Splitting Down The Middle – Mario Mania #5
Good-bye 2-D platforming, hello 3-D polygons and analogue sticks.
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The N64 title got re-released on the Wii Virtual Console without any changes. It was re-released for the DS alongside the system's launch in 2004. The graphics got a visual upgrade and are much sharper; Mario and his pals look much closer to the official 3-D Mario artwork made around the time of the game’s release. With new secret courses, three new playable characters and thirty new stars to collect, what could go wrong?
The controls, of course. Mario 64 was originally designed with the N64’s analogue stick in mind, and what does the DS lack? An analogue stick. Controlling with a d-pad is very stiff and awkward, making going through the game a chore at times. Another change is that running is done by holding the ‘Y’ button. If you are curious as to what Mario 64 DS has to offer, play it on the 3DS; the Slide Pad eases some of this frustration.
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