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4.5 stars - An old favorite goes portable

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 293 / 312
Date: November 23, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Super Mario 64 DS (2004.) A Nintendo DS rerelease of 1996's Super Mario 64, with new features.

Super Mario 64 was an amazing Nintendo 64 game - which wowed audiences all around the world when it was launched with the Nintendo 64. Unfortunately for Nintendo, the 64-bit gaming system went under faster than any system they had ever released before, and many of the classics were forgotten. Until now. The Nintendo DS, Nintendo's new portable gaming system, is STRONGER than the 64-bit system, and that old favorite is getting new life here. Read on for my review of Super Mario 64 DS.

PROS:
-THIS IS MORE THAN THE ORIGINAL N64 GAME. I was hesitant to buy this because I already own the Nintendo 64 version. However, I bought it anyway, and I'm glad I did. There are all kinds of new areas, and you can play as more characters than you could in the original game. There are also new minigames and multiplayer modes.
-THE GAME LOSES VIRTUALLY NOTHING IN THE TRANSLATION TO THE NINTENDO DS. I was afraid that this game would lose a lot when it was transferred to a portable system - I was stupid to have those fears. Pretty much everything from the original game and then some is here.
-TONS OF LEVELS. The many levels were one of the things I loved about the original release of this game, and they're all back. There are many new additions to them, and many new levels altogether! This game is much more than the original was.
-CONSIDERABLY LESS GLITCHING THAN THE N64 VERSION. The N64 version was Nintendo's first venture into full 3D gaming, and it was plagued with glitches. Not true here. The graphics here are a bit more simplistic and to the point, and I like it like that.

CONS:
-THE CONTROL STYLE DOESN'T EXACTLY TRANSLATE RIGHT TO THE DS. The Nintendo 64 had analog control - something the DS lacks unless you're willing to control Mario with the touch pad. Using all these buttons in their configurations will feel weird at first. For instance, you must hold down a button if you want to run.
-VETERANS OF THE N64 GAME WILL HAVE AN INSTANT ADVANTAGE. Not that this is a bad thing, but still, if you already owned the game, you're going to be covering a lot of familiar territory.

OVERALL:
Overall this is a very good game, and I'm glad to see it get the long overdue revival it deserves. If you're one of the fortunate few that shelled out the cash for a Nintendo DS, this game is the obvious choice to buy with it. Mario rarely fails to please, and this is no exception.

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.

Fun and addictive (even for my wife)

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 33 / 37
Date: December 01, 2004
Author: Amazon User

Mario 64 for the DS is quite a bit of fun. I bought it because of all of the DS games available during the release, this was the only one that was interesting looking. I didn't really like the game that much when it was on the N64 due to the very blocky graphics, rough camera control, and really frustrating movement controls. Now however the controls are a bit easier to use and the graphics are much better but the camera control is still a bit rough.

Overall this DS version is much more interesting than the original game. Having 4 characters to work with and all of their individual styles and moves really adds to the fun. There is quite a bit of depth, freedom, and replay value in the game and i just keep coming back for more.

When i bought the game i was hoping that it would be something that my wife would be interested in playing as there aren't many videogames that she even tolerates to play. However, between the game itself and all of the minigames, she plays it almost as much as i do. In fact the one day that i took it to work with me to see if it would use the wi-fi network there, she IM'd me and gave me a hard time because she couldn't play it.

There are a few things that i don't like so much about the game. First, the camera control is still really annoying, especially in tight places. Secondly, while the control scheme is a little easier to use, it can still be really frustrating at times especially paired with the camera. Third and most important to me is the lack of respect. I'm refering to the lack of respect towards Luigi. Historically in the Super Mario series, games that did have Luigi tended to not give him credit for his work. For example Super Mario Brothers 3 if you beat the game with Luigi the princess says "Thank you Mario...". In the original game Luigi wasn't even a playable character. Now in the DS he is playable but he gets mocked by Toad (on multiple occasions), act's like a screaming girl, and is refered to and treated as an overly sensitive, sickly, and weak character. Doesn't the guy deserve some respect.

Well, enough of my ranting and raving. Overall, this is a really great game and i'm glad that i invested in it, and i'm guessing you probably will too.

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).

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!

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.

Super Mario 64 for the DS

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 8
Date: March 19, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Super Mario 64 DS is a really cool game because I already own the original game but I never completed that game, but anyway, the game starts out as the player playing as Yoshi because Mario, Luigi, and Wario have been kidnapped by Bowser along with Princess Peach. There are also Mini-games that are unlockable by getting a key from a rabbit, which is really easy.

Standard Mode

The basic controls are the following:
Y - press this button while moving to go into a dash
R - Ground Pound/Crouch
L - Center Camera
X - Zoom Camera
Control Pad(or stylis) - Move Character
B - Jump/Swim
A - Talk to Characters/Read Signs/Attack/Pick up and throw objects

Touch Mode

Use stylis to move character on touch screen
L - Same as in standard mode
R - Same as in standard mode
X - Rotate camera right
Y - Rotate camera left
A - Same as in standard mode
B - Same as in standard mode

Dual-Hand Mode

Use stylis to move
X - Jump/Swim
Y - Center Camera
B - Crouch/Ground Pound
A - Same as in standard mode

Essential Moves

Backward Somersault - hold R and then press B
Triple Jump and continous jump - B, B, then direction of jump then B
Long jump - Direction of jump then crouch and press B
Crawl - R and direction of character

Character-Specific Moves

Mario
Power- * *
Speed- * *
Jump - * *

Special Abilities include the following: Floating Power, Wall Kick, and Wings

Luigi
Power- *
Speed- * *
Jump -* * *

Special Abilities include the following:Invisibility Power, Scuttle(floats in air), Backward Somersault, and Water Run

Wario
Power- * * *
Speed- *
Jump -*

Special Abilities include the following: Wario Whack(breaks black blocks),Metal Power

Yoshi
Power- none
Speed- * *
Jump - * * *

Special Abilities include the following: Swallowing, Flutter Kick, Fire Power, Eggs

This is a game that I would definitly recommend to anybody I think would have a blast and remembers the old 64 video game.

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.

The best game for DS so far, and probably for a long time

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 9 / 10
Date: March 01, 2005
Author: Amazon User

Wow. this is an awesome game. It really keeps you interested and wanting do get more stars and beat bowser! This is definatly the best game out there for DS, and like I said, it will be for a long time. The graphics are amazing. The 3D characters just will blow you away. Heres the main story line:

Oh yeah u guessed it. Bowser steals Princes peach and blah blah blah. Well yeah, thats pretty much the story line. But, this time Yoshi, Luigi, and even Wario are along to help rescue the princess. You start of as Yoshi, and earn power stars as you go along in different levels, and you can enter new rooms when you get the needed stars. ( for example, the room with an 8 on it reqires 8 stars to enter.) There are 150 stars in all, and a whole bunch of "secret stars" that are a lot of fun to find and get. All together there are 15 levels and I know that seemes like nothing, but it really doesnt seem like it.

The levels each have 7 main power stars, and one other star that you can retrieve from it by getting 100 coins. ( those little yellow things that heal you.) Hmmm, lets see that only makes .... the 15 levels times 8 stars... 120 stars in the levels. So as you see, there are 30 "secret stars" that Ill leave you to find on your own.

The multiplayer in this game is not one of its best parts, but hey at least it has multiplayer right? Ok, the multiplayer is baisicly up to four people can play, and you always start out as Yoshi, but wherever you go there are hats of Mario Luigi and Wario. ( if you pick up a hat of a different character than who you are, you turn into that character)

There are mini games that you can unlock by finding rabbits around the castle and catching them. Each rabbit will give you a key that unlockes new minigames. In the "rec room" on the main menu, the minigames that you have unlocked will be displayed. Each character has their own unique set of minigame of which to coose from. Sure its kind of cheesey with catching the rabbits and all, but the minigames are pretty entertaining.

This game is not one of those games like Wario Ware Touched that you can beat in less than 24 hours. Oh no, this is the kind like when you were little and you played Pokemon for like 100 hours before you beat it kind of games. Ok, maybe not 100 hours, but it took me about two months of hard work all the time to get 80 stars and beat bowser for the last time. If you liked any preveous Mario games, you will like this one twice as much grarenteed! * Heres how I rate it:

Graphics - 9/10

Gameplay - 9/10

Story line - 4/10 Yeah, its all the same!

Replay Value after you beat it - 5/10 while still working - 8/10

Sound - 6/10 The same music and noises but its not bad.

Multiplayer - 6/10

Mini games - 7/10

Overall - 8/10

I hope that you enjoyed this reveiw and that it will help you!

PS- please tell if this reveiw helped you!

Happy gaming - BeN

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