Super Mario 64 was the best reason to own an N64 back in 1996. Even years later with the release of games like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Conker’s Bad Fur Day, it was still a must have in your N64 library and now it returns as a DS remake.
Originally thought as a port with added multi-player, Super Mario 64 DS wasn’t given much attention, much less thought of as a killer app for the DS. However, ever since the Gamer’s Summit Conference in Seattle, that has completely changed. Super Mario 64 DS is in extremely fine form, with a plethora of new content, graphics that have been noticeably upgraded, and a lot more as well.
Super Mario 64 was originally developed and launched on the N64 as a launch title for the console to combat the Sony PlayStation back in 1996. It was shown at the 1995 Electronic Entertainment Expo as demo to show off what was then known as the Ultra 64. The name soon changed, but Super Mario 64 still retained its name. When it was released alongside Pilot Wings 64, it sold one unit per every console sold, quickly selling over one million units along side the new N64, becoming one of the most beloved Mario games ever created, and also becoming the standard for the 3d platform genre. Many have tried to copy its success, but to this date, none have met that goal.
Moving on, the graphics in this incarnation of Super Mario 64 are brighter and livelier than the original; more wildlife has been added around the area outside of the castle’s interior. Textures though are slightly inconsistent due to the lack of texture filtering, which gives way to some pixelation issues. However, you will have to look hard for such impurities in the graphics because the small screen does a great job of smoothing over such oddities in the visuals. unsurprisingly, the game runs with a rock-solid framerate, which keeps the action fast and satisfying.
Audio is another place where Super Mario 64 DS excels above its predecessor. Everything is on par with the N64 original, and in some cases, even enhanced. Also you’ll have new scores of music for the new levels and have a full suite of voices and sound effects for the new characters which have been added to the game.
One of the first noticeable things is the change in the intro screen. A new sketch board has been added to show off the DS’s touch-screen abilities, you can access it by tapping the random character’s floating head. Also noticeable in the beginning is the intro. Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Yoshi are invited by Princess Peach to the castle to have some cake in this tweaked version of the story. Mario, Luigi, and Wario become trapped within the castle and Yoshi, who is napping atop the castle, becomes aware of the situation and goes after them. Yes, thats right, you start out as Yoshi. Every character has their own unique abilities, sounds, and moves. Wario can break things that other characters cannot, Luigi can jump higher than any other character, Yoshi can flutter jump, swallow enemies, and throw eggs. A new power-up, the Power Flower, affords the characters new abilities, Mario swells up into a balloon, allowing him to float for a short time, Luigi turns invisible, protecting him from attacks and allowing him to pass undetected, and Yoshi breathes fire. I am unsure of what Wario’s ability, but it is sure to be revealed very soon. 30 new stars have been added to the game’s resume, which in addition brings forth a few new levels to add to the appeal of the game. When you start the game, you are presented with 3 options. Those options are Adventure, Versus, and Rec Room. Adventure is single player, Versus is the multi-player, and Rec Room is home to over 36 unique, character specific mini-games for your enjoyment.
The Controls have been adjusted to compensate for the lack of true analog controls, the D Pad alone allows the character to walk, while pressing the Y button allows the character to run, A and B allows the characters to jump and attack, touch screen allows to directly manipulate the camera or simulate analog control, which is rather awkward at times, but is easy to get used to.
Overall this game seems to be shaping up to be a deeply satisfying and refreshing remake of the N64 classic. Look for a review to be put up around the time of release.
