There are plenty of games that capture the attention of the present youth. Whether it's a breathtaking mechanic, an awe-inspiring story, or its simplicity, there are many reasons to fall in love with such games. One of those games that were memorable for its time was Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64.
Initially released on June 23, 1996, Super Mario 64 was developed and published by Nintendo. It was one of two launch games for the system; the other that joined the launch was Pilotwings 64. The high-fidelity graphics were created with the Nichimen N-World toolkit, and the score was composed by Koji Kondo.
There are many reasons why Super Mario 64 is revered as a classic. During its time, 3D graphics were on the cusp of becoming a gaming reality, with companies such as Sony and SEGA pushing out systems. Nintendo needed something to compete with them, so they turned to "Old Reliable" Mario. With a camera system that was ahead of its time and a memorable music score, Nintendo's launch title for the N64 stole the show.
The level design was also complex, even for a 3D game. Whether you were in Boo's Haunted House or Bob-Omb Battlefield, you had an incentive to play each stage. The main objective was to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. However, it felt like a new adventure where you tackled other obstacles.
Of course, it's not to say that the game has aged poorly. The camera system can be a pain to use at times, and the graphics look clunky by today's standards. Some say that the launch wasn't strong enough for Nintendo and sent them down a path of irrelevancy. But there are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this timeless classic. If you're a fan of simplicity in 3D form or want to unwind, you can't go wrong with Super Mario 64.