Super Mario 64 DS - 9/10

Ask anyone what their favourite game of all time is and chances are its Super Mario 64; the game that revolutionized the platforming genre and introduced gamers to the third dimension.
Super Mario 64 DS is basically an updated version of the classic N64 game. You’re probably wondering why Nintendo didn’t just make a sequel to it on DS. But the benefits are clear. Super Mario 64 wasn’t perfect so making a portable version that fixes its mistakes and adds more levels is like music to any Mario fan’s ears!


The game starts off in similar way to the original. Peach sends a letter to Mario telling him that she baked a cake for him. Of course, being the overweight stereotypical plumber that he is, Mario rushes to the castle. Only this time his underappreciated brother (Luigi) and his morbidly obese arch nemesis (Wario) accompany him.

The three beloved Nintendo Characters get lost and it’s up to Yoshi to save each one of them so that they’re playable throughout the quest.
Since each character has certain traits (Luigi can walk on water for some unexplained reason!), the level opportunities have increased adding a lot more thought to the puzzles. Despite this, Mario is still the most used character.

The game now has 30 more star missions than the original, making a total 150 star missions. This means that this may end up staying inside your DS card slot for months. But don’t get too excited.


The original Super Mario 64 was heralded for its perfect controls for the move into the third dimension. The analog stick had a precise level of control that meant that if you lost you definitely couldn’t blame the controls. SM64DS is different though. The NDS doesn’t have an analog stick and using the D-pad for a game like this often makes you wish you were playing the original. It just doesn’t cut it. There is an option to control your character with the touch screen but that gets annoying after five minutes.

Also included with SM64DS are the minigames. It’s a good thing too because this was one of the only launch titles to not feature stylus control as its main feature. The minigames are stylus based and at least they give first time DS users a chance to see what all the fuss is about. The minigames are fun for the most part but some are more pointless than others. (Remember kids, gambling is good for you!)

Finding all the stars in the game is where the fun is though. The sense of accomplishment you get once you collect every star is only rivaled by the sense of accomplishment you get once you beat The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time. But believe me, getting every star is no easy task but it is definitely worth it in the end.

Super Mario 64 DS has gotten a welcome graphical upgrade. Character models are much smoother, colours are much more vibrant, and textures are much better. It’s like the sequel it never had! As always the music is spectacular and memorable as well.

Super Mario 64 DS isn’t completely different to its predecessor. But for what it lacks in uniqueness, it more than makes up for in playtime. Sure the controls are frustratingly suited for 2D games, and some people would argue that this kind of gameplay is dated; but by golly Mario is back baby!

Gameplay: 9.5
Story: 8.7
Presentation: 9.0

OVERALL: 9.0

“Must have DS game for hardcore gamers”

Submitted by DSgame_boy 20/07/2009 441 9

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Super Mario 64 DS

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