Super important game that makes me super happy!
While reading this review I suggest listening to this music to get into the mood:
When I think about formative experiences from my childhood, things that I will never forget I think of watching my friend play his imported Nintendo 64 with his only game.
It was like nothing I'd ever seen before in not only visuals but more mind-blowingly was the free movement.
When I finally got a go myself I spent so much time just running and swimming around the castle.
It is impossible to impress how much my idea of what a game was got changed in those few hours of play.
It wasn't just me who was affected by Mario 64 but the entire industry was changed forever by this game. Nintendo EAD did what no one else in the world had managed and that is to use 3D graphics technology to make a fun experience that could not be had without the power of Nintendo 64 (or any other 3D capable system).
Mario 64 was not afraid of completely rethinking what a Mario game is for the betterment of the title.
Nintendo pioneered many themes of modern game design in this one product. Use of a hub world that you run through to access the levels, multiple objectives in each level, and the long term effects on the industry from the seeds Nintendo planted here are gigantic. Giant franchises from Halo to GTA own Super Mario 64 a great debt.
If you have never played Super Mario 64 (or even if you have) and consider yourself either a gamer or one who has an interest in one of the biggest steps forward toward today's games design you own it to yourself to play a few hours of Mario 64, lose yourself in play for a while.
