Super Mario 64 DS

Super Mario 64 DS has finally arrived. It always excites me to see what Nintendo has brewing for our legendary plumbers. This time around, Mario and his friends must venture out on a quest recover 150 Power Stars scattered across an ever-changing, beautifully landscaped environment filled with interactivity and tons of action.

You will love how the dual screens help you navigate the huge maps and you will be playing this game for months considering its longevity value has been maxed out by adding mini-games and allowing the player to actually choose their hero. Each hero has different abilities that will allow you to interact with objects differently. I especially like Wario's ability to spin and throw enemies around, it's just so fun to do.

The Nintendo DS allows three other players to join into the action. Be quick or else they will steal your thunder.

I don't recommend the stylus for movement because all true Nintendo fans will not feel as comfortable as simply pushing our buttons we are so acquainted with already.

I love the fact that I can finally bring a high-quality Mario game everywhere and anywhere I go. The DS battery life is simply wonderful and the screens are bright and colourful…not to mention, this device is incredibly stylish.

One feature you're bound to enjoy is finding a cap. A cap allows you to switch hero and pursue your mission using the abilities of another legendary favourite. This adds a lot of dimension to the game, but be careful, as these caps are in demand and enemies will sometimes steal them from you. It's your job to get them back.

In terms of control, player movement is smooth and varied. Mario games have always been known for their functional game play. Although you may use the stylish to move around and interact, it isn't necessary if you're used to playing with buttons. The map screen is an incredibly clever addition to such games because it eliminates the common question, “So where do I go now?”

The sounds are funky and fresh. The music is upbeat and suggestive of what's to come. I've always enjoyed cued music where you know you're going to get ambushed within minutes because the music is beginning to swell. I find this to be very cinematic and it keeps the audience guessing.

Let's take a moment to talk about graphics. You will not find another mobile game to date that features such intense graphics within an amped environment like this. The DS doesn't slow down or need load time. Everything is just ready to go. In my fair opinion, the Nintendo's DS architecture has been optimized to run games better than other mobiles I've tried.

For those who enjoyed the original Super Mario 64, you'll be happy to know that many additions have been made to the DS version to keep you wondering what has changed. Maps that may look identical will now have secrets that you won't see coming. Brand new moves will allow you to use your environment even further, thanks to the DS game engine.

My favourite characters is Yoshi. I've always like the fact that he can ingest things. I remember the first time I ate an apple and laid an egg in Super Mario World, I couldn't stop laughing. All of the qualities you have grown to love in the Mario world are tightly knit inside this game, and will have you enjoying yourself hysterically in the company of friends.

I praise Nintendo DS for coming up with an affordable and effective way of bringing players together for some all out fun. Forget about each player having their own copy of the game. With Super Mario 64 DS, it only takes one. Thanks again Nintendo, this new adventure is having me see stars, Power Stars that is.

Game play: 9.0
Graphics: 9.0
Sound: 9.0
Longevity: 9.5

 The Good: My friends can finally join the game without buying their own copy. This game has it all and is affordable.

The Bad: It's nothing big but sometimes I wish I could customize what my hero is wearing so I can relate to him a little more.

Franco Santeli
06.01.04