Super Mario 64 DS is a good concept that could have been so much better with more responsive controls.
THE BAD: Awkward controls. Poor camera system. Sometimes frustrating.
Super Mario 64 DS has more to offer than the N64 version, but is not quite as great.
GAMEPLAY is good. As with most Mario games, Princess Peach gets kidnapped and our favorite plumbers are off to the save the day. However, the game now offers 4 playable characters (Mario, Luigi, Wario, and Yoshi) each with their own abilities and some other new content like minigames.
All this sounds greats, but the controls really suffer in the transition from console to handheld. With the lack of an analog stick, controlling Mario and the gang is difficult and the poor camera system doesn't make it any easier.
GRAPHICS are nice. The game looks a bit better than the N64 game, but considering this is on a handheld the game is pretty impressive. The frame rate and character models animate well and the game is just nice to look at.
SOUND is classic. The game sounds almost the same as the original with a few changes. The music is light and catchy and the the voice samples give the game that Mario touch. Of course, all this is softer than the N64 version and not as clean and clear.
VALUE is great. It's going to take some time to collect all the stars and the quest itself is long. The game also has a multiplayer mode that other DS owners can join playing off 1 game cartridge. It isn't that worthwhile or compelling, but it's nice to try out at least once.
OVERALL Super Mario 64 DS is a good concept that could have been so much better with more responsive controls. People who already played the game on the N64 are better off passing on this one and remembering the game as a classic, but those new to the game should give it a try.