It is remarkable that Super Mario 64 is over twenty years old at this said juncture. Yet, even with this being the case, a plethora of gamers still like to play it. Sure, nostalgia plays a huge role in this being the case, but it also is still immensely fun in a lot of ways.
One also cannot underestimate just how significant this game is when it comes to its 3D components. It is also the inspiration as to why games, such as Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Odyssey, exist.
Like times does, this game certainly is outdated in a lot of ways, which is understandable. This can make playing it today a bit frustrating at times, but it is clear that the good aspects of it significantly outweigh the bad ones. Gamers who have yet to try this game really should give it a go too, as it is a spectacular part of gaming history. There is still a lot about it that also still works well with the present time too, so overall, it is absolutely worthwhile.
Stood The Test Of Time: Its Entertaining Stars
The vast majority of these stars are very entertaining to obtain. Sure, there are some you get from Toad and some that are too easy, but they all offer something unique. This is an element that seems to be lacking in the modern games from the franchise.
This is what allows the stars in these games to be so memorable at the end of the day. They also progressively become more challenging too, which allows the player to improve upon their skills over time.
Outdated: The Camera Angles
The camera angles in this game definitely are frustrating. This is due to the fact that they are a bit too restricting, as they often do not allow the player to see the entire map properly. This becomes a bigger issue when the levels become harder and possess more falling areas.
At times, those who are prone to motion sickness may experience some symptoms from this too. This is definitely the worst aspect of the game and enough for people to become angry when playing. It is entirely understandable to be.
Stood The Test Of Time: Its Storyline
This game definitely holds well when it comes to its storyline. As with today's games, it involves Bowser capturing Peach, which, of course, leads to Mario being the one to save her.
Although one may argue that it is a bit repetitive today, this game does follow it. As a result of this, individuals who do not play this game would be able to relate to it well. It is a nice and fun way to play another adventure with Mario for sure.
Outdated: The Graphics
Much like the camera angles, this game is definitely not very strong when it comes to its graphics. This is even made apparent by the fact of how Super Mario Sunshine looks, as it is only six years younger and it looks far more beautiful.
It is actually been made even more apparent with the recent remakes of these games too. Thus, it certainly is something that may turn players away from it. It definitely provides some challenges with them being so poor too.
Stood The Test Of Time: The Power-Ups
Although power-ups in modern games have evolved, it is nice that they are still seen in this one. Metal Mario has become a very popular figure since this game too so it warrants praise.
The wing cap has yet to make a return to the series, but it is apparent that they all play a role in the significance of power-ups in later games. Also, they have their moments of making the game so much more fun to play.
Outdated: Inconsistent Controls And Glitches
This game is also challenging to play because of its inconsistent controls and glitches. This can result in wall jumps being far more challenging, as well as Mario going in the opposite direction players want him to go.
The glitches also are extremely prevalent in the original version, which can make it extremely aggravating at times. These are issues that players just do not see in modern Mario games, so criticism is surely warranted.
Stood The Test Of Time: Its Outstanding And Memorable Music
The music in this game is so popular that Nintendo still incorporates some of its songs in later installments. The music is a massive reason behind this game being so fun as they all offer a nice unique sound to its players.
The amount of nostalgia that presents itself through this game's music is immeasurable. This is really the case with all games from this series, so it is awesome that this game's music is still loved at this very time.
Outdated: Restarting Levels After Retrieving Stars
One of the most annoying aspects of this game is that it forces the player to restart levels after obtaining a star. Levels could be finished so much more quickly, but the game makes the player jump back into the painting.
This can be rather time-consuming, especially to those who want to speed-run it. They fix this issue in games like Super Mario Odyssey, and it was greatly appreciated by gamers. Therefore, it is clearly an outdated aspect of it.
Stood The Test Of Time: It Never Gets Old To Play
Even with all of its negative aspects, this game is one that is still extremely fun to play. This is especially the case with its veteran players. However, it's not limited to newbies as they might be able to find joy in its iconic but simplistic style.
It offers a lot of different types of tasks to its players, and they all seem to be unique. The more challenging of stars also require a ton of practice too, so it is completely worthwhile. It is why people still are in love with it, even after all of this time.
Outdated: Its A Bit Too Short
Mario games have become so much longer than this one today. This game allows the player to beat it when they reach 70 stars, which is certainly a low number. Sure, there are some that are challenging to get at this point of the game, but more could have been done.
In total, there are 120 stars to get, which is a lot lower than what gamers see in Super Mario Odyssey, for example. This game offers a ton of fun to its players, but if it had, say, double the amount of stars to obtain, it could have been even more enjoyable.