Super Mario 64 (DS)

Manufacturer: Nintendo Part number: 73499

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Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 11 reviews

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Description:: Super Mario 64, the genre-defining Nintendo 64 classic, arrives on the Nintendo DS with all-new features that take full advantage of the new portable system's dual screens, touch screen and wireless multiplayer capability! 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 ... Read more

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Gamespot editors' review

Super Mario 64 (DS)

price range: $27.99 - $60.69

Reviewed by: Jeff Gerstmann
Reviewed on: 11/19/2004
Released on: 11/20/2004

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Today, polygonal gaming is a given. We've advanced through a few generations of 3D gaming hardware, and generally speaking, 3D graphics are in a pretty good spot right now. But when polygonal games were first delivered to the masses, it was a huge paradigm shift that not only affected the way we looked at games, but also the way we played them. Systems that could portray large, more realistic 3D environments used to cost thousands of dollars, but were now on sale for $299 or less in the form of the PlayStation and the Nintendo 64, among others. In 1996, Nintendo released Super Mario 64, the game that rewrote the book for the platforming genre, and in many ways, console gaming in general. It's one of the greatest games of all time...and now you can fit an updated version of that game into your hip pocket with the release of Super Mario 64 DS. Though the game's controls will take some getting used to, the addition of some new areas and new playable characters make the adventure feel fresh, and some inventive minigames give you a pretty great reason to use the system's stylus.

The game that created the modern platformer holds up pretty well in its transition to a handheld platform.

Nintendo has been rereleasing its Mario games for its handheld systems for years, most recently via the Super Mario Advance series on the Game Boy Advance. Now that trend has carried over to the DS. Super Mario 64 DS is, essentially, the same game that was released back in 1996, though a few new twists and turns have been added. Though the game still opens with Peach inviting Mario to her castle (where she subsequently is kidnapped), you don't actually play as Mario right off the bat. Mario now shows up for the party with Wario and Luigi in tow, and the three of them enter the castle and promptly vanish. Yoshi, who has been sleeping on top of the castle (which is actually where he was hidden in the original game), wakes up, notices that everything seems just a little too quiet, and sets off to find the missing characters.

At this point, the game sets off as you'd expect if you've played the original, with Yoshi hopping around, jumping into paintings, and collecting power stars. Yoshi controls almost identically to Mario, though instead of Mario's three-hit combo attack, Yoshi can stick out his tongue and swallow enemies whole, turning them into eggs that you can toss at other enemies. Eventually, you'll find Mario, Luigi, and Wario, and you'll be able to switch between them whenever you like. Aside from Yoshi's tongue attack, the characters control almost identically. Luigi and Yoshi can jump a bit higher; Wario's punch is powerful enough to break bricks that the others can't dent; and Mario is the only character that can triangle-jump off of walls. Also, the game's flower power-up has a different effect on each of the four characters, and this sort of replaces the switch blocks from the original game, which gave Mario access to different hats with different effects. When you collect a flower with Mario, he inflates like a balloon and you can float around for a brief period of time; Yoshi gains the ability to breathe fire; Wario turns into metal when he grabs the flower, making him invincible, but also giving him the occasionally required ability to walk underwater on the floors of lakes and other bodies of water; and Luigi turns invisible for a brief period, which also gives him the ability to walk through some obstacles. Since some stars require specific power-ups, you'll occasionally have to swap in another character to get the job done.

The original Mario 64 relied heavily on the N64's analog joystick, so Mario 64 DS gives you a few different control options that attempt to emulate the control in different ways. By default, the game is configured to let you play without using the system's touch screen. The D pad is used for movement, and the buttons are used for jumping, ducking, attacking, and running. While you can also use the touch screen for running, the other two control modes are somewhat better suited for use with the touch screen, letting you shuffle the buttons around a bit to give you more control over your character. Although the three options do a decent job of letting you control your character, none of them are quite as refined as the analog joystick that was used to control Mario back in the original game. The D pad's digital nature makes moving with it rather imprecise. It attempts to make up for the lack of refinement by being a little more momentum-based, but you'll still find yourself running off of ledges more often than you'd like. Using the touch screen really isn't much better. You'll have full analog control over your movement, but changing directions isn't as fluid as it should be. The control issues aren't insurmountable, but it's a bummer that the game doesn't control as well as the original. Super Mario 64 is a game that requires a lot of precision movements, and it's unfortunate that none of the available control options are quite up to the task.

Mario 64 DS puts on a great show from a graphical standpoint. This time around, the character models have an increased poly count that makes them look much, much better than the eight-year-old N64 game after which it is modeled. You'll still run across an ugly texture or two, but the game runs at a great, smooth frame rate and looks bright and colorful. The rough spots are also smoothed out a bit by the fact that you're playing it on a small, sharp screen instead of a television. The map on the lower screen is a little fuzzy in spots and isn't quite as easy to read as it should be, but it works. The graphics used in the minigames are also quite strong.

Super Mario 64 was an amazing game back when it was originally released. For the most part, the game holds up pretty well, though there are a few head-scratchers that may have players wondering how we ever got by back then. The camera in the game isn't so hot. While you have the option to rotate the camera manually or center it behind your character, you still have to spend quite a lot of time controlling it to make sure you're getting a proper view of the action. Also, some of the stars you're trying to collect are devilishly difficult to find, to the point that unless you remember the original game very well (or throw up your hands and read a FAQ from the original game), you'll have to run around levels like a maniac, hoping that you stumble upon the solution. One level in particular has you launch yourself out of a cannon at a specific, unmarked section of a specific, unmarked wall, which will then break apart and reveal a star. The only clue you're given is the objective's title, "blast away the wall." The section of wall is pretty small, so even if you had the bright idea of getting in the cannon and firing yourself at the two or three walls that are in direct view of the cannon, you still might not hit the right spot, and then you'll just give up. This can make for some extremely frustrating moments if you still aren't familiar with the original game.

The DS's touch screen is used to display a top-down map of the current area. Points of interest, like stars, are highlighted on the map. The map actually makes many of the game's stars much easier to find, unlike the aforementioned goal with the cannon. If a star is out in the open, it will appear on the map, making it pretty easy to grab. Each level also has eight red coins, which can be collected for--yes, that's right--yet another star. Coins don't always show up on the map, but if you track down a bob-omb buddy in each level, he'll let you see the coins on the map for a brief period of time. Some of those objects are pretty difficult to find without the map, and its inclusion does serve to make the game a bit easier.

While the gameplay has its share of spots that haven't aged so well overall, and the control isn't perfect, Super Mario 64 DS is still a lot of fun. It's a huge game with large, colorful environments, and it pulls off some neat tricks and presents you with interesting and compelling puzzles. The game also contains a handful of new areas to explore, though many of these smaller areas really aren't all that interesting. The core game and the fights against Bowser are still the stars of the show here.

If you're near three other DS users, you can play a competitive four-player mode. This mode only requires you to have one game card, taking advantage of the system's wireless game download feature to transmit the necessary data to the other systems. Unfortunately, the multiplayer is a pretty uneventful competition, where the goal is to be the player holding the most stars when time expires. So you will battle against the other three players, getting them to drop stars and collecting them for yourself whenever possible. There are only a few different multiplayer levels to choose from, and by and large, this whole mode feels like an afterthought. It's a nice extra and a great chance to check out the DS's wireless multiplayer, but it isn't something worth going back to again and again.

Also in the extras category are a series of stylus-oriented minigames. You'll start out with eight games, but as you play through the adventure you'll be able to find and catch rabbits, each of which gives up a key that unlocks another new minigame. The minigames are varied, fun, and addictive. Each one usually revolves around one specific activity, such as using the stylus to draw back a slingshot and fire shots at parachuting bob-ombs floating down from the top screen, drawing lines that become trampolines to keep three Marios bouncing around from screen to screen, or even playing a game of Memory at Luigi's casino.

The control isn't as precise as it should be, but you'll get used to it eventually.

Super Mario 64 DS retains the same music and speech samples used in the original game, though some new samples were added for the new characters and a few effects have changed. Stomping an enemy now makes a more standard, Super Mario Bros.-like "stomp on a goomba" noise, instead of the higher-pitched squeak used in the original game. The tunes are extremely memorable, and even if you don't already have nostalgic feelings, you'll still come away humming many of the game's themes. Just about the only downside is that some of the effects sound slightly tinny and they're played back at a low bit rate, so they don't sound as clear as they could have. These effects are extra noticeable when using headphones. On the upside, the game's stereo separation is very noticeable, and it does a good job of making you appreciate the system's stereo speakers.

All things considered, Super Mario 64 DS is a great update of a classic game. While some portions of the game have aged better than others, and while the control could've been a little tighter, the game is done right enough to make it a faithful update for fans of the original; new players will certainly find a lot to like here, as well. This is clearly and deservedly the flagship game for the Nintendo DS launch.

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Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 11 reviews
My rating: 0 stars

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 11

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9 stars

Great N64 Port, Vibrant Gameplay! A MUST!

by LiQuiD_FuSioN on March 30, 2005

Pros: Suprisingly Good 3D Gameplay, Vibrant Graphics

Cons: Makes You Miss the Original Sometimes; A Little Low in Detail

Summary: This Nintendo 64 port was one of the first games to help push the envelope for superb 3D environments and rich gameplay.

If you own a Nintendo DS, this game

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Summary: This Nintendo 64 port was one of the first games to help push the envelope for superb 3D environments and rich gameplay.

If you own a Nintendo DS, this game is almost a must have!

The game itself is not EXACTLY the original port and there pros and cons to that. First, the game offers you up to 3 more playable characters which the original one didn't have. You can now play as Luigi, Wario, & Yoshi, as well as Mario ofcourse. The small chip-like game also boasts tons of mini games inwhich some require use of the stylus.

The only real cons are, the subtle graphics, for instance, lower resolution characters, but we have to remember that this is a portable handheld. Suprsingly, this game properly delivers a rich gameplay experience that will make you forget all of that!

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

Better than the original

by Brian on March 6, 2005

Pros: New Characters, Added Challenges, More stars

Cons: None, this game is an improvement over the original

Summary: I practiced the original N64 version for one week prior to buying the DS, so here goes my honest and objective review:

One of my favorite surprises in the original

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Summary: I practiced the original N64 version for one week prior to buying the DS, so here goes my honest and objective review:

One of my favorite surprises in the original was catching the white rabbit and to see that as the very first challenge was a pleasant surprise.

It seems that Mario, Luigi and Wario (The Mario Brothers) have entered the castle and have not returned.

Yoshi is awakened on the castle roof only to discover that his friends are missing.

Yoshi must catch a white rabbit, who holds the key to the castle.

Once inside, the adventure begins.

It seems that there are more locked doors in this new version that require many more keys.

So far, every level has been improved. Added bonuses such as silver stars, which you must collect a total of 5 to reveal a power star is more challenging because if you get hit, one or more of your stars will fall and you must run after them.

There are more power ups and many more hidden secrets.

The most difficult levels have been improved to make navigating the levels easier.

For example, in the ghost house, once you defeat the Big Boo, getting to the top of the ghost house to retrieve the star is a breeze now (HINT: There is a hidden surprise in one of the coins at the top of the roof).

The controls will take time for you to develop your own unique playing style. For example, you can use the stylus to move around, adjust camera angles, etc.

Getting back to the game, there are more power-ups! Oh and yes, more secret rooms as well!

Some secret rooms you must visit multiple times as another character because each character has their own unique abilities that can affect the success of obtaining the power star.

The music is outstanding and delivers on the 3D model you see visually, you will also hear audiblly.

Keep this in mind, if a door requires a certain amount of coins, the very moment you obtain that amount, do not hesitate to enter that particular door because of all the ways to obtain keys and stars.

The power ups are amazing because each character has their own abilities and you will discover what they are and how that can work to your advantage.

In a great many ways, this game is a major upgrade to the original.

It looks like the level designers had fun redesigning the levels and making so many refinements.

Some of the most difficult areas were such a breeze this time around because of the refinements.

As a consumer, I really appreciate the added value I have with Super Mario 64 DS and I will proudly and highly praise and recommend this product.

In conclusion, when it comes to games (any game in fact), if the impact it has on you keeps you coming back for more, then the value is very high.

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2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 stars

Critically Underrated, A Fantastic Game

by brianmv on January 1, 2008

Pros: It's a portable version of the greatest platformer ever made.

Cons: Controls are slightly shifty.

Summary: This is, simply put, one of the greatest games ever made. Ever. The original Super Mario Bros. for the NES changed gaming forever by inventing the platformer, and this game ...

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Summary: This is, simply put, one of the greatest games ever made. Ever. The original Super Mario Bros. for the NES changed gaming forever by inventing the platformer, and this game changed 3D gaming by bringing the platformer back into the modern era of gaming. If that alone isn't a good reason to play this game, than maybe the new playable characters, awesome mini-games, and just plain fantastic gameplay will. The controls are iffy, yes, but they're not that bad to get around. A great nostalgia trip for those who have played the original, and a great game for any DS owner. Don't pass it up.

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9 stars

Great Gameplay Great Game Easier though

by ohno21212 on September 7, 2007

Pros: Great graphics Great Music Good charactors

Cons: Easier compared to the first

Summary: This game Diddnt lose its Fun when changed to the D.S. However The first was more fun in a few ways.

1. Its a lot easier then the orignial

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Summary: This game Diddnt lose its Fun when changed to the D.S. However The first was more fun in a few ways.

1. Its a lot easier then the orignial paticularly when trying to get the 100 coin stars

2. It was fun being invisable metal mario now you cant do that anymore

The major way the d.s version is better is that the grahpics are better especially with bowesers look. e.g. he doesnt look as wierd as he used to the nitendo 64 version almost made him look comical

All in all This is one of the best games on the D.S.

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9 stars

Incredibly fun!

by jackattack18 on July 22, 2006

Pros: Great graphics, fun game play, excellent use of the stereo speakers

Cons: Just a little clumsy controls

Summary: This is such a great game. The graphics look great and the stereo speakers sound outstanding, one level has you track down a ghost in a complex maze of platforms ...

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Summary: This is such a great game. The graphics look great and the stereo speakers sound outstanding, one level has you track down a ghost in a complex maze of platforms and doors based on his cackling laugh, its incredible how you can track him down. This game is addicting and really fun and the mini games truly add to the game play. The only downfall, which is completely overshadowed by the excellence of the game is the slightly clumsy controls, I occasionally fell of cliffs and hit walls, this game was intended to be used with an analog stick and the digital D pad its awkward, I'm sure control is better with the thumb pad on the wrist strap, but that unfortunately does not come with the DS Lite. I bought the DS Lite just for this game and I definitely feel it was money well spent.

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8 stars

A Very Good Game

by AMH9 on July 7, 2006

Pros: Decent Grapics, Innovative Controls

Cons: Grows Boring
10 stars

must buy for ds

by bailystevens on June 4, 2006

Pros: story,long game,good graphics... the list goes on

Cons: none at all

Summary: brilliant anyone who owns a ds should buy this

Summary: brilliant anyone who owns a ds should buy this
10 stars

Great Update to one of the Greatest Games of All Time!

by on January 11, 2005

Pros: Good gameplay, long (150 stars), extremely fun minigames, four characters to control, wireless single pak multiplay, great handheld graphics

Cons: Graphics not as good as home consoles (not that you would expect them to be)
8 stars

Mario DS is a great game for the DS and has far superior graphics to all previous portable gaming de

by on January 24, 2005

Pros: Great graphics

Cons: none

0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

Best DS game yet

by on January 6, 2005

Pros: New extras, interactive map, minigames, new characters. This game was remade for the DS in a great new way.

Cons: A little hard to control.

0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 11

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Nintendo
Part number: 73499
Description: Super Mario 64, the genre-defining Nintendo 64 classic, arrives on the Nintendo DS with all-new features that take full advantage of the new portable system's dual screens, touch screen and wireless multiplayer capability! 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. 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. 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!

Product Basic Spec
Platform DS
ESRB rating Everyone -
Genre Action
Elements Action - adventure
Context Fantasy
Number of players 1-4 Players
Connectivity Wi-Fi
Difficulty Medium
Learning curve About 2 hours
Offline modes Competitive

Game
Developer Nintendo
ESRB Everyone

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