Super Mario 64

In 1996, a game that would change the world of videogames was released. The game: Super Mario 64. The system: a newly launched Nintendo 64 System, which had not yet been proven. The developer: the great Shigeru Miyamoto.

I still remember the day when I walked into Toys 'R Us and saw Mario 64 for the first time. I waited in line for a half hour and finally got a chance to put my hands on that perfect fitting controller. After I left the store, I couldn't stop thinking about that game and that system for monthes. I then knew I had to get an N64 and a copy of Mario.

This game, almost single-handidly made the N64 the fastest seller in history, despite many delays in production, and just two games availible at the system's release. It also did something much bigger for videogames. It shaped the way that 3D platformers are played.

Just think about all the 3D platformers there are. Every one of them uses the same gameplay elements as Mario. Some improve upon certain elements, but the overall gameplay is still the same. Now, onto the actual game.

You're Mario and you're invited to the castle for a cake by the princess. When you get there, though, something's wrong. It seems as though Bowser has kidnapped the princess and taken over the castle. To save the princess, you must open the doors by getting stars and defeat 3 Bowsers. To get stars, you go through 15 paintings into 15 different worlds. Each world has 7 stars to make a total of 120 stars. You didn't have to get all 120 stars to fight the last Bowser.

While Mario 64 did shape the genre, it did have a few downsides. The biggest disappointment I had about the game was that there was NO LUIGI, which really pisses me off. Other than that, the camera wasn't that great, and the control took a little time to get used to. Mario 64, despite the downsides, still is one of the greatest games of all time!