Details Title:
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Pros:
Cons:Super Mario 64 (Rumble Pak version)
Nintendo 64
18 July 1997 (JP)
3D Platformer
Fun, incorporates the rumble pak support.
Aside from rumble pak support, it's the same game as the international version, occasional issues with the camera
Review Super Mario 64 was one of the launch titles for the Nintendo 64 console, and was influential in defining 3D platforming from that point onward. As for this particular version of the game, it was re-released along with Wave Race 64 in Japan only in 1997 to showcase their newly added rumble pak support. In addition, it also added voices and new sound effects that were featured in the international release of the original Super Mario 64.
In terms of graphics for its time, they are impressive. This was Mario's first 3D game debut, and Nintendo made sure that Mario is supposed to look like Mario. Likewise, attention and care has also been given to many of the game's enemies, and aside from a few specific enemies, many are fully rendered in 3D. Admittedly, Bowser does look a little goofy compared to the promotional material that is used, but he makes up for it with his size. You can clearly see that Bowser towers over Mario, which makes beating him all the more satisfying.
As for the levels themselves, they are all very colorful giving each a distinctive feel or theme. Whether it be grassy fields, caves, or even underwater, combined with the level designs, ensure that no two levels feel the same. You may notice the simplified stretched jpeg backgrounds used for some of the levels, but I don't think it draws away from the levels themselves.Being one of the flagship games of the Nintendo 64, it was clear that a lot of time and care was taken when it came to the controls too. Mario can move in any direction, thanks to the analogue stick, and in addition, his movement speed will be affected by how much or how little you push the stick. A very slight push will result in Mario tip-toeing, whereas pushing the control stick all the way in a direction sees him run. He can do his iconic jumps, and even punch, kick and do a ground pound attack. The great part of this is that you can chain moves together, such as doing a triple jump, doing a dive attack right after the third jump, and then do a recovery hop/roll to keep your momentum going. Nintendo really wanted to ensure that you had all the moves you need (and then some) to navigate through the 3D environments.
The game is set up in that each stage is a sandbox arena, each containing 6 "missions," where the completion of a mission rewards you with a Power Star, the main objective of the game. Before each stage, you are given a small hint on how to get a particular mission's Power Star, though you are mostly free to go after the stars in any order you wish. The staple items from previous Mario games, such as the Mushroom, Fire flower, and the invincibility star have been replaced with new items to take advantage of the 3D environment. Three caps are introduced that Mario can use - these being the winged cap that allows Mario to fly, the metal cap that makes Mario immune, but also allows him to walk underwater, and the invisible cap, that on top of making Mario immune, allows him to walk through certain secret walls and objects. However, each of the caps only last for a limited time before you revert back to normal Mario. On the flipside, it is possible for you to lose your normal cap, which leads to taking more damage than usual until you recover it from the stage it was lost in.
A Koopa shell is also introduced, where you can ride the shell over hazards like lava and quicksand as well as attack enemies - until you hit a wall or object. You can either find these in item blocks, or by jumping on a Koopa Troopa and forcing them out of their shell.
Probably one of my favourite parts of the game is fighting Bowser. To really showcase the 3D gameplay of Super Mario 64, you fight Bowser in a large arena, and in a departure from previous Mario titles, it doesn't involve you shooting fireballs or running past him to destroy the bridge he is standing on.
For the Rumble pak version of Super Mario 64, there is a rumble feature in the game that activates when you land from a jump, get hit by enemies, or run in to objects. It is a neat little addition, but it has no significant impact on gameplay experience. Aside from that, this version is identical to the international release of the game.One mechanic that influenced 3D games that followed is the camera system. Using the C-buttons, you could control the camera angle with ease. Furthermore, you can either switch to a camera view that is further away from Mario ("Lakitu" camera view), or switch to a view that is right up close to Mario ("Mario" camera view) which, while a bit disorienting at first, is great for times when precision is needed, such as crossing narrow platforms. Though in most cases, you will probably be using the long distance camera for your gameplay.
It is a great mechanic for the most part, but there will be certain areas or sections where you are forced in to awkward angles, though this happens few and far between.Super Mario 64 will take some time to complete, given that there are 120 stars to collect for full completion, with a number of them hidden throughout the game. Despite this game releasing in the late 90s, I feel it still stands the test of time, even with the remake that was released on the DS. I have found myself coming back to this game every few years, and I never get bored of it. The Rumble pak version of this game does add a nice extra touch to the game with controller feedback, and while this version was only released in Japan, the game itself is identical to the international release, so you're not really missing out. That aside, I highly recommend Super Mario 64. Even if you don't have an original Nintendo 64, the game has been re-released over the years on Nintendo's virtual console service, along with the previously mentioned DS version of the game. I picked up this game for very cheap - about 300 yen for the cartridge only, and the regular version can also be found at a similar price.