Game #7:Super Mario 64 (Nintendo/N64)

No one really knew what to expect when Mario made his first trip into 3d. Sure, we had all seen stills, and they looked awesome, but how would the game control? How would the levels be structured? When Nintendo unveiled the new N64 controllers, people became even more skeptical. A joystick? On a console? When the game finally did come out it was the only one released with the N64 at launch besides the below average Pilotwings 64. Super Mario 64 was an instant classic. It revolutionized gaming and single handedly established the 3d platformer. Its style was borrowed by Crash Bandicoot, Gex, and Rayman, but none of those franchises could quite live up to Super Mario 64. The controls are spot on, the graphics are awesome and the worlds are huge and well designed. This game is truly great.

Pros: Great level design, strong controls, expansive, addictive, balanced challenge, unique

Cons: Camera can be awkward at times

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Gaming off the Beaten Path

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