Super Mario 64 DS

 DS
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 468 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 371 out of 468
  2. Mixed: 72 out of 468
  3. Negative: 25 out of 468
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  1. JamesR.
    Oct 12, 2007
    6
    I wanted this game as soon as I saw it for the DS and was disappointed. You start off as Yoshi, of all characters, but get Mario right off the bat, so that's ok. What really bugs me is that I would never have noticed how much I needed that analog stick from the N64 to play this game right, and using the stylus just isn't the same. You'll find yourself frustrated at really I wanted this game as soon as I saw it for the DS and was disappointed. You start off as Yoshi, of all characters, but get Mario right off the bat, so that's ok. What really bugs me is that I would never have noticed how much I needed that analog stick from the N64 to play this game right, and using the stylus just isn't the same. You'll find yourself frustrated at really only having one run speed throughout the game. A real shame, but it's all due to the technical limitations of a directional pad. Other than that, this game is great. It's just frustrating to lose so much control.… Expand
  2. JonathanH.
    Feb 2, 2005
    5
    I got the game and the ds for christmas and I have to say I'm disappointed, deeply. the controls on mario 64 ds are just annoying, after playing for just a little while I set it down and haven't felt the need to go back to again. The best thing about the ds is that i can at least play gameboy advance games, I recently bought Zelda, The Minish Cap, and love it completely, I got the game and the ds for christmas and I have to say I'm disappointed, deeply. the controls on mario 64 ds are just annoying, after playing for just a little while I set it down and haven't felt the need to go back to again. The best thing about the ds is that i can at least play gameboy advance games, I recently bought Zelda, The Minish Cap, and love it completely, I've spent hours and hours playing it.… Expand
  3. CoreyS.
    May 20, 2006
    7
    It's almost exactly the same as the original. If you still have SM64, this game isn't really worth it.
  4. StefanZ.
    Oct 1, 2005
    5
    One of the best games ever, ruined by a terrible control system.
  5. DemonicAngel
    Jul 9, 2005
    6
    If this is truly the fabled Super Mario 64, I'm honestly struggling to see what the fuss was about. Graphics and sound are nice, but what damns this game utterly is the controls. Since the DS lacks the N64's analogue stick, Nintendo have opted to give us the option to control Mario's movement either by using the touch screen as a substitute for the analogue stick, or by If this is truly the fabled Super Mario 64, I'm honestly struggling to see what the fuss was about. Graphics and sound are nice, but what damns this game utterly is the controls. Since the DS lacks the N64's analogue stick, Nintendo have opted to give us the option to control Mario's movement either by using the touch screen as a substitute for the analogue stick, or by using the D-pad and a combination of buttons to simulate analogue movement. The problem is, the D-pad just isn't responsive enough, and the touch screen is much too fiddly thanks to the lack of tactile feedback. And a game like this lives or dies by its controls. SM64DS, unfortunately, dies. The saving grace of the game is the many minigames you can unlock over the course of the game, which make full use of the touch screen and are loads of fun. I never played the original SM64, and based on this, I don't think I ever want to.… Expand
  6. MatthewP.
    Nov 22, 2007
    5
    A good game, but the DS's crappy excuse for a d-pad makes the game only worth 5 stars.
  7. AnonymousMC
    Oct 27, 2008
    6
    Almost like having the console version on PSP, but the DS version has been enhanced with better graphics, more characters and more replay value, and a whopping 150 stars to collect. However, for kids, the main game difficulty of solving puzzles, having to use characters for certain areas and trying to get enemies without falling off the roof is just to much. Starting off the game as YoshiAlmost like having the console version on PSP, but the DS version has been enhanced with better graphics, more characters and more replay value, and a whopping 150 stars to collect. However, for kids, the main game difficulty of solving puzzles, having to use characters for certain areas and trying to get enemies without falling off the roof is just to much. Starting off the game as Yoshi isn't very good, and some people will get sick of Yoshi, like me.… Expand
  8. Jimmydm90
    Nov 14, 2016
    5
    I loved the original Mario 64. I'd stay up school nights playing it with my dad. It was the father of all 3D platforming BUT it was only able to do that because the N64 controller came with an analog stick. The lack of an analog stick on the DS makes this game almost unplayable. Even with the analog stick the original Mario 64 had camera problems, the DS version ratchets this up to 11.I loved the original Mario 64. I'd stay up school nights playing it with my dad. It was the father of all 3D platforming BUT it was only able to do that because the N64 controller came with an analog stick. The lack of an analog stick on the DS makes this game almost unplayable. Even with the analog stick the original Mario 64 had camera problems, the DS version ratchets this up to 11. It's clear this game was made with love and dedication but this game just doesn't work with this system.… Expand
  9. pani
    Nov 16, 2012
    6
    It's like a console game in a handheld, and it doesn't work because of the inflexible controls. It would fit more on the Nintendo Wii than the Nintendo DS.
  10. PresStarToPlay
    Jul 12, 2014
    6
    I don't like this remake too much, to be honest, but I still think it's quite decent. The thing that annoyed me the most were the controls. The turning is waaay too slow and it's almost impossible to make a sideflip, which was one of the most useful moves in the original game. The controls just feel clunky overall. I didn't really like how you had to change character or get a cap to doI don't like this remake too much, to be honest, but I still think it's quite decent. The thing that annoyed me the most were the controls. The turning is waaay too slow and it's almost impossible to make a sideflip, which was one of the most useful moves in the original game. The controls just feel clunky overall. I didn't really like how you had to change character or get a cap to do certain missions either. I just want to play as Mario all the time like you could in the original game, but that wasn't a too big problem anyway. But it did have really great graphics for being a DS game, and it felt really amazing to see a classic Mario game with modernized character and level design. The mini-games were really fun too and EXTREMELY addictive, but that's basically the only thing I really enjoyed about the remake. I still prefer the original. But like I said, it's still a decent remake if you ignore its flaws. I kinda understand that some people like it, but I personally didn't enjoy it too much.… Expand
  11. Kooledud
    Nov 9, 2014
    5
    I think this game just ruins the older one. because it is way different than the normal one, and it is changes the story mode very easily. with makes no scene.
  12. TobiasKen
    Jun 19, 2018
    6
    I never beat the original Super Mario 64 - I was a little too young and we gave our N64 to our cousins. Super Mario 64 DS is the first time where I have played the game to completion. So, is this game worth your time? Let me break it down for you - from a perspective that doesn't have any nostalgic connections to the game.

    A: Music/Sounds The music in this entry to the franchise is    I never beat the original Super Mario 64 - I was a little too young and we gave our N64 to our cousins. Super Mario 64 DS is the first time where I have played the game to completion. So, is this game worth your time? Let me break it down for you - from a perspective that doesn't have any nostalgic connections to the game.

    A: Music/Sounds

    The music in this entry to the franchise is incredible - Peach's castle theme in particular originated in this game, and has been used in many, many Mario games since then. I can assure you that the music in this game mixes smoothly with the gameplay, with plenty of memorable tracks that aren't too repetitive.

    Sound quality on the other hand is a bit of a miss in my opinion. Obviously the sounds make sense, but as this game released on the original Nintendo DS system over 10 years ago, the physical quality of the sounds definitely seem outdated. I'm sure that this quality was at an acceptable standard for when it was released, but I'm trying to tell you whether or not this game is worth a purchase now, in 2018.

    7/10 - Memorable soundtrack, poor sound effect quality.

    B: Graphics

    I hope you're not put off by the graphics in a video game, because the graphics in Super Mario 64 DS definitely have not aged well. Overall they're better than the graphics in the original Super Mario 64, however the mixture of the detailed models and the low resolution leave much to be desired.

    So, unfortunately I can't really give the graphics in the game a high score, because the ridiculously low resolution really dampens the experience. Obviously the game is meant to be played on a small screen, but even with that in mind the game just does not look good.

    5/10 - Better than the original, but poor resolution and texture quality has not made the game age well.

    C: Gameplay

    The game has relatively fun gameplay - as do all 3D Super Mario titles. If you want to play this on the Original DS console then I probably wouldn't recommend this game with the D-Pad which the DS offers, as the game feels much better with the 3DS Circle pad.

    Unlike the original, Super Mario 64 DS allows you not only to play as Mario, but other fan favourites such as Yoshi, Luigi and Wario. These characters add loads of variety to the game, but I feel that the game would have benefited from being able to unlock these characters earlier. Wario in particular is unlocked much further in the game, and I certainly would have enjoyed being able to play as him at an earlier point in the story.

    The minigames that are present in the DS version are a much appreciated addition, and they're super fun to play with friends. Unlike the minigames present in other Nintendo titles such as Kirby Star Allies, this game's minigames actually feel like a proper addition, and certainly lead to plenty of fun if you're playing in a group. The local VS mode feels like a bit of fluff, and you definitely won't find yourself playing it very often - I certainly grew tired of it very quickly.

    The platforming in general is okay, but if you're playing on the original DS system like I did, then you'll find that it's a little difficult to make pinpoint jumps, and you'll find yourself falling off of cliffs unfairly. This leads to some levels in the game being more difficult than they should be, especially the final level. In fact, the D-Pad was so bad that I never actually managed to complete the game. I was always one hit away from defeating Bowser in the final level, but because of the poor controls I was always unable to swing Bowser fast enough and accurately enough to send him flying into the bombs. I still essentially beat the game, however, as I literally was one hit away from winning.

    There's plenty of level variety, from snowy levels to levels filled with lava or desert. Slowly progressing your way through Peach's castle definitely feels a little eerie, knowing that you're always one step closer to facing Bowser in the final level and I love it. I kind of wish that you could beat the game with characters other than Mario, however - it certainly feels odd to disallow Yoshi, Wario and Luigi from saving the princess.

    6/10 - VERY bad controls. Multiple characters leads to varied and fun gameplay, minigames are an added plus.

    D: Story

    The story in this Mario game is pretty much the most bland you could get. It makes sense, since this game is pretty much Nintendo's first attempt at making a 3D Mario game so it's forgivable. If you're looking for an amazing story, however, you can pretty much forget it.

    5/10 - Very bland story, but understandable given it's the first 3D Mario game.

    In conclusion, I personally feel that this game isn't too good. At it's price, it's worth a buy as it does give you plenty of hours of playtime, and it's definitely a classic that everyone should play at least once. I don't fully understand why everyone is so in love with the game, since I feel it's mediocre and outdated now.    … Expand
  13. porcodidio
    Jan 2, 2016
    7
    The game is a classic, it is improved with more characters, more stars and more content, but the most important part of a platform game is having tight controls, and Super Mario 64 DS fails at that. The control(s) scheme are abysmal, camera controls are a joke and you will die a lot on the later stage simply because you character is not as responsive as it should be, not to mention veryThe game is a classic, it is improved with more characters, more stars and more content, but the most important part of a platform game is having tight controls, and Super Mario 64 DS fails at that. The control(s) scheme are abysmal, camera controls are a joke and you will die a lot on the later stage simply because you character is not as responsive as it should be, not to mention very sluggish when it's moving/turning at slow speed. This didn't age well.… Expand
  14. thealexmott
    Mar 26, 2017
    6
    A fantastic game that's incredibly frustrating to control. The first thing you realize is how VITAL the analog stick is for Mario 64. It's a shame that this upgraded version of SM64 has more content but is less accessible.
  15. Trey82
    Feb 17, 2020
    5
    Summary:
    Controls: Even the 64 joystick didnt do this game justice. A 3d platformer on a 2d screen kinda sucks.
    Sound/music: Fine. New features/characters/areas: Ehhh, they mix 'okay'. Seriously, it feels like symphony of the night when you play as richter or Maria ~ its different, its .. 'okay', but it isnt the way the game is/was supposed to be. Or playing thru modern DLC that just    Summary:
    Controls: Even the 64 joystick didnt do this game justice. A 3d platformer on a 2d screen kinda sucks.
    Sound/music: Fine.
    New features/characters/areas: Ehhh, they mix 'okay'. Seriously, it feels like symphony of the night when you play as richter or Maria ~ its different, its .. 'okay', but it isnt the way the game is/was supposed to be. Or playing thru modern DLC that just doesnt fit with the base game.

    Framerate is consistently bad. It isnt as bad as those dips in framerate like the 64 version, its just not very smooth. Smooth is playing 'Moon' on DS. That thing is SILKY. The touchscreen controls are responsive and useful, considering how inconvenient touchscreen controls are, anyway.

    If you have to get your mario 64 fix while on the go, this will do the job. But like so many DS ports of major titles, it just.isnt.the.same.as.the.real.version.    … Expand
  16. MaddoxWhite
    Apr 24, 2021
    7
    I really wish that there were analog controls in this game. They added so much, but with one simple change, took so much away.
  17. ntBagel
    Apr 23, 2022
    7
    I've been a Mario 64 speed runner and have played through the games more times than I can count. So I figured that I just had to play this version of the game. first looking at the visuals it looks a lot better than the 64 version. a lot of the characters are more recognizable and just sharper looking making them really feel like "Mario". The camera is still not the best but I will sayI've been a Mario 64 speed runner and have played through the games more times than I can count. So I figured that I just had to play this version of the game. first looking at the visuals it looks a lot better than the 64 version. a lot of the characters are more recognizable and just sharper looking making them really feel like "Mario". The camera is still not the best but I will say it is a bit better than the 64 one. I like the new content including, the added characters, new levels and new stars within existing levels as well as slight improvements to levels such as tic tock clock. What really hurt this game though was that the controls and movement option were limited and hard to use. one small thing that makes the game feel more restrictive was the inability to wall jump off of a long jump it felt so good to do it in the original game and just feels more restricted in my movement options. another thing I don't like is that this game was made on a console that uses a dpad making it feel very clunky to control a 3D game. also since it uses the dpad that means they had to ad a run button which when holding down makes it really hard to do other actions such as a jump dive rollout. I think this game was greatly made the design is great and what they added had so much time and effort put into and really improved the game. So its really sad form me to say that it was really hard to enjoy the game on the system it was made for. 7/10 (great)… Expand
  18. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    7
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  19. CinzaColorido
    Aug 29, 2022
    5
    It is Mario 64 after all, and I finished that game on the Nintendo 64, which was some of the best platforming experiences I ever had in a videogame. On the Nintendo DS, however, while it has kind of updated graphics (the game looks impressive on the console) and some additional content that I didn't even care much, the gameplay itself does not fit in a console that does not have a analogIt is Mario 64 after all, and I finished that game on the Nintendo 64, which was some of the best platforming experiences I ever had in a videogame. On the Nintendo DS, however, while it has kind of updated graphics (the game looks impressive on the console) and some additional content that I didn't even care much, the gameplay itself does not fit in a console that does not have a analog stick. Playing Mario 64 DS literally hurts my finger and the inputs are not even responsible, 'cause you can't input different intensities onto a D-Pad, so the movement just feels really bad.

    The game *tries* to compensate that with the option for you to play with touchscreen input, but the touchscreen on the DS is not that much reliable for a guaranteed solid experience. Most of the time it fails to get where are you touching.

    By hurting the controls of the game, you literally kill the foundation which this game was developed upon, on the original version. Mario 64 was developed to get the most of the N64 hardware, as a lot of N64 games do, and so a lot of *exclusive* DS games as well.

    So again... It is Mario 64, and it is a legendary game, but this version, the "64 DS", just sucked for me, and I couldn't even play it past the second or third course. Gave it a 5 because I really, really enjoyed the graphics on this version.    … Expand
  20. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 6, 2023
    7
    The much-loved N64 title gets a facelift and works pretty well on the DS. Essentially Super Mario World in 3D, it's again not as good as the classic SNES games, but enjoyable and different enough to be worth a look for fans.
  21. CaliforniaHater
    Jun 5, 2023
    7
    I h7 hoe toe poste AAÆÆÅLANDIRIRIRIRIIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIIRIRIRIRIR7R7 ****
  22. Jacob143
    Aug 1, 2023
    7
    This game is pretty great it lives up to the original with more stars to collect, more characters each with different controls and abilities, better graphics, feeling less isolated and alone because of the inclusion of the new characters, new levels and bosses, the fun mini games you can unlock, fixed basically all the bugs that were in the original, and more! The only reason this isn't aThis game is pretty great it lives up to the original with more stars to collect, more characters each with different controls and abilities, better graphics, feeling less isolated and alone because of the inclusion of the new characters, new levels and bosses, the fun mini games you can unlock, fixed basically all the bugs that were in the original, and more! The only reason this isn't a 10/10 for me is because of the controls they aren't that good and it makes the game really irritating to play. Like you will have a lot of stupid deaths because you will keep accidently slipping up trying to make a precise jump but you can't because the controls are so bad that you messed up. Like trust me you will probably be raging more than you are having fun because you will keep messing up because of these bad controls. I have been playing this game since I was a little kid and I still mess up because of these controls. So if you want more content but sacraficing good controls then play this version, if you want great controls but less content than play the original. 7.5/10 for me… Expand

Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best DS Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Discussed DS Game of 2004
1
#1 Most Shared DS Game of 2004

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 54 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 50 out of 54
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 54
  3. Negative: 0 out of 54
  1. 3DAvenue
    85
    Within the adventure mode the stylus control is a somewhat weak idea that shifts the learning curve upwards steeply, making a very accessible game a great deal less so. If you stick to digital control - and it's not that precise a game, to be honest - then you'll find Mario 64 DS to be a great title.
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  2. Gamers Europe
    90
    Even today it's an absolutely essential gaming experience.
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  3. PALGN
    80
    With a lengthy single player adventure and 3 dozen mini-games to enjoy, Super Mario 64 DS is well worth the cash, despite its minor control issues.
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