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A remake of the original Nintendo 64 classic, Super Mario 64 DS adds 30 new stars, three new playable characters and several DS-exclusive features. The largest new feature is 36 mini-games that are earned by catching individual-specific rabbits, nine for each character.
Overview
In addition to the main game, Super Mario 64 DS also has a mini-game mode that utilizes much of the touch screen controls. Divided into four sections representing the four characters, each section hosts a different variety of mini-games. Yoshi's mini-games include Wanted, a game where you have to find a character in a sea of impostors, and a Luigi's Mansion mini-game with the objective of using your stylus as a flashlight to detect a Boo, among others. Mario's mini-games include a couple platforming-jumping games with the objective to squash the Shy Guys and prevent Mario from falling, a couple of puzzle mini-games where you have to draw the path of a falling Mario head to keep it away from the piranha plants, and a turtle shell-bowling game with the objective to get as many points as possible. Luigi's mini-game section includes many casino-style gambling games like roulette and memory. Wario's mini-games include a missile-command style bomb-omb game, and a snow-ball game. Several of these games and more are unlockable as you play throughout the game.
The last additional feature Super Mario 64 DS has is a versus mode. In this mode, you can compete against your friends in levels such as Princess's Secret Slide, Castle Grounds, Sunshine Isles and Battle Fort. The main objective is to collect as many stars as you can.
The control scheme was a big issue as it used to be played using a analogue stick on the N64, which does not exist on the DS. Nintendo came up with a solution of using the touch screen as an analogue stick. The controls can be changed to suit both right and left-handed gamers, which also helps the left-handed as controls are only usually designed for the right-handed.
Throughout the castle grounds you'll often notice small bunnies hopping around wildly. Though they may seem just for decoration, they're actually a small challenge for you. Each rabbit you catch unlocks a new mini-game in Princess Peach's Rec Room. Each of the four characters has seven rabbits to catch—below is a list of their locations. The easiest way to catch the rabbits is to chase them into a corner and dive at them. They always run in a pattern, giving you a chance to predict where they go next.
Characters
Yoshi
You begin the game as Yoshi, and until you collect eight stars total he's the only character you can play as. Yoshi has a few unique abilities, including his "floaty" jump. If you jump and hold down the jump button in mid-air, Yoshi's legs will flutter underneath him, letting him float a little further than normal. Also, Yoshi can fire eggs as projectiles. To lay an egg you'll have to first grab an enemy with Yoshi's tongue and then press the crouch button. These eggs will ricochet off of multiple enemies if you line 'em up right, too!
The unique ability that lets Yoshi solve puzzles others can't is his ability to breathe fire. Break open a red "?" block and grab the power flower to Yoshi fire breath for a short period of time. His fire breath can be used to melt ice blocks, or to damage enemies.
Mario
When Mario grabs a power flower he'll inflate and float around. You can change Mario's altitude by rapidly tapping the jump button, letting Mario reach vertical platforms that are out of reach to others. Also, some red "?" boxes will give Mario a feather instead of a power flower. With this feather, Mario can glide through the air to reach new areas. You can start flying either by shooting out of a cannon or by performing a triple jump.
How to Unlock: You first need eight power stars before you can unlock Mario. When you've got the first eight, go to the Goomboss Battle behind Princess Peach's room and defeat the Goomboss.
Luigi
Luigi's greatest strength is in his jumps. Like Yoshi, Luigi can sort of hover in mid-air for a second by holding the jump button. More importantly, Luigi has a very unique back flip technique. Luigi's back flip goes higher than anyone else's, and as Luigi falls from his back flip he slowly twirls down to the ground. You can use this back flip to reach high places, or to glide across large gaps that other characters can't jump across. To perform a back flip, just jump while crouching.
Have Luigi grab a power flower and he'll turn invisible. While invisible, Luigi has the special ability to pass through certain objects, including certain paintings, mirrors, and especially cages. Since the invisibility only lasts a short time, you'll have to be quick to get to your goal once you grab the power flower with Luigi.
How to Unlock: Once you've collected the first eight power stars you can then access the Big Boo's Haunt course in the basement. After earning the first star in the course, a set of steps will appear in the main house that lead to the second level. Through the door to the east (upstairs) is a secret loft with a painting of Luigi. Complete the Big Boo Challenge to unlock Luigi.
Wario
Wario is easily the most difficult character to play as. He's slower than everyone else, has shorter jumps, and is generally less wieldy. However, what he lacks in maneuverability he more than makes up for in raw power. Wario's strength is unique, and he's the only character in the game that is capable of busting open the black-brick blocks that are located in some of the courses.
Wario's special power flower ability will turn him into a giant hunk of metal. When Wario is in metal form he's nearly immovable—strong winds won't be able to push him from cliffs, and even powerful water currents can't budge him. You can use this unique ability to get Wario into places that other characters just can't reach.
How to Unlock: You won't be able to unlock Wario until after you've collected thirty power stars. When you unlock the second floor of the castle, head up there with Luigi. Grab the power flower in a nearby room and jump through the mirror to hop into the painting of Wario and complete the Chief Chilly Challenge.
| Game Name | Super Mario 64 DS |
| Platform(s) | |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Developer(s) | |
| Genres |
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| Themes |
Add a new theme
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| Original US Release |
Nov. 20, 2004
need a fuzzy date? |
| Original US Release | know the real date? |
| Aliases | |
| OFLC |
OFLC: G8+
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| CERO |
CERO: All Ages
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| ESRB |
ESRB: E
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| PEGI |
PEGI: 3+
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goldenninja16
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- Ignor 43 points
