Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Super Mario 64 DS breathes new life into the classic platformer formula by introducing multiple playable characters and a wealth of new content. While Mario remains at the heart of the experience, unlocking Luigi, Yoshi, and Wario adds strategic depth: Luigi can float higher with his flutter jump, Wario delivers powerful ground pounds, and Yoshi’s tongue and flutter combo open hidden paths. This variety ensures that revisiting stages never feels stale, as each character reveals secret areas or alternate approaches to familiar challenges.

The expansion from 120 to 150 Stars significantly extends playtime, with many hidden objectives cleverly integrated into both revamped and brand-new levels. Collecting Stars now involves everything from classic platforming feats—racing Koopa Troopas or navigating treacherous ice slopes—to inventive tasks like using the DS touch screen to mimic analog controls and solve precision-based puzzles. These additions heighten the reward loop, compelling players to revisit courses with fresh eyes and different abilities.

In addition to the single-player quest, the multiplayer star-collecting mode adds a competitive edge. Up to four players can race through mini-challenges, sabotaging one another and scrambling for stars in real time. The inclusion of over two dozen mini-games—many of which leverage dual-screen mechanics and the touch pad—provides bite-sized fun that’s perfect for quick local sessions. Whether you’re thwarting friends in a tug-of-war or guiding characters through maze-like courses, the multiplayer suite underscores the DS’s communal strengths.

Maneuvering in 3D space on the DS requires a bit of adaptation due to the system’s directional pad and touch-mappable “C-stick” replacement. While purists might miss the analogue stick’s nuanced control, the clever use of the touch screen to refine camera angles and movement responsiveness demonstrates thoughtful design. Ultimately, once you acclimate, the controls feel responsive, allowing you to pull off tight jumps, precise wall-kicks, and tricky mid-air maneuvers with confidence.

Graphics

Graphically, Super Mario 64 DS is a remarkable showcase for the Nintendo DS hardware. The game retains the bright, whimsical art style of the original N64 classic while polishing textures, lighting, and environmental details. Character models have been slightly upgraded with smoother edges and richer color palettes, giving Peach’s Castle courtyard and its surrounding courses a renewed vibrancy.

Performance-wise, the title maintains a consistent frame rate that holds steady even during chaotic on-screen moments, such as crowded mini-game arenas or boss battles with multiple projectiles. Occasional clipping and pop-in are minor trade-offs for the overall fluidity, and load times between levels remain brisk—an essential factor for portable play. The dual screens are employed effectively: the top screen presents the main action in 3D, while the touch screen provides a convenient map, camera controls, and contextual prompts without cluttering the primary view.

The redesigned stages, including brand-new locales like the Card Castle and the Yoshi version of the Tiny-Huge Island, illustrate the developers’ commitment to novelty. Each environment boasts unique visual flourishes—twinkling stars dancing in cavernous halls, gleaming metallic surfaces in Wario’s Mountain, and lush foliage that sways gently in 3D space. These details enhance immersion and bolster the sense that you’re exploring a living, breathing world filled with hidden surprises.

Though the DS’s screen resolution imposes limitations on fine detail, the art direction cleverly compensates with strong silhouettes, bold color contrasts, and dynamic camera angles. The end result feels both nostalgic and fresh, capturing the essence of the original Super Mario 64 while demonstrating how even a decade-old design can shine on newer, albeit less powerful, hardware.

Story

At its core, Super Mario 64 DS retains the charming, straightforward premise that made the original so beloved: Princess Peach’s cake beckons, but when Mario, Luigi, and Wario vanish into the castle’s depths, it’s up to Yoshi—and eventually all four heroes—to rescue them. This simple narrative framework provides a lighthearted context for exploration without overcomplicating the platforming focus.

The decision to introduce Yoshi as the initial protagonist adds a fresh perspective to the Peach’s Castle saga. As you swap between characters, small storybook-style cut scenes soften the transitions and underscore each hero’s unique personality—Luigi’s cautious optimism, Wario’s brash confidence, and Yoshi’s cheerful determination. While dialogue remains minimal, the character animations and expressive portraits on the touch screen convey plenty of charm.

Boss encounters also receive slight narrative tweaks: Bowser’s familiar “Bowser in the Dark World” showdown gains extra polish with new arena layouts, while other minibosses benefit from expanded attack patterns that underscore the revised level designs. These encounters feel like natural extensions of the main story, giving each character a starring moment as they conquer unique challenges and ultimately work together to set things right in the Mushroom Kingdom.

Though the plot never aims for epic profundity, it delivers exactly what fans seek: a playful rescue adventure brimming with whimsical moments, emotional highs when characters reunite, and triumphant music cues that evoke the series’ greatest hits. For newcomers and veterans alike, this tale of friendship and heroism remains endearing and perfectly suited to bite-sized portable sessions.

Overall Experience

Super Mario 64 DS offers an outstanding blend of nostalgia and innovation, making it a must-have for any DS owner with a love for platformers. The game’s robust single-player campaign—bolstered by new characters, additional Stars, and expanded stages—ensures hours of solo enjoyment. Meanwhile, the competitive mini-games and multiplayer star-scramble inject healthy rivalry for gatherings or quick on-the-go challenges.

Beyond its content, the title exemplifies how to successfully adapt a beloved console classic to a handheld format. The dual-screen interface, carefully optimized performance, and inventive use of the touch pad demonstrate the developers’ deep understanding of the DS’s strengths and limitations. Even after multiple playthroughs, the diverse objectives—ranging from environmental puzzles to boss rematches—keep the experience feeling fresh.

Portability also enhances the game’s appeal: it’s easy to pick up and complete a few challenges during commutes or short breaks. The ultra-responsive save system lets you snap back into the action without losing progress, while the quick mini-game sessions serve as ideal distractions when time is limited. This flexibility distinguishes Super Mario 64 DS as both a nostalgic journey and a contemporary portable adventure.

Ultimately, Super Mario 64 DS stands as one of the finest entries on the Nintendo DS library. Its combination of engaging gameplay, appealing graphics, lighthearted storytelling, and thoughtful handheld integration make it a standout experience. Whether you’re revisiting Peach’s Castle for old times’ sake or discovering this gem for the first time, you’re in for a thoroughly satisfying platforming adventure.

Retro Replay Score

8.1/10