Super Mario 64 DS [DS]

Ask any reasonable gamer who played Super Mario 64 when it launched, and they'll tell you it was a joy to play, an engrossing world, and an all-around jaw-dropper. But that was three generations of systems ago. So what about now, on the smaller, dual-acreage venture that is Nintendo's new handheld? Amazingly, it still holds up in this more-than-a-port port. Welcome home, plumber-dude.

Of course, "home" got quite a few additional wings while Mario was away. In Super Mario 64 DS, Mario's no longer the sole hero. Players can now take control of Yoshi (a slight surprise here: he's the first controllable character in a short tutorial run), Luigi, and even Wario. Each has his own innate attributes, as well as power-up moves unique to each character.

For example, Yoshi has a special hover-jump which can prove very useful in some of the lands beyond the castle's magical paintings, such as the shifting sands. He can also breathe fire or eat things and, um, excrete them as eggs which can then be used as "homing shells."

Luigi has his own pumped-up backflip, and can turn invisible. Wario, being the guy that he is, can break stuff. Certain collectibles in the game can only be nabbed by specific characters, which adds a layer of challenge; for example, as Yoshi, you would need to find Mario's cap somewhere in the level to transform into him.

Princess Peach's castle, too, has undergone renovation. It offers more explorable areas, new secrets, lots of mini-games utilizing the touch/dual screen scheme, and new stars, for a game total of 150. Most of the new areas are notably smaller than the re-heated originals, but they're a nice touch.

The subject of "nice touch" is indeed a touchy one, however. Super Mario 64 DS is missing a key element of its ancestor: an analog stick. In its place, your choices are the D-pad or the stopgap virtual analog setup, utilizing the clever, but flawed, thumb strap included with the DS unit. It takes getting used to, to say the least... and even when you are, it's pale compared to a real stick.

That lower screen does give the game much of its cool factor, though. It allows for an easily-referenced top-down map that shows objectives, and also plays a big part in a couple dozen mini-games. They're more side-niftie than deeply incorporated game elements, but they're a welcome addition to the experience.

Last but not least, there's the wireless multiplayer for up to four players -- requiring only one copy of the game. Thank you, Nintendo. It lets four differently-colored Yoshis duke it out for stars scattered about. Snagging the proper caps allows player to change into Mario, Wario, or Luigi, which in turn opens up new abilities to whack accumulated stars out of the hands of others. It's arguably limited in the end, but fun, for all that -- espeically with all four players.

All around, Super Mario 64 DS is a very good package, and one very strong leg for the Nintendo's newborn two-headed oddity to stand upon. Even gamers who have played the "parent" game to death can find something to love in this promising -- if not entirely coordinated -- bundle of joy.