Platforming perfection. (Super Mario 64 DS (DS))

Member Name: dididave

Product:	Super Mario 64 DS (DS)
Date:	13/01/06 (253 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Bright, crisp graphics, entertaining gameplay and massive longevity. Multiplayer function.

Disadvantages: It is rare I say this, but I can find none!

Super Mario 64DS is a conversion of an old N64 classic. As a cutesy platform game it is an ideal conversion for the DS. With its simple controls, dual screen and wireless multiplayer possibilities the DS is ideally suited to this style of game and perhaps this is why Super Mario 64DS is by far the biggest selling DS game currently available.

As with all platform games there is little in the way of plot. The old adage of "princess goes AWOL" familiar to all Mario fans and indeed generic in all platform games is repeated here as the evil Bowser has taken her hostage. However, a clever twist is that Mario, his brother Luigi and an unlikely ally in the evil Wario have been captured and are trapped in the princesses castle. It is up to Mario's pet dinosaur Yoshi to release them so they can combine forces and defeat Bowser, saving the Mushroom Kingdom.

Okay so its not Shakespeare but the rudimentary plot does give some purpose to the game. As a 3D platformer Yoshi is able to travel around the castle and accesses levels within it by jumping through paintings Voyage of the Dawntreader style. Each level has a number of stars to be collected as the goal after negotiating obstacles and pitfalls from man (or dinosaur) eating plants and aggressive mushrooms to quicksand, lava and snow. There is a nice theme to the levels be it fire, snow or water and this allows for a variety in the gameplay be it swimming the murky depths for a star among a sunken pirate ship or sliding on your bottom down a giant luge there a refreshing lack of monotony in the gameplay. Although the majority of the levels are in essence running and jumping affairs the little touches within the game mean that you will not get bored be it losing control of your character as there arse goes on fire or being running out of oxygen and searching for an air pocket there are plenty of things to keep even the most hardened gamer occupied. Being a three dimensional rather than two dimensional platformer there are also allows for multiple routes and a freedom to roam among levels with several exits to a conclusion.

Yoshi and his buddies can be controlled via the touch screen but for basic controls such as running, jumping and sliding are more fluent and responsive via the D-pad and buttons.
However, the touch screen comes in handy when care or stealth are required as gently manoeuvring Yoshi, Mario etc around man-eating plants who have fell asleep or along a precipice is delicate work that clumsy fingers on a control pad just cannot manage. The DS is well-utilised in this game and there is a good use of the touch screen as it doubles up as both a top-down map and way of navigating precarious obstacles.

Graphically this game is clean, crisp and colourful with characters brightly rendered and everything looking very much like a Japanese cartoon. Those who remember the original N64 version will be pleased that the graphics and gameplay remain largely the same although the ability to use various characters different skills (Mario can punch whereas Yoshi can eat enemies) to complete levels actually makes basic gameplay an improvement on the original.

Music and sound effects are all very cutesy too with cries of "owowowowow" whenever a character gets hurt. Each level has a soundtrack appropriate too it although the overlying soundtrack can get irritating after long play. Even the darker levels such as those involving Bowser or the ghosts are very tongue in cheek with Bowser laughing in true pantomime bad guy style making this the ideal game for children of all ages.

The game is massive and has a superb level of longevity offering one hundred and fifty stars to be collected as well as time trials and secret areas. However, those who need a diversion will be pleased to note that by capturing cute little bunny rabbits around and in the castle you are given keys which give access to up to forty-eight mini-games accessible in the main game or via the main menu. These games are all played using the touch screen and vary from the dull "she loves me, she loves me not" to more traditional jigsaw puzzles and majhong. Collecting all the mini-games is a separate facet to the game further enhancing and extending the gameplay.

The difficulty level to Super Mario64 DS offers a nice learning curve with initial levels being straightforward and later levels offering fiendish puzzles and the "leaps of faith" all platform fans dread. Fortunately, with a save option following every level progression is a rewarding, rather than frustrating experience. This is a game that should appeal to everyone be it for the simplistic minigames or innovative platform play. The two-player option enhances the possibilities as it allows two DS owners to player four mini-games including a racing slide and collecting stars on a tropical island. With the advantage of only needing one copy of the game (the information being downloaded to the other DS in seconds) this is an engaging if short-lived diversion.

All in all Super Mario64 DS is a game with nothing to criticise. It offers something that should appeal to everyone and combines entertaining gameplay with a longevity rare in most platform games. Its use of the touch screen is sparing but effective and this is an ideal way to start your DS experience particularly as it is available for either with the DS for under £100 or without for £24.99 delivered on Play.com.

Summary: An essential purchase for any DS owner.