Super Mario 64 DS

System: DS
Release Date: 2004
Published By: Nintendo
Reviewed by: Darien
Rating:

Keep in mind before judging the title of this game too harshly that it once was called Super Mario 64x4, which you must admit is worse.

Super Mario 64 DS is an improved, updated version of the original Super Mario 64. Improved in that it gives you four characters to play instead of just one, updated in that it features nicer-looking graphics than your average N64 launch title. How does it play? Well, it plays a lot like Super Mario 64. If you liked the original, you'll like the new one. If you didn't like the original, though, don't waste your time; the games aren't different enough to justify it. The only point in which the gameplay diverges wildly from the original game is in the controls - the N64, you recall, had an analogue stick, while the DS does not. The two solutions on offer are to screw the whole thing and play the game entirely with the d-pad, which isn't exactly quality, Or to control movement with - I shit you not - the stylus on the map screen, and jump and punch with the face buttons. D-pad, friends. Learn it. Live it.

There are a bunch of minigames of varying degrees of quality that you can unlock by catching good old annoying Mario 64 rabbits. Don't worry - the minigames aren't a required thing, just a main-menu extra that is a welcome sight in a portable game like this. The best of the bunch involves drawing trampolines for Mario to bounce of off so you can keep him in the air as long as possible. Trust me, it's more fun than you think.

There is, as is becoming customary these days, a pointless multiplayer mode. The best part about it is that you need only one copy of the game for up to four players, which is a boon for those people who know three other guys who own a DS and not Mario 64. I'm sure there are at least three people out there who bought it to play The Urbz or Spider-Man 2, after all.

In all, if you liked Mario 64, or if you never got to play it, and you mysteriously find yourself in possession of a DS without it, you can't go wrong here for thirty dollars.

Buy this game from Amazon.com!