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. CazC.
    Jun 22, 2007
    10
    Absolutely amazing game. You get to play as your favourite character this time instead of just Mario and quite frankly the moves that some of the others can do makes Mario look untalented! New levels added, extra stars, more fun glitches such as being able to swim under the castle and even mega addictive mini games; especially Luigi's card games! This is definately a game worth Absolutely amazing game. You get to play as your favourite character this time instead of just Mario and quite frankly the moves that some of the others can do makes Mario look untalented! New levels added, extra stars, more fun glitches such as being able to swim under the castle and even mega addictive mini games; especially Luigi's card games! This is definately a game worth adding to your collection, 100% guarenteed to enjoy this game even if you don't like other mario games!… Expand
  3. IsabelB.
    Apr 16, 2007
    10
    I thought this game was absolutley brilliant. It kept me interested for hours. If you enjoyed the N64 version you will definantly enjoy this with a few extra twists. There a a few complaints that the plot is lame, but hey its Mario! Everybody knows that Bowser kidnapped Princess Peach and Mario has to rescue her. The controls aren't the greatest but the game is so fun that you barely notice.
  4. Boo
    Mar 31, 2007
    10
    A game that went very well from the N64 to the DS. Tonnes of additional content. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the controls. Using the D Pad is terrible cause you can only walk or run...nothing in between. The touch screen virtual joystick is an excellent alternative that works flawlessly. It is just that the learning curve is really really high. It will take you a while to get A game that went very well from the N64 to the DS. Tonnes of additional content. There is absolutely nothing wrong with the controls. Using the D Pad is terrible cause you can only walk or run...nothing in between. The touch screen virtual joystick is an excellent alternative that works flawlessly. It is just that the learning curve is really really high. It will take you a while to get used to it, and you might just give up and use the D Pad, but once you get the hang of it, it works really well. The only bad thing is that there's no physical restraints obviously but like I said it just takes getting used to. Graphics look way better too! Mario isn't cross-eyed anymore.… Expand
  5. RecardoB.
    Feb 17, 2007
    9
    Very good port with new levels and characters to play. DS controls can be very frustrating at times, but game play is fun.
  6. SaraC.
    Dec 25, 2006
    10
    I am a Mario Bros fan, I have all the Mario games and love them all; this is one of my favorite games.
  7. [Anonymous]
    Dec 20, 2006
    10
    This game is so awesome! It gave me so much fun! Some ppl say (This game is for little babeys Im gunnu go play GOD OF WAR!) Heck, this game is fine without blood! I think if you got a DS get this game, and if you do not have a DS get one, And get this game!
  8. bk
    Jun 14, 2006
    9
    Awesome, it takes a while to get used to the controls, but overall- great!
  9. 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.
  10. CameronC.
    Apr 28, 2006
    9
    This game has took a step up from the original Super Mario 64 by adding more character, and stars to collect. I really like this game because you can use Yoshi in what was one of the greatest games of all time. You get the same quality as from the orignal, but with smoother graphic, and it can go anywhere with you. And the minigames added to this original classic are a really fun way to This game has took a step up from the original Super Mario 64 by adding more character, and stars to collect. I really like this game because you can use Yoshi in what was one of the greatest games of all time. You get the same quality as from the orignal, but with smoother graphic, and it can go anywhere with you. And the minigames added to this original classic are a really fun way to pass the time.… Expand
  11. JohnnyW.
    Mar 8, 2006
    10
    this game is really fun, but I can't get wario and luigi.
  12. BretS.
    Feb 12, 2006
    8
    A very fun game, basicly the same as the 64 version with more gameplay and 30 more stars to get and what I thought was a lot of fun mini games. I think they should of at least mixed up the storyline a little though.
  13. ScottH.
    Dec 28, 2005
    10
    best mario game so far love it playerbilitys amazing especially because of multiple player options.
  14. IsaacJ.
    Dec 6, 2005
    10
    This game is just totally awesome. Unlike some people, I had no trouble with the controls. Probably because I have never owned a non-handheld gaming system. :( Some of the stars were tough, but still, this game was unbelievably awesome! :)
  15. JohnnyG.
    Oct 17, 2005
    8
    Was fun but i cant get the last star.
  16. MichaelJ.
    Oct 12, 2005
    4
    I want to like this game. I REALLY want to like it. I just cant play it. It looks great, but ican't play it. who came up with the controls needs a shoe where the sun doesn't shine.
  17. SimonS.
    Oct 10, 2005
    4
    Who devised the control system ? I could cry... They've ruined a beautiful game.
  18. StefanZ.
    Oct 1, 2005
    5
    One of the best games ever, ruined by a terrible control system.
  19. PaulC.
    Aug 10, 2005
    2
    A poor reincarnation of a good game. If jumping and exploring wasn't your thing eight years ago, this game won't change your mind. I immediately realised I do not posess the right number of fingers in the right positions to play. I found myself playing with my right hand "upside down" on the controls, as that was the only way I could make sense of them. (Yes, I tried all the A poor reincarnation of a good game. If jumping and exploring wasn't your thing eight years ago, this game won't change your mind. I immediately realised I do not posess the right number of fingers in the right positions to play. I found myself playing with my right hand "upside down" on the controls, as that was the only way I could make sense of them. (Yes, I tried all the control options, key and touchscreen) Looks like a good game, but I'd be on a course for the fastest RSI injury on record if I continued to play it. In the UK, this looked like the only game worth even looking at (if your not a fan of strange blocky jumpy puzzle games or poorly realised driving games) - with this unplayable (to me at least) and only Advance Wars Dual Strike on the horizon , i'm beginning to regret buying th DS. One year from initial release, and not a single game available in the UK that I actually want. PC… Expand
  20. 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
  21. Yoshi3caca
    May 26, 2005
    10
    I own the original and I love it,but this one blows the first out of the water I really enjoy it.Its new playable charaters make it that much more fun if you enjoyed the first one than this is a must have.
  22. TheMAYUN
    Apr 26, 2005
    8
    First of all, the original SM64 was phenominal, the fact that they were able to improvew that much on it is ridiculous, however I thought beating it was severely easy. Maybe if they would have made more places to go and maybe 100 more stars instead of however many more they put in there so it would be more difficult.
  23. DanielT.
    Apr 11, 2005
    10
    It was a lot better than the N64 one I liked Yoshi the best it was a great game.
  24. MycoyW.
    Mar 29, 2005
    9
    Nice game with very nice touchable minigames!
  25. JL
    Mar 25, 2005
    9
    Played it, done that!, ... but still a cool game. Addition of Yoshi and Wario is a nice twist twist to an old game. I especially like the mini games!!! Miss the analog controller though =(
  26. WilliamK.
    Mar 23, 2005
    10
    This game is amazing. As soon as you turn it on, you'll be sucked in forever. The changes from are N64 version are mostly good, however there is certainly room for improvement in the touch control. Rainbow Ride is not very easy to get around, but then again, I had problems with the original one. It was a little too short for me. by the end of my first weekend, I had 95 stars, and This game is amazing. As soon as you turn it on, you'll be sucked in forever. The changes from are N64 version are mostly good, however there is certainly room for improvement in the touch control. Rainbow Ride is not very easy to get around, but then again, I had problems with the original one. It was a little too short for me. by the end of my first weekend, I had 95 stars, and finished it in less than 4 days. This will punish you severely for errors but when you finally pull it off, you'll feel like a king. A must for the DS, even if you aren't keen on Mario.… Expand
  27. JaeC
    Mar 23, 2005
    9
    People might complain about the controls but once you get used to it, it's Mario 64 x10! And you dont even have to carry your bulky N64 and a TV around while you're playing it! They should have made a few more levels though, I mean seriously, at least make the bowser's levels a bit different!
  28. EmersonC.
    Mar 21, 2005
    10
    This game is the first game I ever got for the Nintendo DS. The game has an adventure mode and a mini game mode. In adventure, you can control four characters. Mario, Yoshi, Luigi and Wario. Mario is a balanced character and is great for beginners. Yoshi is considerably weaker than the other characters but his ability to breathe fire and flutter jump makes up for that. Luigi is the This game is the first game I ever got for the Nintendo DS. The game has an adventure mode and a mini game mode. In adventure, you can control four characters. Mario, Yoshi, Luigi and Wario. Mario is a balanced character and is great for beginners. Yoshi is considerably weaker than the other characters but his ability to breathe fire and flutter jump makes up for that. Luigi is the fastest character, and can actually jump high and then spin like a helicopter which slows his falls. Wario is the slowest character but he makes up for that by being the strongest character. Adventure consists of 15 levels, where you collect 7 stars in each and the 100 coin star. There are also 30 secret stars around the castle and can also be in the levels. The mini game part of the game is the most entertaining, because you can get super high scores and is also funny when your friends stuff up while playing them. There are 36 mini games in all and you start out with 8. To get more mini games, you have to collect the 7 rabbits for each character. This is a must have game...… Expand
  29. BenB.
    Mar 18, 2005
    10
    Being my first ever ds game...jumbing on walking mushrooms,playing as our moustahced heros, playing as yoshi, collection stars and coins, has never been so fun, all those that dont like this game are losers screw u all those that dont like this game!!! ( i sent a full review of this game to a magazine hopefully ill make it to reader reviews page)
  30. JamesJ.
    Mar 10, 2005
    9
    I think this game is like the original 64 game but better in a way because even thought the graphics arnt outstanding its a change from the usual mario with a hint of suspense. LOVED IT!!!.
  31. DanielH.
    Mar 2, 2005
    10
    This game is sweet the best of the best for mario .....rock on!
  32. AB
    Feb 16, 2005
    9
    Every bit as good as the addicting 64 version - and better. Why is this game called Super Mario 64 DS? It should be called Super Yoshi 64 DS. You play as Yoshi until you collect a hat. When this hat is collected you can transfer into the character that corresponds with the color of the hat. Both the controls and the aforementioned quirk made me feel slightly uncomfortable playing Mario 64Every bit as good as the addicting 64 version - and better. Why is this game called Super Mario 64 DS? It should be called Super Yoshi 64 DS. You play as Yoshi until you collect a hat. When this hat is collected you can transfer into the character that corresponds with the color of the hat. Both the controls and the aforementioned quirk made me feel slightly uncomfortable playing Mario 64 DS. Still, despite those minor issues, this game rocks.… Expand
  33. Astix
    Feb 14, 2005
    1
    It`s so dificult to play it without a joystick. The touch screen don´t helps anything. Is better to have a good joystick than a screachable touchscreen.
  34. 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
  35. DragonKnightofFinalFantasy
    Jan 23, 2005
    9
    This is a great game. The graphics are great for the handheld standards. The game is still great with 30 extra stars, 3 extra characters, and multiplayer. Its a huge game with solid gameplay. Yet there are problems like since the DS has no analog stick and the original did its harder to control Mario/Yoshi/Luigi/Wario which brings me to the big problem the controls are frustrating This is a great game. The graphics are great for the handheld standards. The game is still great with 30 extra stars, 3 extra characters, and multiplayer. Its a huge game with solid gameplay. Yet there are problems like since the DS has no analog stick and the original did its harder to control Mario/Yoshi/Luigi/Wario which brings me to the big problem the controls are frustrating you'll be jumping off cliffs because the controls are too awkward and the camera can get get a little wonky. Yet this is a great game nonethless and the best game for the DS. If you have a Ds this is a must-buy.… Expand
  36. INeedACoke
    Jan 15, 2005
    8
    Ok since every one else has adressed all the other issues in their reviews im not going to go over all of them. The one ill do is the conrol... now lots of people say that the controls suck or are disappointing, but omg other than that this game is great port with extras and some new stuff... Now the controls for this game i will say are...average. I cant beleive people who are giving thisOk since every one else has adressed all the other issues in their reviews im not going to go over all of them. The one ill do is the conrol... now lots of people say that the controls suck or are disappointing, but omg other than that this game is great port with extras and some new stuff... Now the controls for this game i will say are...average. I cant beleive people who are giving this a bad score cuz o bad controls... omg deal with it, its not that hard to do. the controls are the best possible considering no analog stick. So with the controls the D-pad is just fine its not going to make you die SO much that you cant play.… Expand
  37. Trave
    Jan 15, 2005
    10
    Come on now! This game is totally awesome! Sure, it's a replica of the older version, and I don't really care about the extra 30 stars, but truly, this game is a need! 4 characters to play with, extra mini-games ... BUY IT and see : )
  38. JonD.
    Jan 12, 2005
    9
    Is it a shameless port of an old game? Yes. Does it have minigames and pointless "extras" tacked on in order to appear "new?" Yes. Does it rock anyways? Hells yes. It may be old, and maybe it's been done before... But it's still worth buying. I'm not going to say that this remake add new depth with its multi-character system... it doesn't. It DOES, however, make it Is it a shameless port of an old game? Yes. Does it have minigames and pointless "extras" tacked on in order to appear "new?" Yes. Does it rock anyways? Hells yes. It may be old, and maybe it's been done before... But it's still worth buying. I'm not going to say that this remake add new depth with its multi-character system... it doesn't. It DOES, however, make it easier to "cheat" for stars - an issue that I appreciate. I loved Super Mario 64, and I love the DS version even more. The control scheme takes getting used to, but it's not NEARLY as bad as everyone says. If anything, get this game because you can carry the greatness of Mario's first 3D debut with you wherever you go. If you need another reason, the minigames are a nice perk, and they come in handy when you want to chew up time because your boring PoliSci professor shows up very late to class.… Expand
  39. JonK.
    Jan 9, 2005
    8
    I read Maria W.'s review and he is right. But also quite wrong. Calling Nintendo "greedy" is a huge leap. Like most people who play games, those who lose want to win. And they get frusterated that people like Microsoft is buying most of the production companies that brought good Nintendo games (ie. RARE). Thus, Nintendo moved into the handheld area, since nobody has done so. They I read Maria W.'s review and he is right. But also quite wrong. Calling Nintendo "greedy" is a huge leap. Like most people who play games, those who lose want to win. And they get frusterated that people like Microsoft is buying most of the production companies that brought good Nintendo games (ie. RARE). Thus, Nintendo moved into the handheld area, since nobody has done so. They brought 3D handheld!!! So Maria W., just wait for good games like any console. Super Mario 64 is great I find. I haven't played it in many years, so playing it again, AS YOSHI, is good! I forgot most of the maps, stars, etc, so it's like a new (not brand-new, but new) game. And it is! There are new stars! New secrets! Super Mario 64 was the best game for N64 and it's a great one for the DS. But I apologize on Nintendo's behalf, that it's not GTA: SA or Half-life 2.… Expand
  40. ChrisH.
    Jan 5, 2005
    10
    OMG This is the best handheld game ive ever played, it rocks!!!
  41. MariaW.
    Jan 4, 2005
    3
    I can't believe i trailed the Nintendo DS hype. Every launch game sucks. Innovative games, yes yes yes... but every DS game is poorly executed. And the best game of the DS is a fricking 8 year ole port, Mario 64. Wich btw is horrible to play with it's other control mechanics. If Nintendo was not greedy for once, they would have included a analog stick. Mario 64 is btw 0.1 out of I can't believe i trailed the Nintendo DS hype. Every launch game sucks. Innovative games, yes yes yes... but every DS game is poorly executed. And the best game of the DS is a fricking 8 year ole port, Mario 64. Wich btw is horrible to play with it's other control mechanics. If Nintendo was not greedy for once, they would have included a analog stick. Mario 64 is btw 0.1 out of 10 innovation. What's next.... A port of the brilliant Ocarina of Time? Forget the ports for christ sake (i already had enough with ports on GBA SP) and work on new things. I am considering selling the DS if i don't see games that make good use of it's "very touted" features. It's a good thing the Gamecube is not a "port filled" gaming machine. Don't believe the DS hype!… Expand
  42. B.Mack
    Jan 4, 2005
    4
    Disappointing.
  43. AndyS.
    Dec 30, 2004
    10
    Definitely not a crappy remake. There's nothinig more to say about this rocking game except, there are better games.
  44. SeanD.
    Dec 27, 2004
    10
    The graphics are more refined then the 64 game. More characters is always good. I didn't even care about the analog. I had no problem with it at all. I didn't even notice. Yoshi or luigi is my favorite. The mini-games rule! Multiplayer is so much fun! More stars makes the already long game even longer. It is better then the already awesome original, in so many ways! Why does The graphics are more refined then the 64 game. More characters is always good. I didn't even care about the analog. I had no problem with it at all. I didn't even notice. Yoshi or luigi is my favorite. The mini-games rule! Multiplayer is so much fun! More stars makes the already long game even longer. It is better then the already awesome original, in so many ways! Why does metacritics even post 1up reviews? If it isn't halo 2, 1UP hates it.… Expand
  45. AramisG.
    Dec 22, 2004
    9
    A challenging and fun game. You won't miss the analog controls after about 5 minutes. Too many critics have decided to blast this game for the short comings of the DS as if they are one in the same. I wonder if they will continue this trend when rating FPS that come out on the PSP (way to go Sony, put the analog and the directionals on the left).
  46. T.DOG
    Dec 9, 2004
    10
    1up.com has sh*tty reviews - this game is amazing, and clearly he didn't have the DS long enough to get used to the control scheme. After one day it's just as good as a joystick. This game is a killer!
  47. PaulScottodiP.
    Dec 8, 2004
    8
    I have never played with the original video game on Nintendo 64, but I am having fun with it. It's a huge game, and I can see some people getting tired of it, because you have to play and replay a lot of stages, just because you have different missions...
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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.
    Read full review
  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.
    Read full review
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