Super Mario 64 DS[a] is a 2004 platform video game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. The game was a launch title for the Nintendo DS, and is the first game in the Mario franchise to be released for the console. The game was released in North America and Japan in late 2004, and in PAL regions the following year. The game is a remake of the 1996 game Super Mario 64 for the Nintendo 64.
In addition to revised graphics, the game includes new characters, thirty additional star collectibles, a multiplayer mode, and several minigames independent of the main adventure. As with the original title, the plot of Super Mario 64 DS centers on rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser, with slight changes to accommodate the additional characters. Yoshi is the initial protagonist in 64 DS, with Mario, Luigi and Wario as unlockable characters.
The game received generally positive reviews from critics, with praise going towards the game’s single player mode and the changes made from the original game, though criticism was directed towards the game’s multiplayer mode and lack of analog controls. The game was a commercial success, having sold over 11 million copies by September 2015, making it the tenth best-selling Nintendo DS game of all time.
The game begins with Mario receiving a letter from Princess Peach inviting him to come to her castle for a cake she has baked for him.[2] Mario arrives at Peach’s castle, along with Luigi and Wario. The trio disappear as they enter the castle, and Lakitu, the game’s camera operator, informs Yoshi of the disappearance. Yoshi explores Peach’s castle to find Mario, Luigi, Wario and Peach.[3]
Scattered throughout the castle are paintings and secret walls, which act as portals to other worlds where Bowser and his minions guard the Power Stars. After recovering most of the power stars and defeating Bowser’s minions, Yoshi acquires keys that access other areas of the castle, where he finds Mario and his friends captured.
Yoshi defeats Goomboss and frees Mario as they continue searching the castle to find more Power Stars. Mario defeats King Boo and frees Luigi who uses “invisibility power” to get Wario’s key. Luigi defeats Chief Chilly and frees Wario using the key. Mario and his friends tackle three obstacle courses, with each ensuing a battle with Bowser. After defeating him twice, they received a key that opens more levels of the castle.
After collecting 80 power stars, Mario and his friends reach the highest area of the castle, where they ensue a final battle against Bowser. Eventually, after Bowser’s defeat, Mario and his friends return to Peach’s castle, where they free Peach from a stained-glass window above the entrance. As a reward for saving Peach, she kisses Mario on the nose and bakes the cake she had promised. The game ends when Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi and Wario wave goodbye to the player as Lakitu films and flies away. A photo with Peach’s cake appears
