Welcome everyone to another edition of For What it’s Worth, where bargain titles are examined to see if they really are worth your bottom dollar. Our look back at interesting Mario titles that have somehow found their way into the bargain bin continues with what was considered to be the turning point in the Mario series and sent it into the 3D realm in a blaze of glory and with no pun intended I can say that it was a game changer. Tonight we take a look at Super Mario 64.
Released on June 23, 1996, Super Mario 64 helped launched the Nintendo 64 into the consumer market and was a huge critical and financial success. Many belive it is one of the greatest games ever made but is it really the stuff of legends? Or is its greatness overly exaggerated?
Story: Bowser kidnaps Peach. Yup. Why doesn’t he ever try to kidnap Daisy? Just saying.
Graphics & Design: Simply stunning. The fact that Nintendo was able to pull this off in 1996 still seems as amazing to me now as it did back then. This game provides a lot of amazing visuals in a vast 3D world and when I say vast, I mean vast. The levels may seem rather small by today’s standards but too see these cubic and circular levels and being given the chance to explore them at free range back in the day was virtually unheard of. Every level has its own secrets, with a few possible paths that can branch away from what seems like the limits of how the level can go. Most levels tend to follow a circular or square like structure with several layers that you can access by reaching several platforms scattered throughout the level. I like the uniqueness of this design layout, as it allows you to see a sample of the architectural like prowess of the game designers. Looking at the level map feels like staring at a blue print. But enough level design talk. How do the characters look? Well, they don’t have the same mind-blowing, blockbuster look that their modern day counter parts have but back then these rougher around the edges, 64-bit versions of Mario, Peach, Bowser and his minions leapt off the screen. In short, it is a very beautiful looking game with wondrously unique level locals and designs and a cast of memorable and creative characters that leapt off the screen.
Sound: This was also a milestone for the franchise in terms of music as well. Considering the superior sound capability that the Nintendo 64 had over the Super Nintendo, Nintendo was able to help usher in a new age of video game music and Mario 64 is perhaps its most shining example. The music had the same up beat and cartoony style of music for the usual Mushroom Kingdom levels and the darker tone beats for Bowser’s castle and of course the creepy sounds with Boo’s Hunted House but this is when the series started to experiment with more, orchestrated music. The soothing sound of Dire Dire Docks being one example that comes to mind of the series new experimentation with different kinds of instruments in the soundtrack. Even in the levels that stayed more tied and true to the typical Mario formula, added a more orchestrated flavor to the their songs and it sounded terrific. It marked the beginning of new trend in Mario music and it was fantastic and would only get better as the series progressed.
Gameplay: It’s great but not without a couple of minor gripes. This is the first platformer in the Mario franchise to deviate from the norm of simply making it from one end of the level to the other without dying. Instead the goal is to explore each level in order to find star coins, which unlock new areas. Coins can either be found in secret spots in the level or by following certain objectives. I recommend getting as coins early on as you can because they will be harder to come by in later levels and you will need about 80 to face off with Bowser for the final showdown. Mario stills has the same jumping power as in his 2D adventures but he does have a few new abilities at his disposal as well like the butt stomp, which allows him to break through rock hard surfaces and the wall jump, which allows him to reach higher platforms. He can also punch and kick away enemies. Of course like any other Mario title, Mario 64 offers a selection of different power ups like the float power up, which allows Mario to float through the air. There is the metal power up which covers Mario from head to toe in a metal casing which allows him to be invulnerable to fire and allows him to sink to the bottom of ocean floors. There is also a power up that allows him to walk through walls. The invincibilty flower is also there. And of course there is the wing power up, which allows Mario to fly through the sky. The new moves and power ups work very well and add to the stellar gameplay. The game offers a good selection of ways to play and it controls very well but I do have a couple of gripes. For one, there could have been either a few more levels added to the game or the amount of star coins could have been lowered. It’s just that playing the same levels numerous can get a but boring after awhile. The other gripe is that the player must move the camera at certain points in the level. This can be a real pain, especially if you are trying to get Mario out of a tight spot and you mess up because the camera fidgets or you mess up trying to get the camera in the right spot. These aren’t major gripes but they do keep the game from being perfect.
Extra Features: None. Although the DS version has some hidden mini games, as well as the option to play as Yoshi, Wario, or Luigi.
Replay Value: Well completing the game is going to take a far bit of time but most of the more serious players are going to be spending some extra time to find all of the hidden star coins. Other than that the game is an enjoyable experience and will have you coming back to play it all over again when the time comes.
Over All Value: Retail Price- $10 Wii Virtual Console
What it’s Worth- $35
Hmmm. I’m left trying to figure out how to close this review. I mean the game is an instant classic that set the standard for not only for future Mario games but other 3D platformers, Hell 3D games in general. This is a definite buy for anyone who loves Mario, platformers or for anyone who wants a shining reminder of why they play video games. Although, I still feel that the 2D style platformers are slightly better due to a few minor gripes.
Until next time: Happy Hunting!
Next on the docket: A very special review.
