|
The most recognized video game character in the world returns in the third-dimension for the N64. Mario 64 was the first adventure game starring Mario since Mario World, and people were hungry to see the mustachioed one go into the next generation of gaming, and it did so with great success. This game started the war between SONY and Nintendo, a war which SONY would go on to win, but this game gave the Nintendo 64 a chance to prove itself.
The story is like all the others, so I won't bore you with the details. This game does take place in Peach's castle. There are fifteen paintings, so to speak, spread throughout the castle. There are seven stars in each world and Mario has to get them to restore peace to the castle and get rid of Bowser who is huge in this game. Using the castle as the centerpiece was a risky idea but Miyamoto is able to sell us on the concept. The story does unfold slowly, but your actions dictate the next events, like going into the Dark World after getting eight stars and so on. It didn't need very much narration, anyways.
The graphics were unlike anything anyone had ever seen before, even in a PC game. They set the new standard and shattered the old ones that had been set by the Playstation. They haven't aged as well, but they do well enough. The framerate really doesn't chug that much. It only becomes an issue with a lot of enemies around.
The controls were good but they were hampered by a weak camera control. You could get around the camera, but not all the time. Sometimes you were forced to take a leap of faith because you really couldn't see what was in front of you.
The sound was explosive, using the new technology available to them to make new Mario tunes that fit in nicely with the rest of the series. The sound effects are really effective and hearing Mario scream after making him jump off a ledge is pretty cool.
The levels are huge and filled with little niches. The exploration is a must and you will be surprised at how much there is to do. Miyamoto made the levels filled with challenge and there is plenty of variety in every world, making it just that unique. This makes the experience that much better.
This game was Miyamoto at his finest and it became a legend for the N64. Only a few games have been able to topple its mastery. The whole experience is so unique and exhilirating that it really is hard to put down, and that makes it one of the best games ever. -- Chris Vavra, PGNx Media
---- May 21, 2002
|
