Scoring Note: This game will be graded on scale of 15, the number of worlds in the game.

Graphics: 15

For a while, this was the best-looking game of all time. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to get this game, even though it did take several months before I was able to secure a copy. Unfortunately, while I waited I couldn't help but read a walkthrough on the game, and that diminished my fun later. Be that as it may, there are some games now that look better, as this game is very polygonal. But it really is very hard to say anything bad in this category, so I won't.

Sound: 12

Some of Mario's old tunes make their return, and of course there are new ones. I have to take off points because too many worlds have the same music. Worlds 1, 2, 12, and 13 all have the same music. This is the first game that doesn't have too many sound effects because Mario makes noises instead, but there is an appropriate noise when Mario hits a wall, for example, and Mario makes appropriate noises. But Mario characters need spoken dialogue! Mario seems all but incapable of audible speech.

Moves: 10

Eh. Mario still jumps, and he learns how to punch. He has some cool jumps, but the only interesting attack he has is throwing Bowser, and the game ruined some of the fun of that battle by having a sign telling how to beat him, plus all three battles with him are similar. Mario could stand to learn some new tricks.

Control: 15

As usual, this Mario game scores well in this department. Mario is an idiot so he is willing to do whatever you tell him.

Terrain: 13

The game takes place in a lot of diverse and interesting areas, but of the 15 worlds there is only one that I would call truly unique, maybe two. There could have been even more variety in the form of "odd" worlds, as opposed to two water worlds or the four grassy worlds.

Items: 9

At last we learn the true source of Mario's power, his hats. His new hat power-ups are fun to use and fun to find. It's great fun to lose his regular hat and go on without it (see his reaction when he gets a Star without having his hat). But where are the items we already know, like the Mushroom and Fire Flower? 1-Up Mushrooms appear, but are really unimportant. And as for the three new hats, it is entirely possible to beat the game without ever using them (except the automatic use of the Wing Cap at the end).

Characters: 3

Boo! Come on! Mario basically goes solo in this one. Peach is in it but only at the end, Luigi isn't in it at all, and Yoshi's part is just shameful. Even on the enemy front there are very few enemies that return… very few enemies at all, really. Mario got a little too egotistical when he demanded his role in this game.

Gameplay: 14

Now this is fun, and I ever so much regret that I read a walkthrough on how to get the Stars before playing this game. There are 120 Stars to find in this game, and most players will have fun seeking them out. Control will not hinder you at all from doing so, although at times the camera can be a problem, thus the point off. On several occassions I have tried to fire Lakitu, the cameraman. But on a brighter note, when you go to the mirror room you can see the cameraman behind you. Clever!

Difficulty: 15

This is really a very easy game to beat. Of the 120 Stars, you only need 70, and the final battle with Bowser isn't too bad, especially since you can get infinite tries if you keep getting the 1-Up Mushroom right before that battle. But, if you are an expert player you can try to go for all the Stars. Now that's a bit tougher! Some of them are hidden very well, and some are just really tough to get to, so all gamers should find this game to be somewhat of a challenge.

Replay Value: 11

Because this game is so good, players will probably want to go through it again. There aren't any mini-games or multiplayer modes, so after a second playthrough it could end up at the back of the shelf.

And finally…

Fun Factor!: 15

It's fun to play. Despite the great graphics it's not my favorite Mario game, but it is still a game that I would never mind playing if I had the time.

Recommendation:

For once I am reviewing a game that you can actually find in stores. If you don't have this game, you really must play Mario's first N64 appearance, and you must do so soon. You have 15 worlds waiting to be explored and 120 Stars to collect, and they won't explore or collect each other. Happy playing.

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