of new touch-sensitive mini-games.
* Battle up to three friends in Wireless Versus mode, which you can play with only one Super Mario 64 DS game card.
Each of the four main characters has multiple jumping moves that cover great horizontal and vertical distances. Each has unique moves: Yoshi can eat enemies and turn them into eggs that he can throw; Mario can punch, kick and wall-jump to great heights; super-strong Wario can break certain blocks; and Luigi can jump incredibly high. Power Flowers give each character even cooler powers, like invisibility, fire breath or the power to float through the air.
Story
Answering an invitation, Mario, Luigi and Wario set out for a royal party with Princess Peach. When they arrive at the castle, though, they find it strangely empty. Meanwhile, Yoshi awakes from a rooftop nap to find the castle eerily silent, with Mario, Luigi and Wario nowhere to be seen. Yoshi soon discovers that Bowser has pilfered the castle's Power Stars and imprisoned the Toads in the castle's immense collection of paintings. It's up to the dynamic dino to figure out what happened to Mario, Luigi and Wario and save the day.
Bottom Line
Super Mario 64 DS is much more than just a port of the Nintendo 64 version of the game. New worlds, new characters, new moves and the addition of action-packed minigames make this title bigger and better than ever before!
An Excellent Edition to any Gamer's Collection
5
Rating: 5,
Useful: 5 / 6
Date: November 27, 2004
Author: Amazon User
This is a great game. The graphics are excellent. It is a lot like Super Mario 64 for the N64. I still like it because the graphics are better than the N64 which makes it look real. An excellent edition to any Mario fan.
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