SHOE: While playing Super Mario 64 DS, I realized it’s still one of the best 3D action/platform games around. It’s been so long since I played it on the Nintendo 64, I’d forgotten about its simple design, creative worlds, and amazingly addictive gameplay that has you hunting for a seemingly infinite number of stars. All right, so a Nintendo game that’s stood the test of time...not a big revelation, I know, but it’s still enough to warrant a great review score today, even though Mario DS disappoints on so many levels.

First off, why not make this a completely brand-new game? I would’ve sold Mark’s firstborn for that. As Mario DS stands, it’s 90 percent the same game we played in ancient times, with brief flashes of fresh content, like the occasional new level or the stuff mentioned in the sidebar below. It’s hard to complain because we’ve seen Super Mario rereleases with even less added, but still, it’s my party and I can complain if I want to. Second, the analog control (with which you have many degrees of precise control versus the on-off-ness of digital pads) was literally made for this game. The DS doesn’t have that stick, so you’ll have little Marios, Yoshis, Luigis, and Warios falling off skinny platforms, jumping to their dooms, and missing crucial ledges all the time.

But man, the game underneath the frustrating controls is still so damn good. Respect.

MARK: The old guy’s still got it. Mario 64’s mix of ingenious puzzles, wildly differing levels, and straight-out platforming action holds up, even if the graphics and nonexistent plot seem dated. Unlike Shoe, I see this glass as half full: The alterations and additions provide the perfect excuse to replay this classic.

However, I must agree that Mario 64’s biggest asset has become Mario DS’ biggest liability: This game has control issues. None of the different control options on the DS come close to providing the effortless precision the analog stick delivers. Also, outside of the occasionally entertaining Wario Ware–style micro minigames, Mario DS doesn’t make good use of the hardware’s unique features (the multiplayer mode is entirely forgettable, though it is cool you need only one cart to play). A must-have for any DS owner, but not the killer app you’d hope for from a Mario launch title.

GMR—CHRISTIAN: Over the years, every time I played Mario 64, it got better. In 1996 it was good. A year later it was better, and right after Mario Sunshine it was the perfect comedown.

But it’s starting to show its age: The levels sometimes seem basic, and many tiny flaws remain. Sadly, Shoe and Mark are right about the control, which also hurts this version slightly.

Fortunately, the new characters and areas are very cool, the touch-screen minigames are addictive time killers, and the multiplayer is...bearable. It’s also nice and long, making it a must-buy for travelers. Still a classic. P

The verdicts (out of 10)

Shoe 8.0

Mark 8.0

Christian 9.0

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo

Players: 1 (2-4 wireless LAN)

ESRB: Everyone

www.nintendo.com

Good: This is still one of the best 3D games around

Bad: Any of your control options

150: New number of stars to find. Good luck

Asking to Get Beat Up

You can play with the normal D-pad controls and look like any other gamer in the world. Or you can forgo them and wear the wrist strap that comes with the DS. It has a thumb pad that you fasten to your Fonzie finger for more precise movement on the touch screen. But then you look like a complete f’n knob.

What’s New in Mario’s World

FRIENDS: You begin the game as so-cute-you-want-to-squish-him Yoshi, then open up friends Wario, Mario, and Luigi, pictured here. Each has different characteristics that help you get past different obstacles in the stages.

POWERS: The gang gets unique abilities when powered up, too. The same power-up block that lets Yoshi breathe fire will pump and plump up Mario so he floats through the air. This makes revisiting levels much more interesting.

MINIGAMES: You start off with eight simple minigames right off the bat, then find tons more by using the different characters to catch elusive rabbits running around the castle. These won’t make you burn your copies of Mario Party, but they do show off the DS’ touch screen rather well—except for one ridiculous “game” where you pluck petals off a flower in a “loves me/loves me not” fashion.

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in Electronic Gaming Monthly.