Super Mario 64 was one of the most influential games of the 90s. I remember being 11 years old and playing it for the first time at a Blockbuster display, and it immediately captured my attention. When my friend John got an N64 and Super Mario 64, I jumped at the chance to borrow it and play it for hours on end. I never wanted to give it back!
The game was groundbreaking for its time, being one of the first 3D platformers. It had a level of freedom that was unheard of in previous Mario games. I could explore and interact with the environment in ways I never thought possible. The game was also incredibly fun, challenging, and rewarding. It was impossible not to be hooked.
Fast forward to today, my sister Rachel told me that she got her family an N64 for Christmas, and my 5-year-old nephew Blake loves playing it. He loves Super Mario 64 just as much as I did when I was 11. However, my sister was upset that he deleted all the stars. I understand her frustration, but it's also a testament to the game's replayability.
As much as I love this game, it's not without its flaws. The camera controls can be frustrating at times, and some of the levels are just plain confusing. But these issues are minor in comparison to the overall experience the game provides.
In the end, Super Mario 64 is a classic game that has stood the test of time. It's still as enjoyable today as it was in the 90s. It's a game that brings back a lot of nostalgia for me, and I'm glad to see that the younger generation is still enjoying it. I might have to borrow my sister's N64 and relive some of those memories! But I might never give it back :)
