Super Mario 64 - 10/10
Note: This review is based on the Nintendo 64 version rather than the Virtual Console Version.
What do we usually think when we say Mario? We think of things such as plumber, red overalls, super mushrooms and fire flowers. And let's not forget about Mario's arch nemesis, Bowser who always seems to have a knack for kidnapping the lovely Princess Toadstool (also known as Princess Peach) from right under Mario's gigantic, Italian nose. Well, now we are able to tell how big it is thanks to next installment of Super Mario for the Nintendo 64. From its simple title to its revolutionary graphics, Mario is seen in a completely new world and for the benefit, excels the Mario franchise through the roof!
The story of Super Mario 64 follows that of its predecessors which is that Bowser has once again kidnapped Princess Toadstool and this time has taken over Peach's Castle and taken all the stars. On top of that, he has managed to the paintings within the castle into worlds. It is up to Mario to save the Princess and recover all the stars Bowser has taken.
In previous versions of Mario, he has the ability to enhance his strength through the use of the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower and the Starman. Super Mario 64 presents none of these items; the only item which does return is the 1up Mushroom which adds one Mario life. The Starman is not really in the game as it is just apart of the collection process and isn’t used to enhance Mario's strength. However, the losses of these items are made up through the different type of hats he can wear. There are three different types; the Wing cap, Metal cap and Invisible cap. As their names suggests, they can make Mario fly, turn him into metal or make invisible short a short period of time.
Of course, this is not the only change that has occurred in the revolutionary Mario game. Unlike previous Mario games, there was a single way of jumping. Super Mario 64 introduces several new techniques on the way Mario can attain height and distance. The triple jump allows for a variety of three heights and is the way to take flight with the Wing cap, and the long jump allows for a distance jump which can be used for leaping over large holes. The wall jump allows Mario to jump from wall to wall and is also equipped with a combination of punches and kicks and the Ground Pound, which acts as a stomping move. The way that developers have incorporated these new moves into Mario isn't just amazing; it truly is nothing short of revolutionary for Nintendo and the Mario universe.
What Mario fans may be disappointed in is that there is no Luigi, Mario's leaner, green overall wearing brother, and his faithful dinosaur companion, Yoshi. The only aid which Mario will receive is from the Princess's loyal follower, Toad. There are in all different areas of the castle, and will give advice or even give Mario stars for reaching a certain point in the game. Although he doesn't participate in any of the battles, Toad proves pretty useful for advancing through the game.
Through each stage, Mario will come across those lovable Goombas and Bomb-ombs which we all know and hate. Surprisingly enough, there are no Koopas to be seen at all. Well there are a few Koopas in the game but the only one that can be considered an enemy is Bowser. There is the small, green Koopa who avoids you and the giant, green Koopa who has a foot race with you. When you defeat the small one, he leaves behind his shell, which in fact can be used as a type of surfboard. It's quite useful as it can defeat all sorts of enemies and is exceptionally fast, but once you run into a wall, it disappears and doesn't return until you re-enter the stage. When you defeat the giant one, he'll give you a star, and he will become harder in the upcoming stages.
Each stage also has a mini-boss of some sort which is actually enjoyable. The mini-bosses have their own way of being defeated, which is quite simple to figure out and you are usually rewarded with a star. But the most entertaining boss of all would be Bowser. You will encounter him three times, and Super Mario 64 provides a new basis on how the Mario vs. Bowser will be portrayed from now on. Each time you face-off with the prehistoric dinosaur, he'll be stronger and have a new array of attacks which is bound to have any Mario crazed fan addicted to the new styles of battle.
Also making a new appearance is the camera angles that help Mario view his surroundings. What it is actually is one of the Lakitu Bros. is holding the camera on his fishing rod as he is broadcasting the whole thing to the Mushroom Kingdom. You control the camera through the use of the buttons, top C is for first person perspective and the rest of the C buttons change the camera angles. However, at times the camera angles automatically because of the surroundings and make it harder to control Mario from that point of view. Besides this problem, it works perfectly and allows the gamer to really take in the ultimate transformation of Mario.
Super Mario 64 shows just what Nintendo 64 is capable of. Graphically, it is one of the best-looking games for the N64 and still is. Mario, Bowser, the surroundings, everything looks quite splendid and compared to other games; it’s taken the first step into gaming evolution. The transformation from 2D to 3D must have taken an enormous amount of effort, technology, skill and imagination and with that said, it definitely stands out from the crowd.
Even the sound has gone under reconstruction. Even though classic Mario are favourites to nearly everyone who has played, Super Mario 64 succeeds in creating a new sound which lives up to its predecessors. Each level has its own style of sounds which is suited to the environment. Nothing sounds dark except for the Bowser levels, everything is upbeat and even Mario is sporting a new voice. The quick yelps of "Woo-hoo!" and "Mama-mia!" will bring out the Italian in everyone. Even some enemies have voices, despite the fact it’s not what everyone would think they sound like. Overall, the new sound sparks a new generation of sounds to come.
Super Mario 64 is the first step towards gaming revolution and unlike its predecessors; it definitely is one of a kind. It shows us, the gaming community what is to come from Nintendo 64 and the potential it has. As of Mario, he has grown from the two dimensional character of the past and become a three dimensional plump, Italian plumber who will only continue to grow in the years to come.
Submitted by renagadez
15/08/2008
100
10
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