Retro/Virtual Console Review: Super Mario 64

A few have obtained the Wii in the past few days, and with my surprise acquisition the other day I was (after logging several hours on the Mii channel and Wii Sports) put in a reviewing mood. The majority of the reviews you're likely to read in the not-too distant future are most likely for current releases, so I decided to review something different; Virtual Console releases. Once per month (if I feel like it) I'll review a VC title.
Keep in mind that, as I'll be reviewing a key title most of the time, the majority of them will be very positive.
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SUPER MARIO 64
Original Platform: Nintendo 64
Genre: Platformer
Cost: 1000 Wii Points ($10)
Reviewed version: Nintendo 64


FEW GAMES have had more impact on the gaming industry than Super Mario 64. Nearly every console game of our time owes something to the N64's launch title, which not only defined 3-D gameplay, but was an exceptional title in it's own right. The game stands the test of time very well.

Gameplay: 10
I have yet to play a 3-D game with more satisfying controls. Mario has more moves than I can easily remember, but the wonderful simplicity and fluidity of the controls allows you to pull them off with little difficulty. A is used to jump, B to attack, and Z to crouch, but the coolest moves are pulled of by using combinations of the aforementioned. Attack while running to dive and slide, jump while crouching to perform an impressive backflip. The list goes on and on, and within a few hours you'll be jumping and sliding with ease. In addition, three special hats grant temporary powers if picked up in certain stages.
Of course, it wouldn't be a Mario game without great level design, and this has it in spades, with the levels growing more and more interesting as you progress. My particular favorite is a set of islands connected by pipes that are almost exactly the same in design but vastly different in scale-the Tiny-Huge Islands.

Sound: 9.5
From the joyful beat of Bob-omb Battlefield to the dramatic clash at the end, the game is packed with instant classics, and great remixed themes (like the remixes of the Star Theme for the hats) provide very pleasant surprises.

Value: 10
20+ hours of awesome gameplay AND a piece of gaming history for $10?! This is definitely a title to check out.

Final Score (Not an average): 9.5
Super Mario Sunshine is an excellent game -no doubt about it- but it simply can't stand up to it's predecessor. While it may be a bit easier than Sunshine, the level variety and liquid-perfect controls more than make up for it. If you haven't played it before and you enjoy platformers at all, you owe it to yourself to give it a download.

-Super Smashing Bro.