Super Mario 64 review - Nintendo 64

Mario steps into a whole new dimension in this unforgettable launch title of the Nintendo 64. Unravel the secrets of Peach's castle, find all 120 stars and defeat Bowser in this cult classic that set the rules for all 3D action games.

Although it managed to stay faithful to the spirit of the series, Super Mario 64 tried a new approach as it brought the concept of exploration into platform games. Mario gained many new moves in the process, yet remained as easy to control as ever thanks to the inclusion of an Analog stick on the Nintendo 64 controller. This innovation quickly became a standard in the industry. Super Mario 64 is often cited as one of the greatest games ever made.

Retrospective comments

Mario's first foray into the world of 3D is regarded by many as the greatest videogame of all time, and with good reason. It ranks as the first really convincing use of a 3D world in a platform title, it introduced the concept of analogue control to a generation of games players and set the template for hundreds of imitators. Just finishing the game won't take you too long but as with most Mario games that's not really the point - it will take you weeks (and quite possibly months) to discover all the secrets contained within this game. We're not 100% convinced it's the 'best game ever' but it is undoubtedly one of the best games available on the N64.

Have your say about this review

Jaz's Sheep - 29 Jun 2010, 10:37 GMT

Didn't like it I'm afraid. hard to say why really, maybe I was starting to outgrow games at the time, maybe it felt a bit slow and bothersome to me compared to previous Mario games, maybe it was just total dross. Whatever the reason it weren't my cup of cha.

Billy Bullshot - 08 Sep 2010, 21:40 GMT

The first time I played this was at my half-brother's place when I was about 10 and obviously I thought it was absolutely fantastic, but I acquired an N64 when I was 15 and got this game when I was 16, and since then I have truly not been able to see the attraction of it. Maybe my imagination is not what it was, or maybe my tastes have just changed. I don't know, but whatever because to me this game just does not do anything for me anymore.

frase speccy - 13 Aug 2011, 20:29 GMT

an utterly fantastic game, il never forget the first time seeing it running on tv and the wait until i could actually own and play the game myself, it was fantastic in every aspect! how many games nowadays give you that feeling from seeing it in action to owning it? not many i bet! not the best game ever but up their with the greats!

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