Super Mario 64 DS | The Best Worst Version - Scott The Woz
Summary
TLDRIn this nostalgic review, the speaker reflects on the impact of 'Super Mario 64 DS', a groundbreaking title that brought the expansive 3D world of 'Super Mario 64' to the portable Nintendo DS. They discuss the game's revolutionary features, such as unrestricted movement and immersive gameplay, which were awe-inspiring for its time. Despite the lack of an analog stick on the DS and the resulting control issues, the game offered a portable Mario experience that fans had longed for. The review also touches on the added multiplayer mode and the inclusion of new characters like Luigi and Wario, which, while not necessary, added a new dimension to the game. The speaker concludes that while 'Super Mario 64 DS' isn't perfect and isn't the definitive version, it's a cool alternative take on a classic that was impressive for its time.
Takeaways
- đšī¸ The script discusses the revolutionary impact of 'Super Mario 64' on the gaming industry, highlighting its expansive 3D worlds and unrestricted movement.
- đŽ 'Super Mario 64 DS' is praised for bringing the groundbreaking experience of the original game to a portable Nintendo DS console.
- đĻ The original release of 'Super Mario 64' had a significant influence on the speaker's childhood, instilling a sense of wonder and exploration.
- đ ī¸ 'Super Mario 64 DS' introduced new features such as a run button and touch screen controls, which were not present in the original game.
- đ¨ The DS version boasts updated character models and graphics that look sharp and modern, even by today's standards.
- đ One of the major criticisms of 'Super Mario 64 DS' is the lack of an analog stick on the DS, leading to less precise control compared to the original.
- 𧊠The game added 30 extra stars and multiple playable characters, which some consider as the definitive features but are criticized for being unnecessary and forced.
- đ˛ 'Super Mario 64 DS' includes mini-games that utilize the DS's touch screen in creative ways, offering a variety of fun distractions from the main game.
- đž The versus mode in 'Super Mario 64 DS' is described as broken and not enjoyable, with a lack of depth and engaging gameplay.
- đ Despite the changes and additions, the core gameplay and magic of 'Super Mario 64' remain intact in the DS version, making it a cool alternative take on the original.
- đ The speaker reflects on the impressive technical achievement of 'Super Mario 64 DS', especially considering it was released for a handheld console in 2004.
Q & A
What was the significance of Super Mario 64 in the gaming industry?
-Super Mario 64 revolutionized gaming with its expansive 3D worlds and 360° of unrestricted movement, being an accomplishment unlike anything seen before at the time of its launch on the Nintendo 64 console.
How did Super Mario 64 DS differ from the original Super Mario 64?
-Super Mario 64 DS brought the revolutionary 3D game to a handheld console, the Nintendo DS, with some new twists such as additional playable characters, new power-ups, and a multiplayer mode.
What were some of the technical and graphical advancements showcased in Super Mario 64 DS?
-Super Mario 64 DS featured high-quality 3D models that were on par with console-level graphics, and it was playable on a cartridge, demonstrating a significant technical leap for handheld gaming at the time.
What was the initial reaction to the announcement of Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo DS?
-The initial reaction was one of awe and disbelief, as it was seen as a groundbreaking achievement to bring a game of such graphical and technical prowess to a handheld device.
What are some of the control issues faced in Super Mario 64 DS?
-Super Mario 64 DS faced control issues due to the lack of an analog stick on the Nintendo DS, which made precise movement and camera control more challenging compared to the original game on the Nintendo 64.
How does the multiplayer aspect of Super Mario 64 DS differ from the original game?
-The multiplayer aspect in Super Mario 64 DS was a new addition, allowing players to engage in battles in familiar locations, which was a feature that was not present in the original Super Mario 64.
What are some of the new features added to Super Mario 64 DS that were not in the original game?
-New features in Super Mario 64 DS include the ability to play as different characters like Luigi and Wario, new power-ups such as the Super Mushroom, and additional Power Stars to collect.
How does the presentation of Super Mario 64 DS compare to the original in terms of graphics and character design?
-Super Mario 64 DS has more modern designs for the characters, making them look more natural and detailed compared to the original, while still maintaining the spirit of the original game's design.
What is the general consensus on the additional content added to Super Mario 64 DS?
-The additional content in Super Mario 64 DS, while appreciated for its novelty, is often seen as unnecessary and not as engaging as the original game's content, with many of the new features feeling forced or gimmicky.
What are some of the mini-games included in Super Mario 64 DS, and how do they utilize the Nintendo DS's touch screen?
-Super Mario 64 DS includes a variety of mini-games such as Mario Slot, Memory Match, and Coincentration that showcase the DS's touch screen capabilities, offering simple and fun gameplay experiences.
Outlines
đšī¸ Nostalgia and Innovation in Super Mario 64 DS
The speaker reminisces about the revolutionary impact of Super Mario 64, which introduced expansive 3D worlds and unrestricted movement at the launch of the Nintendo 64 console. They express awe at the game's technical and graphical leap being ported to the Nintendo DS, a handheld device. The discussion highlights the magic of both the original game and the DS version, which brought the game's wonder to a portable format. However, the speaker also acknowledges the flaws of Super Mario 64 DS, especially when viewed outside its historical context. They share personal anecdotes from 2004, describing the sense of freedom and imagination the game inspired, and how it felt like exploring a vast new world.
đŽ The Evolution and Discovery of Super Mario 64 DS
The paragraph delves into the speaker's initial disappointment at the lack of a portable version of Super Mario 64, contrasting it with the later surprise and excitement upon discovering Super Mario 64 DS. It discusses the evolution of handheld gaming and the Nintendo DS's role in blurring the lines between home console and portable gaming. The speaker shares their experience of first learning about the DS in 2004, the unveiling of the handheld at E3, and the game's eventual release. They also touch on the DS's marketing focus on casual games and how Super Mario 64 DS exceeded their expectations, providing a portable version of a beloved game that they could play anywhere.
đ Flaws and Features of Super Mario 64 DS
The speaker critiques the marketing and presentation of Super Mario 64 DS, particularly the box art and DS logo, which they feel do not adequately convey the game's identity. They also discuss the game's transition from a multiplayer-focused reveal to a single-player experience with additional multiplayer elements. The paragraph includes a personal anecdote about the speaker's delayed discovery of the game and their subsequent enthusiasm upon finally acquiring it. The speaker reflects on the game's graphics, controls, and gameplay changes, expressing mixed feelings about the alterations made for the DS version.
đą Control Issues and Visual Upgrades in Super Mario 64 DS
The speaker focuses on the control scheme of Super Mario 64 DS, highlighting the absence of an analog stick and the resulting impact on gameplay precision and fluidity. They discuss alternative control methods, such as the touchscreen, and their limitations. The paragraph also addresses the visual improvements in the DS version, comparing character designs and environments to the original game. The speaker shares their thoughts on the game's music and the overall charm of the original versus the updated look of the DS version.
đ Additional Content and Playable Characters in Super Mario 64 DS
The paragraph discusses the additional content in Super Mario 64 DS, including new Power Stars, playable characters, and multiplayer modes. The speaker critically examines the value of these additions, arguing that while they provide more content, they do not necessarily enhance the core gameplay experience. They detail the process of unlocking new characters and the unique abilities each character brings to the game, while also expressing frustration at the forced use of multiple characters to obtain all the stars.
đ˛ Mini-Games and Multiplayer Modes in Super Mario 64 DS
The speaker explores the mini-games and multiplayer modes included in Super Mario 64 DS. They praise the innovative use of the DS's touchscreen in the mini-games, which offer a variety of gameplay styles and the potential for high scores. However, they also criticize the versus mode for its limited stages and broken gameplay mechanics, which result in a frustrating and repetitive experience.
đ The Impressive Portability of Super Mario 64 DS
The speaker reflects on the overall experience of playing Super Mario 64 DS, acknowledging its imperfections but also its impressive achievements. They discuss the game's status as a cool alternative take on the original, rather than the definitive version. The paragraph concludes with a personal account of the enjoyment derived from the game, despite its flaws, and the speaker's continued appreciation for its innovative portability and the addition of extra content.
Mindmap
Keywords
đĄSuper Mario 64
đĄNintendo DS
đĄ3D Graphics
đĄPortability
đĄRemake
đĄControls
đĄMultiplayer
đĄPower Stars
đĄTouchscreen
đĄCasual Gamers
đĄDefinitive Release
Highlights
Super Mario 64 revolutionized gaming with its expansive 3D worlds and unrestricted movement.
Super Mario 64 DS brought the groundbreaking game to the Nintendo DS, allowing play on-the-go.
The DS version was initially marketed as a multiplayer battle game, highlighting a shift in focus from the original's single-player experience.
Super Mario 64 DS included a full single-player campaign with new twists based on the original game.
The Nintendo DS launch positioned it as a handheld powerhouse, capable of 3D visuals and gameplay.
The DS's lack of an analog stick presented control challenges when adapting Super Mario 64's 3D gameplay.
Super Mario 64 DS introduced new playable characters, each with unique abilities and control schemes.
The game incorporated the DS's touch screen for movement, offering an alternative to the D-pad controls.
30 new Power Stars were added in Super Mario 64 DS, but many were considered insubstantial and unnecessary.
New levels and areas, such as Sunshine Isles, were created for the DS version, referencing other Mario games.
Super Mario 64 DS featured a versus mode, but it was criticized for being limited and broken.
The game included mini-games that showcased the DS's touch screen capabilities in inventive ways.
Despite changes and additions, Super Mario 64 DS maintained the charm and wonder of the original game.
The DS version was seen as a cool alternative take on Super Mario 64, rather than a definitive version.
Mario 64 DS was impressive for its time, offering a full console game experience on a handheld device.
The game's adaptability to the DS, despite its flaws, demonstrated the potential of handheld gaming.
Transcripts
hey y Scott here I want to play Super
Mario 64 on the go but there's got to be
an easier
way Super Mario 64 is the game okay it
revolutionized gaming with its expansive
3D worlds it's 360° of pure unrestricted
movement the fact this was all at the
launch of a console and it was and still
is good Mario 64 could be considered
Gaming's magnum opus an accomplishment
unlike anything seen before I'm not sure
if we'll ever see anything like this
ever
again guess what Super Mario 64
DS yeah it's Super Mario for the
Nintendo 64 for the Nintendo DS okay
sure here's beans for your mouth for
your floor but what this is the game
that changed games forever this huge
Technical and graphical leap now on a
cartridge this small and playable
portably via Nintendo's latest handheld
at its launch wow tell me more
okay I love this game both versions to
be honest Mario 64 in above itself was
magical Mario 64 DS was magical in its
own special way this was jaw-dropping
because it was unlike anything we've
ever seen before and this was
jaw-dropping because it was that same
game but playable anywhere on a Nintendo
handheld when all we expected from
Nintendo handhelds at the time
was not this unfortunately once that
context is removed from Mario 64 DS it
becomes much more difficult to ignore
many of the issues present yes Super
Mario 64 DS isn't perfect but hey nobody
is look at me for example Super Mario 64
DS isn't perfect I say wrong [Â __Â ] all
the time but what's really up with this
game well it all started back in
2004 it all started back in 1996 and 8
years between brand new release and
remake concept of time is weird I mean
back then Mario 64 felt a hell of a lot
older than 8 years old whereas now time
flies so fast yes day was 8 years ago
well what exactly was Super Mario 64 to
me in the year 2004 so my cousins would
bring their Nintendo 64s over to the
grandparents house and I recall watching
them play it there while just being in
awe this game captures your imagination
from the second you see it like wow this
is like a whole ass planet we can
explore here that feels like he can do
anything go anywhere in this game felt
like every little element here was meant
to really play into that sense of wonder
you have as a child I mean from the
moment you boot it up
hello what can I do to that nose I can
mess around with Mario's face on the
title screen for hours here the castle
grounds oh my god I've never felt so
free in a video game than I did here
nowadays it's obviously a fairly small
environment but back then this opening
area felt like it could have been the
whole ass game moving around with full
360° movement jumping about with pure
precision letting your imagination go
wild like you're actually playing
outside as a kid but now no need to
leave the house yep Mario 64 is pretty
great especially when you actually play
it yeah enter the castle jump into a
painting and we have one of over a dozen
worlds to explore and complete missions
and to get power Stars 120 in total to
be exact definitely more than enough to
keep you invested for a very long time
and that's just the core experience
Mario 64 can be enjoyed in so so many
different ways I mean it's one of the
most popular games to speedrun there's
so many secrets and urban legends that
kept players on their toes for decades
many quirks have inspired players to
come up with self-imposed challenges to
conquer like the green demon challenge
the collecting all the red coins before
the oneup mushroom catches up to you and
that's all on top of the game being just
flat out fun to control like this was
one of the best sandbox experiences
which was how I primarily enjoyed the
game back then
because this way you can't tell me I'm
playing it wrong at this point probably
around 2002 2003 I hadn't really seen a
game like this especially Mario games I
mean I was used to Super Mario World on
my Game Boy Advance you show me this and
I go thank God this steak was looking
awfully lonely without a witch to burn
at this was unbelievable this was What
all video games should be like and from
that moment forward while I still
enjoyed my GBA and the games I had for
it
I did always yearn for an experience
like this on the go and know I'd give my
hopes up thinking that was possible it's
see a magazine ad for a console game
that says hey this game is also on Game
Boy Advance and like can you really
blame a six-year-old for thinking that
meant this exact game as it's shown here
was going to run on as Game Boy
apparently you can over time I accepted
the fact that Home console games looked
like this and handheld games looked like
this which was fine by me the simpler
Graphics were easier to see with my
tears on the screen but in 2004 Nintendo
was determined to prove me wrong as at
their E3 press conference that year they
fully unveiled their new handheld the
Nintendo DS and alongside it game
showcasing its graphical potential this
was the kind of stuff you only saw on
the consoles but now here's Metro prime
a first-person shooter in full 3d
running on a portable system here's
Super Mario
64 my reaction C must have been through
the
roof I didn't watch E3 that year in fact
I didn't know this game existed for a
good long while I wasn't paying
attention to gaming media at the time
but if I
was Boy Super Mario
64 by four or times four I don't know
that's what it was called upon reveal
but I haven't found Nintendo officially
saying the title out loud so I don't
know how to say it to be fair who knows
maybe the same can be said about the
original maybe this is actually
pronounced to Lenny but this work title
really highlights the focus on
multiplayer here I got this old Nintendo
press kit for me through 2004 and their
description of Mario 64 by4 exclusively
discusses it as basically a multiplayer
battle game and nowhere does it detail
anything other than duking it out in
familiar locations this was what
Nintendo wanted to push a feature most
people forgot was in the final game a
lot changed from revealed to release
within the span of 6 months we got a
name change to Super Mario 64 DS
confirmation would be a launch title for
the handheld in November of that year
plus details of a full single player
campaign heavily based on the original
game but now with some new twists
finally some
changes it's in my left hand now Super
Mario 64 DS ended up launching on
November 21st 2004 in the US ensuring
the DS had the herbs and six other games
funel with the original run of DS
handhelds was a demo for that Metroid
Prime game showcase at E3 and with these
two being the only games Nintendo
themselves published for the thing at
launch really paints a picture as to how
the DS was positioned back in its early
days it was that damn PSP man was coming
out just a month later in Japan and was
practically a Playstation 2 for your
pocket this was like a dream come true
at the time Home console games on the go
yeah in comparison the Nintendo DS could
do 3D but that wasn't its strong suit I
mean just look at the buttons we have
here if 3D was really a core part of the
DS experience why wouldn't we have an
analog
stick wait well I learned that this
game's existence well after these
formative years of the DS back when it
was pushed as a handheld Powerhouse
rather than a cookbook as a kid I wasn't
even aware that DS was a thing back in
2004 wasn't until 2006 with the Nintendo
DS light that I became fully trained on
the concept of dead skunk from this
point forward the handheld was far more
focused on casual simpler titles or at
least the marketing was and while I knew
it was capable of 3D
visuals 2008 I was on the school bus and
I noticed somebody playing a game that
looked just like that game my cousins
had I was dumbfounded Mario 64 portably
on my portable I never knew this existed
how I didn't even know it could exist
seeing this game in action was like a
dream come true so for the next few days
my mission was simple find that game I
looked up all the details I could
rounded up all my allowance money and
after just one weekend trip to Target I
was the proud owner of Super Mario 64 DS
and all these years later I still am
rarely did I ever play a game that lived
up to all my expectations as a kid but
Mario 64 DS was everything I could have
possibly wanted and then some I could
play Super Mario 64 wherever I wanted
countless car rides bathroom visits no
joke I played this at a funeral so take
my word for it I love Super Mario 64
DS well it's no wonder I never knew this
game existed considering the boxar looks
like it could be for any Mario game add
a soccer ball a basketball hoop a damn
chili like what about this screams Mario
64 yeah okay me on store show especially
as a kid this just looked like a game
called Super Mario DS the 64 was so
small it looked like a damn asterisk
speaking of which what's up with this
Microsoft Word art looking ass DS logo
here and why is it so big what if it was
like 2% smaller would it be the end of
the world oh just got stabbed that's all
much like the original title for the
game the box art leans heavily into the
multiplayer aspect of the package which
once again it's strange considering how
little the multiplayer ever even matters
to be fair though this was one of the
biggest omissions from the original game
alongside Luigi not being there either
with both being planned inclusions in
the scrapped followup Mario 642 so this
box art does show off a lot of big
things here like a zoom blur Jesus
Christ how fast are they going the mid
2000's badass Mario stank doesn't help
things remember the Mario art from this
era here look this pose right here a so
[Â __Â ] cool they lower the bill of his
cap hi his mouth more and it made a
world of difference Wahoo [Â __Â ]
wait why why is the manual like this
what is it to mimic the dual screens of
the DS they were trying so hard to
connect all of the unique features of
the DS experience with Mario 64 even if
it didn't make any damn sense like tap
into a new world one we don't tap much
in this game and two new world the
entire appeal of this game is that it is
new to be fair though we have so much
new content to play with here in
addition to the full Mario 64 rigma roll
if we looked at all the stuff added to
this version on its own we'd be talking
more content than most DS games released
in this time period had s too what are
we waiting for to find the Fatal flaw
with this game let's play Super Mario 64
DS found it
[Music]
what the hell is that as a kid anything
that differed from the original honestly
bugged the hell out of me even if it was
for the better of Flatout Superfluous
here's Yoshi instead of
Mario well we have Mario here as well
and can switch between the two but like
wow these 3D models look damn on point
even nowadays sure they're a little
pixelated but this honestly feels like
something you'd see on the gamecuber Wii
it's so high quality and you're telling
me I can fiddle around with their faces
like in the
[Music]
original this you guy is a liar yeah so
we can't play with Mario's 3D face
rather he turns into a 2d outline we can
mess around with plus draw our own
fixings as much as I love the original
let's be honest there's only so much you
could do here after this what was left
no it's not like the DS couldn't do this
there was a tech demo at e304 titled
Mario's face which was pretty much that
old Mario 64 title screen so I like to
think this was more of a creative
decision to shake things up and
truthfully it was for the best being
able to draw whatever and squash and
stretch it and spin it around and wiggle
about as a kid you knew I thought it was
the funniest thing ever to draw all
kinds of appendages here legs arms feet
all right let's fire up a new save file
oh my God the screen has water physics
wow you necessary Lord this is the full
ass opening to Mario 64 in the palm of
my hands it's all here exactly how I
remember
yeah to be fair this is what I remember
right from the get-go Mario 64 DS shows
its hand all right this is a remake yes
but I'd argue this is something I like
to call a You remake a remake that
doesn't give a damn they'll alter
whatever the hell they want to and for
the most part it's just to make you
uncomfortable all right we all know
Mario comes out of the pipe and the
camera swings around and we start
playing the game and Luigi and Wario
don't show up contrary to the original
game Wario and Luigi follow Mario to
Peach's castle after only Mario was
invited for cake okay wow look at that
I'm invited however a fair amount of
time passes while Yoshi's sleeping on
the roof of the castle which was where
he was at the end of the original Mario
64 and he's told by lacu it may be wise
to check in on the three and thus we
officially kick off Super Mario 64 DS
with Yoshi guess who was mad okay I
wasn't mad rather as a kid I was
definitely put off by the fact I
couldn't play as Mario in Mario 64
can barely play as Yoshi either what the
hell is this turns out we have a run
button in this game much like in 2D
Mario now why is that the original game
didn't have a run button you could just
tilt the stick more or less depending on
how fast you wanted to go well ever see
a satanic cross ah yeah let's talk about
one of 64 DS's biggest flaws the lack of
one big ass flaw sure this analog stick
wasn't the greatest but it was an analog
stick damn it and for a game designed
entirely around an analog stick oh it
comes in handy Super Mario 64 was made
for this stick and this stick was made
for Super Mario
64 but who gives a [Â __Â ] the Nintendo DS
doesn't have an analog stick so what are
you going to do when you want to put
Super Mario 64 on
it stop now I'm not going to act like
you could never ever play a 3D game like
this with a standard dpad but what I
will act like is a damn baby about it at
first you think oh this isn't so bad
it's controlling fine enough I'm able to
do what I need to sure it's not as
precise as I'd prefer but
umh turning is so damn sluggish now it's
like they had to overcompensate with
more animation between directions since
there's only eight now compared to a
holy
I am constantly getting into situations
where I need to reorient myself because
if I didn't reorient myself I fall off a
cliff and then if I do reorient
myself listen this works saying I can't
possibly play like this is an
exaggeration but I can't blame people
for thinking that way a Mario 64 DS
playthrough starts out all right
considering most of the levels are
pretty large and open but then you see
something like this and like what do you
want me to do here now if the d-pad is
isn't precise enough for you we have
multiple other control options like
using the touchcreen to obtain full 360°
movement this is even [Â __Â ] worse just
feels wrong man super unnatural more so
than a typical virtual analog stick you
see on touch screens because here you
have no restriction on where to touch so
I always end up butting against the edge
of the display and needing to reorient
myself every single time there's just no