Should You Play Super Mario 64 or DS? A Detailed Comparison

The age-old question for Mario fans: Should you dive into the classic Nintendo 64 version of Super Mario 64 or explore its enhanced Nintendo DS remake? The answer, like many things in gaming, isn’t a simple one. It depends on what you’re looking for in your Mario experience. In short, if you value purist gameplay and controls, the original Super Mario 64 is the better choice. However, if you want extra content, additional characters, and don’t mind some control trade-offs, the DS version is worth exploring. Let’s delve deeper into this question, dissecting each game’s merits and shortcomings to help you make the most informed choice.

The Timeless Classic: Super Mario 64

The original Super Mario 64, released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, was a revolutionary title. It essentially pioneered the 3D platforming genre, establishing many of the conventions still used today. Its core strength lies in its precise controls, made possible by the Nintendo 64 controller’s analog stick. The game’s nonlinear levels encourage exploration, rewarding players who seek out hidden stars and secrets. The gameplay feels fluid and intuitive, allowing for a seamless and immersive experience. Its impact on the gaming landscape is undeniable, making it a crucial title for any gamer to experience.

Pros of Super Mario 64:

• Superior Controls: The Nintendo 64’s analog stick offers a level of precision and responsiveness that the DS simply cannot match. Movements feel natural and predictable.
• Pure Experience: You experience the game in its original, intended form, untainted by additions or modifications.
• Nostalgia: For many, the N64 version holds immense nostalgic value, recapturing the magic of first encountering a 3D Mario adventure.
• Influence: Understanding and playing the original allows one to truly appreciate its innovative impact on the gaming industry.
• Simplicity: The game focuses purely on platforming and exploration, unburdened by extra modes or features.

Cons of Super Mario 64:

• Less Content: The original lacks the additional stars, characters, and minigames found in the DS version.
• Graphics: While revolutionary for its time, the N64 version’s graphics appear dated when compared to modern titles and even its own DS remake.
• Limited Camera Control: While functional, the camera in the original can sometimes be a bit restrictive and require manual adjustments.

The Enhanced Remake: Super Mario 64 DS

Super Mario 64 DS, a 2004 remake for the Nintendo DS, expands upon the original by incorporating 30 extra stars, three new playable characters – Yoshi, Wario, and Luigi – and a range of minigames and multiplayer modes. This added content provides a fresh perspective for those already familiar with the original and offers a significantly longer playtime. Visually, it’s a step up, with sharper textures and a more vibrant color palette, despite the DS’s technical limitations. However, this version sacrifices some of the original’s control precision because it was designed for the DS’s touch screen and directional pad.

Pros of Super Mario 64 DS:

• Extra Content: The additional stars, characters, and minigames significantly increase the game’s replay value and overall playtime.
• More Characters: Playing as Yoshi, Wario, and Luigi provides unique gameplay mechanics and experiences.
• Enhanced Visuals: While not a drastic overhaul, the DS version boasts improved textures and colors compared to the original.
• Multiplayer: The inclusion of multiplayer modes offers a different way to experience the game with friends.
• Accessibility: The DS’s portability makes it easy to play on the go, allowing more flexibility than a home console.

Cons of Super Mario 64 DS:

• Inferior Controls: The DS’s controls are often cited as the biggest drawback, relying on the touch screen and D-pad, which are much less precise than the N64’s analog stick.
• Unintuitive Camera: The camera is controlled by shoulder buttons and the touch screen, which feels less fluid and can be challenging to manage.
• Additional Content is not always great: Some of the additional characters and content can feel clunky or out of place.
• Hardware Limitations: While visually better than the original, it’s still noticeably less powerful than the N64, suffering from low polygon counts and no texture filtering.

The Verdict

Ultimately, your preferred version hinges on what you value more: pure, classic gameplay and precise controls, or a wealth of additional content and enhanced graphics, albeit with control trade-offs. If you’ve never played Super Mario 64 before, the original N64 version is highly recommended due to its superior controls and historical significance. However, if you’re already familiar with the original and are looking for a fresh take with more content, the DS version is worth experiencing, but it’s advisable to manage expectations concerning the controls. You will find yourself fighting with the touch screen and D-Pad at points. Both versions, however, offer a glimpse into a very important piece of gaming history.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Super Mario 64 the first 3D platformer?

No, while Super Mario 64 is incredibly influential, it wasn’t the absolute first 3D platformer. Games like Jumping Flash predated it. However, Super Mario 64 is widely credited with popularizing and defining the genre with its free-roaming 3D environments.

2. Is the DS more powerful than the N64?

No, the Nintendo 64 was more powerful than the Nintendo DS in many areas. The N64 had more processing power, more memory and better graphics capabilities, especially when it came to 3D polygon power and texture filtering. The DS did offer a dual screen experience, though.

3. Why is Super Mario 64 so important?

Super Mario 64 is important for numerous reasons. It was a major step in gaming history, introducing true 3D platforming to a mainstream audience and establishing many of the conventions that are still used today, specifically with its focus on non-linear levels and sandbox exploration.

4. Why do people find Super Mario 64 eerie or creepy?

The early 3D graphics, combined with the “uncanny valley” effect, the absence of music in certain sections and the occasionally odd enemy behavior create a subtle sense of unease. The large empty spaces in some levels also contribute to the eerie feel.

5. What is the “uncanny valley” effect?

The uncanny valley refers to the feeling of unease or discomfort that can arise when encountering realistic but not quite human-looking images or characters. This applies to early 3D game models which can sometimes appear unnatural.

6. What are the differences between the Super Mario 64 and the DS version?

The DS version adds 30 new stars, three playable characters (Yoshi, Wario, and Luigi), minigames, multiplayer, and slightly improved graphics. However, it suffers from less precise controls.

7. Which version has better graphics?

While neither are graphically impressive by today’s standards, the DS version has slightly improved textures and color palettes. However, it also has limitations in polygon power and texture filtering, that are not apparent in the N64 original.

8. Why did Nintendo use a 64-bit CPU for the N64?

Nintendo chose a 64-bit CPU to enhance the console’s 3D capabilities. The 64-bit processor allowed for more complex calculations and more intricate 3D environments to be rendered.

9. Does playing Super Mario 64 help with cognitive function?

Some studies suggest that playing platform games like Super Mario 64 can increase gray matter in the brain, potentially improving memory and spatial reasoning, however further research is always needed.

10. What happens if Mario loses his hat in Super Mario 64?

If Mario loses his hat, he takes more damage from enemies. You can retrieve it in the level where it was lost, often from an enemy that has stolen it.

11. Is Super Mario 64 a rare game?

Super Mario 64 is a popular game, it’s not necessarily a rare game. However, certain variants of the cartridge, such as the Not For Resale versions, can be more difficult to find.

12. Which version of Super Mario Bros is the best?

This is subjective and varies widely. Many consider Super Mario Bros. 3 or Super Mario World as standouts. More recently, Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Galaxy have received significant critical acclaim.

13. Why is Super Mario 64 considered legendary?

Its innovative control scheme, open-world levels and pioneering the 3D platforming genre all cement Super Mario 64’s place as a legend. It remains influential and enjoyable even after 25 years.

14. Who has beaten all N64 games?

A gamer known as Acegamersam took five years to complete the challenge, playing through all 296 Nintendo 64 games.

15. Which is better: Mario 64 or Sunshine?

This is a matter of preference. Super Mario 64 is known for its freedom, while Super Mario Sunshine is known for its difficulty and more defined goals, each has its merits.