Owners of the Nintendo 64 back in 1995 longed for their first showcase game – one that could be used to show off their expensive investment in Nintendo’s new hardware.
After a little wait, Super Mario 64 came along and it ticked all the boxes of the platform’s starved gamers and more. What made the N64 unique at the time was its rather unusual controller with a ‘3D’ analogue stick on the centre prong with all manner of button formations in support. Super Mario 64 was developed around the pad with the analogue stick used to control Mario in a 3D space within a fantastical colourful world.
The back-story is typical Ninty. Bowser has imprisoned Princess Peach in her castle. Controlling the titular Italian plumber you must gain access to the castle’s deepest recesses by collecting power stars that gradually open areas that were previously un-accessible – three floors, a basement, a moat and a courtyard all require searching in the quest to rescue the princess.
Though a little dated graphically (it has been out a while), Super Mario 64 still has oodles of charm, atmosphere and playability.
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Chris Wilkins
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