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The Game of 1996!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 7 / 9
Date: January 30, 2002
Author: Amazon User

1996 was a fairly important year in the realm of video gaming. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System dies out in the United States. Diablo comes out for the PC. However, the biggest news is the launch of Nintendo's amazing new system: the Nintendo 64, which was lauded for its beautiful graphics and a brilliant new controller.

Two games were released along with the system. There was Pilotwings 64, which was not exactly what was expected, but the other game was called the greatest game of all time (as of 1996, that is, at least in the eyes of critics) by several source. And it really was.

The first thing that strikes your eyes is its delicious eye candy. The first thing that pops out at you after the title is Giles Goddard's Mario face. And boy does it look good! But enough with the intro. It's time to see whether the game itself passes the graphics test.

Answer? Yes it does. Even after five years, Super Mario 64 is still one of the most beautiful games for Nintendo's crowning glory (speaking from a fanboy's POV.) The character and tree designs are very outdated by today's standards, but the water is still lovely (though surpassed) and some of the brick and stone backgrounds still are the most realistic that I have ever seen. Today the graphics would get a C by reviewers, but back in 1996, this game would get an A+.

But who cares how it looks. Let's see how it sounds.

The answer? Great! Before 1996, Nintendo fans never had a chance to hear Mario talk, but the first thing that greets you when you turn on the system is a jingle and the words "It's-a me, Mario!" and "Hello!" while a remixed version of the classic Mario theme plays in the back. But again, this is only the intro. The question is whether games sounds that good.

The answer, naturally, would be even better. Mario comes packed with a large batch of sayings including "Mama mia!", "Here we go!" and "Press start to play!" Unfortunately, everything else (other than Peach and Bowser) don't talk in anything else other than words. But remember the fact that this is a first generation cartridge game, and if people complain for Zelda, then they shouldn't complain here.

The music and sound effects are just divine. Outside the castle, you are greeted with the happy chirping of birds and the roaring of a nearby waterfall. Enter and the cozy castle theme starts playing. Each of the levels come equipped with music that ranges from peaceful to energetic to somber. The Bowser fight music ranges from rock to organ music, and it's all wonderful.

Now that the graphics and the sound are out of the way, let's get into the meat of the game: the gameplay.

The first thing most people would notice is how different this is from traditional Mario games. There are only 1-Up mushrooms, and the only pipe that appears is in the very beginning. However, Super Mario 64 is 3D, and most of those elements just wouldn't work in a 3D game.

The story, according to the manual, is that Peach invites Mario over to the castle for a cake. When Mario reaches the castle, he is greeted with a gruff voice. Wondering what went on, Mario explores the rooms and finds a giant painting where he can jump in. There, he finds himself in a new world, with a giant Bob-Omb on the top. He fights and defeats it (you'll have to do that part yourself) and gets a star. Later, he learns that Bowser has attacked the castle, captured the Princess, stolen the Power Stars, and has sent his army to take over the worlds inside the paintings, then the world itself.

Yeah, so it isn't much different from other Mario games, but that's not the point. The point is, there are 120 stars out there (although 70 is need to beat the game, but where's the fun in that?) for you to collect. Your misson to explore 15 worlds to find those 120 stars.

Well, instead of having a Super Mario and a Mario like in past Mario games, Mario has 8 life bars. Hitting certain enemies would make him lose 2 life bars, as well falling from semi-high heights. Burning Mario's butt will make him lose 3. Certain other enemies and falling from really high heights will make him lose 4. But don't worry. Coins and water will replenish your health. If you lose all 8 or fall down a pit, you lose a life. But for every 50 coins you get with a star and every 1-Up Mushrooms, you get a life.

Your moves include the standard running, punching, butt-stomping, as well as the kick, the long-jump, the wall-kick, the side-somersault, and the backflip. You can also swim! There are three special caps that gives you special abilities. The Flying Cap gives you the ability to fly. The Metal Cap gives you the ability to walk underwater and be immune to enemy. The Vanish Cap gives you the ability to walk through enemies and certain walls. Mario most employ all of those ablities to save the Princess and the world.

The Nintendo 64 controller, with its analog stick, makes it possible for Mario to perform the tasks successfully. (Just imagine travelling in a 3D world with a D-pad.) Some people complain about the camera angles and how you have to control them with the C-button. It may be annoying at first, but eventually you'll get used to it, and it'll come naturally, and you'll learn to play with the bad angles.

Super Mario 64 not only has good graphics, good sound, and good gameplay, but the fact that it is revolutionary (in that it brings gaming into the 3D world) makes it not only the best game of 1996, but possibly also the best game ever. That's right, even better than Castlevania and Super Metroid.

If you are a CASUAL video gamer, read....

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 16 / 31
Date: December 29, 2000
Author: Amazon User

Before I start, let me explain that I'm writing this review from the standpoint of an occasonal video gamer, namely, me. This review probably would not hold true for hardcore/professional video gamers. I have played all of the classic Mario Bros games, and loved them all, except for this one. For one reason, and one one reason only. For the casual gamer, controlling Mario in a precise manner is an exercise in futility. If you only play your games a couple of hours a week like me, if you are not a "pro," the human language cannot describe just how much this game will frustrate you. I mean it, the control is HORRIBLE. For those of you over the age of 21, try to imagine this: You're very very drunk, and trying to walk down an ice covered slope. That would be EASIER than controlling Mario in this game, in places where it matters the most, precise maneuvering in tight spots. You can't use the control pad at all, just the joystick. With all of the brilliant minds working for Nintendo, I would think that they could have developed a better way to control the character through the use of the control pad. Another thing. If you are prone to car-sickness or other types of motion induced illness, you can't play this game for more than 30 minutes at a time. Believe me, I'm not stretching the truth. I served 10 years in the USAF, and did alot of flying during those years, so I'm not exactly the "weak stomach" type. Would I recommend buying this game? By all means, yes, if you are a hardcore player. The graphics are pretty cool and have a definite charm. For all you pros out there, I would agree with a 4 or 5 star rating for this game. For the occasional gamer like me, I would recommend renting it before buying it. Your experience may or may not be as bad as mine..........

Adding new elements to Mario in a 3D world

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: March 14, 2002
Author: Amazon User

So what is Mario's quest this time? Save the Princess "Peach" by defeating the evil Bowser, while collecting 70 stars in only 15 levels (all 15 levels are contained in 1 huge castle). It might not be the best Mario game, but it offers a new 3D world and a whole new realism. It also has new features such as an energy feature, where rather than collecting power-ups like the fire flower, you now collect a gold coin and you get a block of energy back! Now Mario has far more of an offense rather than just stomping enemies, he can now throw punches, kicks and slide into enemies, making full use of the 3D plane. The enemies come to life in 3D, such as huge chain chomps, menacing goombas and annoying koopas The graphics could have been better, because they make enemies out of simple colors rather than textures like more recent games have. The music and sound effects are nice, because Mario now has a voice to be heard. There are however only minimal power-ups, such as Mario's Winged hat, which allows him to fly, and Mario's steel cap, making him invincible.

This is my favorite video game!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 7
Date: May 03, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Every now and then a start this game up from scratch and go seeking the 120 stars and the battles with Bowser. What makes this game so fun is that even though you master it there are several stars that are just so hard to get again (I don't know how many times I need to race the penguin down the chute before I can get one of the tougher stars).

I really love the music and the toughness of Mario as he beats the baddies into submission with kicks, punches and smashes. Though the graphics may pale by today's standards they seemed so far ahead of their time when the game was introduced (it was one of the first 3-D graphic games around).

I never tire of it.

One of the most innovative games of the past ten years

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: March 07, 2004
Author: Amazon User

I remember the first time I sat down and played this game at a babysitters house, about seven and a half years ago. I was amazed. I could not take my eyes off of it. The graphics were excellent, the levels were fun and the characters memorable. And now, after 7.5 years, has it worn off? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!!!!!!! This is STILL one of the most remarkable games I've ever played. Maybe only beaten by the newer Final Fantasies, Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Grand Theft Auto: Vice City.

This was one of the first games on N64, but surprisingly, the graphics were marvelous. The developers must have worked on this for years to make it look so good. The music is great, much better than music from older Mario titles. As I said, the levels are creative and fun, offering a wide range of exploration. The neat thing is, to get to levels, you must jump through paintings in the various rooms of Princess Toadstool, er, Peach's castle. The storyline is decent for a Mario game, but doesn't particularly stand out. As for the characters, there's Mario, Bowser, "Peach", Toad, and Yoshi even appears after you collect all 120 stars for completing various tasks within the worlds you come across. You will also recognize older Mario enemies such as Shy Guy, Goomba, Pirahna Plant, Boo, Wiggler and Lakitu (who surprisingly acts as the game's camera-man).

So, basically, if you like good games, and for some reason you don't already own this, try to find a copy before it sells out, I don't think this title is stll in print. Other epic games you need: Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, Final Fantasies VII thru X-2, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask, Halo, Star Fox 64, Mario Kart 64 and the aging Donkey Kong Country.

Still number one

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 6
Date: January 03, 2000
Author: Amazon User

I purchased this game when it came out, and to this day, i can say that no other 3-d platformer can beat it. I've played Banjo, Croc, Spyro, and Donkey Kong 64, and while some of those have their strengths, it cannot reproduce the gameplay enjoyment I had when i played Mario 64. Mario 64 is the latest of the long line of Nintendo's mascot. His embarkment into 3-d has set the benchmark for all 3-d platformers to follow. Everything in this game combines to completely immerse you into the game. The soothing music when swimming, the dark shadows underground, the chirping of birds outside the castle, they all combine to make this game a masterpiece. If you've played the other follow ups of mario, you have to play this. Graphically, the game is simple, but wholly effective. Large mountains loom in the distance, floating islands are light and airy, and bridges teeter up and down. This game is all about immersion, and it does it beautifully.

Real Fun in Real Places

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: January 14, 2000
Author: Amazon User

This game involves alot of interesting chacters and it has 3D affects in every level.Mario has alot of new moves that will destory his foes.The game lets you have fun just exploring the detailed places Mario is in.He even talks and makes sounds while doing curtain actions.You can have hours of fun this great game.

Its a me Mario!

4 Rating: 4, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: November 13, 2001
Author: Amazon User

One of the launch titles for the N64 back in '96 Super Mario 64 had only a small band of rivals at the time. The most prominent being Star Wars Shadows of the Empire and Star Fox 64. The game has stood the test of time in several factors. One you can still find it brand new. Two the previous games mentioned are almost impossible to find unused! Three for a launch game the graphics were great, but they are not as good as late comer Banjo-Kazooie. The story line is interesting and the levels are big, but not as large as Banjo-Kazooie. You have to find 100 Power Stars that Bowser stole from Princess Peaches's castle, and if you get all 100 you can go to a cannon near the castle, hop inside, shoot onto the roof of the castle, meet Yoshi (Mario's dinosaur friend) who will give a super new jump and 100 lives! The games levels are challenging espicially the last few levels and the levels where you fave Bowser (you have to beat him three times) are DANGEROUS especially the last one. From the sea to land to desert to snow covered mountain and to the desert and beyond Mario must battle enemies in 3-d and collect six stars on every level. Five stars are attainable by completing tasks while the sixth is attainable when you collect 100 coins on a level. The music is hummable and the characters are nice and mean. This is still Marios biggest adventure and with the coming of the Gamecube and the fall in price for the Nintendo 64 and its games, Super Mario 64 is a must have. I've had my 64 since Christmas '97 and also received Super Mario 64 which is still a GREAT game!

The First 3D Mario Is The Best

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: December 22, 2001
Author: Amazon User

Hello again, friends. What bad can be said about Mario 64? The polygons are smooth as silk, very, very, VERY rare slowdown, and the Mario we know and love.

Can anyone guess what plumber's job is in this game? It's to traverse 15 levels in search of Princess Peach. On the way, you have to stomp on Bowser's head. Thrice. All your favorite enemies are back, with the exception of Koopa Troopas. The goombas, shy guy, the Lakita Brothers, the moles, Bob-ombs, everyone's back!

At a graphics standpoint, Super Mario 64 is absolutely outstanding in every way, shape, and form. Kudos to Nintendo. 5 out of 5 for graphics.

A great soundtrack and a great Mario voice make for a great overall sound. 5 out of 5 for sound.

The huge worlds will keep you coming back for more. There is no way to put this thing down. 5 out of 5 for replay.

The final score? Go look at the stars.

See ya later. Go buy this game. Merry Christmas. Luv ya.

the beginning of the end

3 Rating: 3, Useful: 6 / 9
Date: June 26, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Well that's not exactly true. But Super Mario 64 was the beginning of when the Mario series really began losing its appeal to me. The jump from 2D to 3D didn't go very well for many of the classics that appeared on the NES and Super NES. Some of them were able to make the jump without many problems (like Zelda and definitely Metroid, even though Metroid never appeared on N64).

Others, like the very first true 3-dimensional Mario game (I'm not counting Super Mario RPG here) left me feeling unsatisfied. More often than not, you will hear from people who grew up in the late 80's that the older Mario games such as Super Mario Bros. 3 offered more fun. While many gamers who grew up in the age of the Nintendo 64 would have told you (and probably still WILL tell you) that the jump to 3D was the right move for, not just Mario, but Zelda, Metroid and everything else. In my opinion, no.

In the end, it doesn't matter that I was never able to appreciate the change, because Super Mario 64 has gone down as a classic, and many still believe it's the best game you can buy for the N64. It's not like I blame this game for the downfall of the Mario series. I'm well aware in the mid 90's video games were changing, and 3D Mario was going to happen eventually anyway. It was only a matter of time. Super Mario 64 happened to be the game that influenced future Mario games, and it's no one's fault.

Truth is, I stopped caring about video games when the N64 came out and that path of "not caring" continued until 2002 (I got into other things like music, movies and the internet, that's all). So it's not a big deal that I was never able to appreciate Super Mario 64. Please understand where I'm coming from. So if Super Mario 64 happened to be released in the early 90's there's a better chance I would have gotten into it, and therefore would have better understood the appeal of 3-dimensional games.

Now, it's 2006. Super Mario 64 MUST be 10 years old by now. If people are going around calling it a classic, then by golly, it's a classic. But to me it's not. I had a friend who hated all the old classic Mario games I grew up with such as Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World and he thought Super Mario 64 was simply better than ALL the Mario games released before it. Me, I tried Super Mario 64, and all I did was basically walk around in big empty 3D environments. When I got near a goomba it pretty much spelled the end for me since correctly using the N64 controller was never something I was able to master.

Now, since it's 10 years later, I'd be more than willing to give this game another chance, along with the many other 3D Mario games released in the last decade. I should also tell you that I HAVE been able to appreciate 3-dimensional games a LOT more in the last couple years, so the odds of me liking Super Mario 64 have increased.

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