It is a known fact that the N64's debut was poorly backed but its also a well known fact that Mario 64 is one of the best in its class. As the first N64 game this is an incredibly magnificant game, and one that lead the way for other great platform games such as Banjo-Kazzoie, or Donkey Kong 64. This game took an incredibly long time to make but the results definately paid off for Nintendo. Mario is the greatest console system mascot, and Nintendo didn't let down the loyal fans when releasing this. Through and through Nintendo's, and Miyamoto's, hard work, and dedication to shine through the bad and helped all loyal nintendo fans have one great reason to buy the "Big N's" new system.

Mario 64 really was an excellent game. Its not a secret that Nintendo 64 lacks great sound support but the makers of this game worked around it quite well. From the music to the few but great voice parts this game, considering it was the first N64 game, reaked of well done sound and helped pave the way for expectations for N64's sound. Unlike the Playstation, the N64 does not suffer from load times and I think this definately was a great advantage from the other next-gen systems of the time. The control, while confusing for first time players, is excellent as well, Mario can crawl, perform a variety of jumps or just walk along in the worlds that span for great distances. The game also has great levels, the worlds span for wonderful lengths and can give players something to do after finishing the game. If your done just go back to a level and collect the stars over again if you want, collect coins if you want, or just plain have fun enjoying walking around, flying around, swimming around, and just plain exploring. The good in this game deffinately out-weighs the bad.

The camera suffers once in a while in this game. Some times the camera will go behind a wall or another object blocking the view of Mario. Another feature that it lacks is multiplayer support. This is a first game for N64 so I do not hold it against it, but multiplayer support would have been a nice feature. One more problem that is not as serious is the lack of everyones favorite, Luigi. I know he's second gun but whats a top dog with out one, or in this case what do you think of when you here Mario? I think of Mario BROTHERS... but in this case the brothers part is missing.

This game stands alone on the N64 for reasons of it being the first N64 game yet being done so well. The time spent in this game definately makes the good more evident than the bad. From seemingly endless worlds, to the many mini games, to the beautifully done graphics, this game definetely offers many hours of play. Wether you like to explore or defeat the enemy, this game has it. Mario 64 lives up to it's name in this thriller of a platform exclusivly for the N64.