Game Statistics

• 15 levels.
• 3 Bowser levels.
• 120 stars to collect.
• 64 megabit cartridge.
• Battery backed memory to save game data.
• 4 data save slots.

Game Design
Super Mario 64 was a groundbreaking title because it defined the 3-D platformer genre. With this game, Nintendo had a great challenge on their hand. They had to develop a good 3-D game engine, introduce gamers to 3-D games and they had to make sure that Super Mario 64 felt like the old Mario side scrollers. Nintendo succeeded.

Super Mario 64 consists of 15 different levels. The levels are accessed through peach's castle. Peach's castle acts like the overworld maps that exist in Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World. Because this game takes place in a 3 dimensional world, there is no real end to a level like in the 2-D games. Instead Mario must perform specific tasks to get stars. In each level several stars can be collected. Stars can be collected in a variety of ways such as getting to a specific location, defeating a boss, winning a race, solving a puzzle or by collecting 100 coins.

This game has all of the levels you would expect in a Mario game. There are levels in fields, levels under water, ghost levels, lava levels, snow levels. It's all here; it's all great.

This single best aspect of this game's design is that it is just as addictive as the original 2-D games.

Graphics
When Super Mario 64 was released, it was considered a graphical marvel. Everything from the character design to the level design looked amazing. This game was the first game where motion capture technology was used with Mario. Every single action that Mario has is smoothly animated and accurate. Being one of the first games on a 64-bit system, Super Mario 64 contained graphical effects that had not been done on the Sony PlayStation or Sega Saturn. Super Mario 64 was on of the first games to have semi-transparent polygonal characters (Boos). While this game may not be graphically impressive now, it was back in the day.

Sound
Super Mario 64 contains very realistic sound effects. When Mario is running, you can tell what he is running on; be it grass, cement or wood. For every action Mario has or any character for that matter, there will be a realistic sound effect. Super Mario 64 was the first game where you heard Mario talk. Mario's voice gave the game real character.

The music in this game is fantastic. Several themes in this game are legendary. The underwater and Bowser themes are my personal favourite. The themes in this game really get you into the Mario feel. You will find yourself humming these tunes at school or work as well.

Control
The Nintendo 64 controller was developed for this game. The control stick allowed for accurate control of Mario in a 360° environment. If you tilt the control stick very slightly, Mario will tip-toe, if you tilt the control stick a bit more, Mario will walk and if you crank the control stick, Mario will run at fun speed. Mario has tons of moves in this game from crawling, punching, kicking to side steps, wall kick, back flips and triple jumps. The only problem with the control style is the camera controls. The game uses the C buttons for camera operation. While it is not hard to adjust your camera, you may encounter problems finding the optimum angle in certain situations.

Satisfaction
Super Mario 64 is a very addictive and fun game. The game has just the perfect level of challenge, not too hard, not too easy.

Replay Value/Game Length
With over 15 levels and 120 stars to collect, Super Mario 64 lasts a long time. While 120 stars are not needed to reach the final boss, almost every gamer will want to collect them all. This game will last about 20 to 25 hours on average.

Overall
Super Mario 64 is a stellar game. Very exciting and very challenging. It defined the 3-D platformer genre. You owe it to yourself to play this game.

Game Design	10
Mechanics	10
Innovation	10
Originality	10
Extras	10
Depth	10
Graphics	8.7
Character/Animation	9.0
Environment	7.0
Framerate	10
Sound	9.3
Music	9.5
Sound FX/Voice	9.0
Control	9.7
During Play	10
Menus	10
Functionality	9.0
Satisfaction	10
Challenge	10
Fun-Factor	10
Replay Value/Game Length	10
FINAL SCORE	9.6

Review by Player Guy Forever

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