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. Fs00
    Mar 20, 2021
    8
    A perfect example of how a remake should be made. The game is extremely faithful to the soul of the original title, featuring at the same time new characters, some additional content - extra stars and mini-games - and beautifully remastered graphics, which look very good for the limited capabilities of the NDS.
    The game offers a pretty hardcore experience through the 15 locations in which    A perfect example of how a remake should be made. The game is extremely faithful to the soul of the original title, featuring at the same time new characters, some additional content - extra stars and mini-games - and beautifully remastered graphics, which look very good for the limited capabilities of the NDS.
    The game offers a pretty hardcore experience through the 15 locations in which Mario has to pick up Power Stars in order to save Peach - in fact, there won't be any checkpoints (except for boss battles) and sometimes you'll have to face some tricky bosses.
    However, the game has two big negative aspects: firstly, the input system. The D-pad doesn't fit well with the nature of the game, which should be played with analog sticks in order to drive Mario precisely. You can use also the touchscreen, but it's so uncomfortable that you'll rarely want to use it. Obviously this is more a console fault than a game one.
    And secondly, there's the camera system. More than once you'll want to kill the person who has developed it. Sometimes happens that when you are on a tight platform, the camera suddenly starts to change direction. The possible consequences are two: either you manage to stop Mario and then proceed slowly until the camera stops moving, or you fall down because you didn't notice the camera movement in time (most probably). If they added an option or a button to lock the camera behind Mario, the problem would have been resolved.
    Apart from these inconveniences, the game experience is engaging and the well-designed locations capture perfectly the essence of exploration and adventure. If you are a new Mario fan, play this game rather than the original 64!    … Expand
  2. Diegochocho
    Jul 8, 2018
    8
    Muy divertido los mundos, buena jugabilidad y la variedad de personajes y la música espectacular.
  3. ashketchum
    Jun 23, 2017
    8
    Super Mario 64 DS is a DS port of the original Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64, considered by many to be one of the greatest video games of all time. Along with Ocarina of Time, many view it to have set the standard for all 3D open-world games to come subsequently. Personally, 64 DS is one of my favorite video games of all time. The game's worlds are so well designed, that finding eachSuper Mario 64 DS is a DS port of the original Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64, considered by many to be one of the greatest video games of all time. Along with Ocarina of Time, many view it to have set the standard for all 3D open-world games to come subsequently. Personally, 64 DS is one of my favorite video games of all time. The game's worlds are so well designed, that finding each individual star in itself feels like an adventure, and when you get that star, it feels so rewarding. The ability to play as 3 additional characters over the 64 version, as well as various mini-games only add to the games enjoyability. The aforementioned intricate world designs allow for multiple replays of the game to feel extremely satisfying, and I found myself just playing through worlds over and over again. However, nothing is perfect. The touch screen controls designed for the DS were extremely hard for me to get the hang of properly. Also, some sections of the game feel like they have appeared before, and many of the boss battles are pretty repetitive. Despite this, SM 64 DS is undoubtedly, one of the best gaming experiences I have ever had since I started playing video games.… Expand
  4. EdwardG
    Feb 2, 2018
    8
    Super Mario 64 is often hailed as one of the best games of all time. With such a prestigious reputation, I couldn't help but feel slightly underwhelmed when playing it. It's a very good game, and it is fun, but it's​ been overshadowed by so many games after it. Of course, what it did to revolutionise 3D gaming cannot be denied, but that in itself does not define the quality of this game.Super Mario 64 is often hailed as one of the best games of all time. With such a prestigious reputation, I couldn't help but feel slightly underwhelmed when playing it. It's a very good game, and it is fun, but it's​ been overshadowed by so many games after it. Of course, what it did to revolutionise 3D gaming cannot be denied, but that in itself does not define the quality of this game. Super Mario 64 was a milestone in the progression of video games, but although it must have been impressive back in 1996, that doesn't mean it's still just as good today. Games age, and there's nothing wrong with that. People need to accept that what may once have been the best game in existence is no longer amazing. It's still a great game, but nostalgia and the fact that it revolutionised 3D gaming blind people to it's obvious flaws.

    What makes SM64 a great game is it's well designed large levels, which are all unique, atmospheric and charming. Conceptually, the idea of finding stars in each level (and in the hub world) is something I like, so it's a shame finding them is often tedious due to the nature in which you find them - collect 100 coins, collect 8 red coins, go to a location shown on the map. The more time you spend in each level the more apparent the limitations of the technology behind the game become - they aren't really that big and some are quite empty. The levels are creative and even iconic, but there isn't much variety in terms of gameplay as many of the challenges are almost identical. More variety would have been welcome, as would rewards for collecting stars - the lack of a sense of progression is caused by the nonlinear journey and lack of rewards, which in turn means difficulty doesn't scale well and there is little motivation to collect all 150 stars (although I did anyway).

    Ultimately, it's fun. It's just not special enough to warrant such a coveted reputation. It has charm but so does every other Mario game I've played. The reason I didn't love it like I hoped I would is because of the ridiculously high bar set by it's unjustified reputation. I should have expected a fun Mario game, not a masterpiece - it's great, but not as good as it may have been two decades ago, and that's okay. A game this old shouldn't hold up as well as it does, but unfortunately for Super Mario 64, over the 20+ years since it's release, standards have risen and many games have surpassed it. I hope that Super Mario Odyssey will be a successor to this which builds on its many strengths (charm, unique level design, good atmosphere, collectathon formula, fun) and overcomes it's weaknesses (lack of variation in terms of star challenges, somewhat small levels, lack of a sense of progression, few truly special moments). If you go into Super Mario 64 expecting the best game of all time, you will be disappointed. Go into it expecting a fun time and you will be pleased - the same can be said for any Mario game. What was once amazing is now great - which is commendable given its age, but people need to accept that standards have been raised and that SM64 isn't so special anymore. It's easy to recommend this game, especially the DS port that I played that also contains lots of simple but addictive minigames as well as updated graphics.

    Super Mario 64 DS is great - it's charming and most importantly, fun. It's core mechanics are all extremely solid and hold up to this day, and the level design in particular is a highlight despite some levels being small and slightly too empty. The collectathon style is great but many of the stars are found in too similar a fashion. It isn't as amazing as it's reputation would suggest, but it's worthwhile to play due to being very fun and due it being a key piece of gaming history.    … Expand
  5. okayokay
    Oct 10, 2018
    8
    rrrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaadddddddddddiiiiiiiiiiicccccccccccaaaaaaaaaaalllllllllll
  6. iMustang
    Jul 23, 2019
    8
    Confession time - I've never played Super Mario 64 on the N64. My N64 while one of my favorite systems growing up was on I only owned 10 games for, and sadly that was not one of them. I'd still like to play the original whenever the day comes we get an N64 Classic Edition, but in the meantime, I played the remake on the DS to make up for it as the final portable game in my backlog! And itConfession time - I've never played Super Mario 64 on the N64. My N64 while one of my favorite systems growing up was on I only owned 10 games for, and sadly that was not one of them. I'd still like to play the original whenever the day comes we get an N64 Classic Edition, but in the meantime, I played the remake on the DS to make up for it as the final portable game in my backlog! And it was fun! The classic music and levels were a blast to play in handheld mode, and even though I've been spoiled by Super Mario Odyssey at this point, it was still fun to run around Peach's castle finding hidden secrets and paintings to jump through. I loved jumping back into levels right after finishing them just to see what new stars I could find and things I could do, making this a game I'd love to 100% some day! This classic, even remade, definitely survives the test of time.… Expand
  7. Jjdm11
    Mar 23, 2020
    8
    Super Mario 64 ds is the best official way to play the title everything improved except for speed running that aside it is the best way to play the game
  8. Descole
    Apr 6, 2020
    8
    Its a pretty good port of the og game but it doesn't catch the spirit of the masterpiece. For people who haven't experienced the classic its a good way to start it
  9. hector_bcn98
    Nov 7, 2022
    8
    No ofrecía el mejor control debido a las capacidades del sistema, pero qué vas a decir si te portean uno de los juegos más revolucionarios e importantes de la historia a una portátil muy limitada?
  10. DrPebba
    Jan 14, 2023
    8
    A great and impressive remake for the time that captures well the feel of the original and adds a bunch of new content
  11. grimreapersims
    Nov 15, 2022
    8
    ....................................................................................................................................................................................................blank
  12. Smg7
    Jun 29, 2023
    8
    Very fun game, It plays just as good as the original in my opinion. I like the updated graphics, and the new content, such as having 3 more playable chatacters and some new levels.

    Rainbow ride sucks though
  13. GDsReviews
    Jun 8, 2022
    8
    Solid remake of one of the most legendary and influential games in history in Super Mario 64. I have played both the original N64 version and this DS Remake and find both great.
  14. FunkyPopMan
    Jan 14, 2023
    8
    The controls is really all you can complain about with this game. It's the better version of Mario 64 even if you thought Mario 64 couldn't get any better. If your head is made of Super Mario 64 then you might as well skip this cause the controls might mess up your muscle memory entirely and make it hard to play. Though if you don't have much of a problem using the d-pad (or touch-screen)The controls is really all you can complain about with this game. It's the better version of Mario 64 even if you thought Mario 64 couldn't get any better. If your head is made of Super Mario 64 then you might as well skip this cause the controls might mess up your muscle memory entirely and make it hard to play. Though if you don't have much of a problem using the d-pad (or touch-screen) in 3D space, then get this game. This game is worth it for everything except controls. It just takes some time to master the D-pad.… Expand
  15. 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.
  16. 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
  17. 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.
  18. 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
  19. FireBroFilms
    Aug 15, 2022
    7
    ‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
  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
  23. 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
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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.
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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.
  30. 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
  31. StefanZ.
    Oct 1, 2005
    5
    One of the best games ever, ruined by a terrible control system.
  32. 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.
  33. 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
  34. 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.
  35. 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
  36. 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
  37. B.Mack
    Jan 4, 2005
    4
    Disappointing.
  38. SimonS.
    Oct 10, 2005
    4
    Who devised the control system ? I could cry... They've ruined a beautiful game.
  39. 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.
  40. dcrappyvillager
    Jul 11, 2018
    4
    I got this game for my birthday, and was quite disappointed. Terrible controls, numerous issues with collision detection. However, the character designs are much better, and the minigames are alright.
    But it doesn't matter because the game sucks. 4/10
  41. aiskander
    May 3, 2022
    4
    I don't know the good things in this game. It really didn't do much. The controls are much worse, and while they added new stars, they also removed some. Was it really that hard to keep both in? They did improve the textures, but not the graphics. In fact, they made the graphics worse because I can see pixels everywhere I walk. I wish they improved the boss fight, or the open-worldI don't know the good things in this game. It really didn't do much. The controls are much worse, and while they added new stars, they also removed some. Was it really that hard to keep both in? They did improve the textures, but not the graphics. In fact, they made the graphics worse because I can see pixels everywhere I walk. I wish they improved the boss fight, or the open-world mechanic, or anything that could make the game better. Although characters have special advantages, why is Mario used for everything. You need him for the boss, to wall jump, to race Koopa and everything else. This game needs to be improved for the next remake of Super Mario 64 (and no Super Mario 3D All-Stars doesn't count they added nothing)… Expand
  42. 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
  43. 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
  44. 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.
  45. Landoncgaming
    Oct 22, 2018
    0
    this game sucks is terrible the ported stars are harder then the n64 verison.
  46. StickyKeysstu
    Feb 14, 2023
    0
    What the...

    How did Nintendo take everything good from the original Super Mario 64, and get rid of everything good about it! If you want to play this game, you are better of getting the original.
  47. Shinglinhg
    May 17, 2023
    0
    One of the worst or the worst Mario game I've ever played in my life, the graphics are ugly, the gameplay is slow, the levels are less memorable than the ones in the Nintendo 64 game, and the sound is horrible. Even after 8 years since the release of the first game, Nintendo hasn't learned how to make a decent camera.
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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

All reviews »
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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