E3 2004: Super Mario 64x4: DS Hands-On

Mario's greatest 3D adventure is new and improved on Nintendo DS. Screens included...

Update: Video coverage added.

For 3D adventure and platforming it's hard to top Super Mario 64, the game that launched the Nintendo 64 and was called the greatest game of all-time by many respected industry sources. For the Nintendo DS the game is not only being ported entirely, but is being upgraded to include wireless multiplayer games as well as many surprises throughout. In multiplayer, characters including Peach, Wario, and Yoshi are playable. Due to the innovation of the DS (including two screens, wireless play, and a touch screen) Mario's gameplay and controls have changed, sometimes dramatically.

Controlling Mario and friends is surprisingly good considering the directional pad replacing the analog stick, but simply nowhere near as good as having the N64 controller in your hands. The main difference we had trouble adapting to was the use of the Y button to run, something done simply by pushing the analog stick further on the console version. The analog stick will be sorely missed. Mario's flight controls have been improved, making it easier for players to get to the highest part of a level for a bird's eye view, which is still extremely cool.

The visuals of Super Mario 64x4 were impressive by portable standards, but noticeably lacking in comparison to the Nintendo 64 version. On the other hand, character models have been updated to reflect the latest versions of our 3D Mario friends. The hills and backgrounds are large, simplified polygons and there are obvious rough spots throughout. Some of these issues will be remedied since the game is in early production, but the graphical limitations of the hardware seem to be fairly obvious.

The touch screen was used as a map throughout the demo, and touching any part of the map would put the camera there, allowing players to scope out an area before they get there. It's a very powerful feeling, being able to put eyes instantly on any part of your virtual world, a feature that could very easily take this version of Mario 64 to the next level if implemented properly into gameplay.

It will be very exciting to have a final version of SM64x4 and see what Nintendo chose to do with one of their all-time greatest games on the most innovative piece of hardware to come from videogames in many years. This is an exciting combination that will hopefully end with cheer and applause rather than disappointment and jeers. Only time will tell.

Carl Johnson
Staff Writer, Kikizo.com