Remember this thing?What it is is the most unique port in my memory. When putting this together, Nintendo put a lot of effort into making this not JUST a port. On top of one of the most satisfying single-player games of all time, Nintendo threw in three more playable characters (each altering how you play the game), some new areas to explore, multiplayer, and 30 new stars. The box should have read: Now with 25% more stars!
What's more, a lot of existing content has even been altered. Mario no longer looks like a jumble of polygons, some frustrating areas have been trimmed up, and some of the bosses are a little different this time around. You'll even find some new power-ups that turn the game into a fresh experience.In short, the game is exactly what an updated port should be. It was an amazing update to an already perfect game. I like to think of it has Super Mario 64.5, as in it's not meant to replace the original but it adds a bit more content for those of us who still drool when they hear the Dire Dire Docks music.
Why Super Mario 64 DS Sucks
Still, Super Mario 64 DS makes a horrible DS game. As wonderful as the game looks, the DS just isn't meant for a traditional 3D game. The player will spend the entire game struggling with frustrating controls. Precision 3D platforming with a d-pad just isn't possible. The characters have two different walking speeds - haul ass and crawl. On top of the d-pad problems, the game also requires you to press multiple buttons to do fairly simple tasks. Want to do a long jump? Then you'll have to hold down the b-button while hitting both the r-button and the y-button. Oh, and you also have to make sure you're lined up perfectly using the d-pad. The tutorial messages should just say: "Good luck, fucker!"
Super Mario 64 DS should be available as a piece of Wii Ware software. Think about it. Not only would get all of the new content from the DS version, but you'd have it on a screen you don't have to hunch over to play and you could play it with a controller blessed with an analog stick. I'd gladly pay $20 for that.
Please?
Hope for the future
So what should have been the ultimate launch title for Nintendo's new portable system was soiled. This beauty of a game just doesn't work on the DS, period. So the reason I've taken the time to post this long, contrived rant is because I've come up with an absolutely genius idea.Super Mario 64 DS should be available as a piece of Wii Ware software. Think about it. Not only would get all of the new content from the DS version, but you'd have it on a screen you don't have to hunch over to play and you could play it with a controller blessed with an analog stick. I'd gladly pay $20 for that.
Please?
2 comments:
I just bought a DS light and I am currently playing Mario 64, a game I had not played sense the original. I must say you nailed it on the control. Sliding about off ledges and trying to make near impossible jumps on this hand held version, makes me want to rip my hair out.
I agree about the DS sucking. I haven't played this game in forever and I just bought it for my DS. I would've already beaten if I didn't keep sliding off the edges.
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