Today's topic is a big one. If I could recommend only one retro video game what would it be? I've been brainstorming a lot on this one. No matter how hard I think the choice always falls back to that one same game. I did of course know that it had to be this game as soon as I saw that this was a topic. Still I've been brainstorming as I'm trying to get through the challenge without recycling to many games.
Source: Mario Wiki
The perfect game
There's just no way around it. It had to be Super Mario 64. An absolute masterpiece of a game. A perfect game with no flaws. A game that still holds its own to this day.
The main reason I would recommend this as my only game is that I can't imagine anyone playing this and not enjoying it. I may be biased about this but to me this game is that good. The game is diverse with a lot of different levels. Not only that but the levels change as you progress through them. The level design is great and Marios awesome move-set makes them fun to navigate.
The sales numbers speak for themselves. The original version for the Nintendo 64 from 1996 sold over 11 million copies. Then the Nintendo DS version was released in 2004 and sold another 11 million copies. It's also been out on the Wii U but I can't find a ny sales numbers. It was released again for Nintendo Switch in 2020, bundled together with Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy, and that bundle has already sold 5 million copies.
The fact that is has been re-released so many times is another testament to its success. It's also one of the reasons the game would be so easy to recommend. It's really accessible. Someone who was recommended this game today, 25 years after its initial release could actually go and pick up a copy on a current gen console.
Source: Gamesradar
The game that never ages
Super Mario 64 simply never ages. At least it hasn't yet. Sure, the graphics may have aged a bit but what does that really matter? The game has a level design and a gameplay design that is basically timeless. I've played this game across three generations and every time I play it I still have loads of fun.
I played it on the Nintendo 64 and was utterly amazed at what this game was. Traversing the world in 3D was amazing. I played it on the Nintendo DS and had an even better time because this time I was actually good at it. I never owned the Wii U but I borrowed one for a while and of course had to play some Super Mario 64. I didn't manage to get far before giving the console back but I sure would have.
I'm looking to play it once again on the Nintendo Switch. With the Super Mario 3D All-Stars I'll get to play three amazing Super Mario games all in one pack. I intend to work my way through them in succession. Starting with Super Mario 64, moving on to Super Mario Sunshine before ending up at Super Mario Galaxy. Perhaps I'll manage to finally collect all 120 stars for the first time in my life. 20 years after playing the game for the first time.
Source: Retro Games
Do yourself a favor
If you haven't already please do yourself a favor and play this game. If you have a Nintendo 64 lying around and haven't played Super Mario 64 I first need to say that I'm disappointed. Then I'm gonna tell you to try to get your hands on a copy. If you have a Nintendo DS then just get it. The game is great in the handheld format. If you have a Wii U download the virtual console and get going. If you have a Nintendo Switch just get the whole all stars and go witness some history.
You won't be disappointed. If you're already a fan of platform games you'll notice how much newer games has borrowed from Super Mario 64. If you're not a fan of platform games you will, most likely, be after experiencing Super Mario 64.
Just do it!
Source: Digi
As I already mentioned there was no way around it. It had to be Super Mario 64. The games achievement in sales numbers across several generations is a testament to its own success. No argument can be made to deny that it's a great game. Gaming history like what Super Mario 64 delivered deserves to be experienced by everyone who loves gaming.
We're closing in on the end of the Retro Video Gaming Challenge. Only three more entries after this! I've noticed that some participants has already finished while others have just started. There's still a lot of great content upcoming from the community. Make sure to check out the #retrogamingchallenge to not miss any entries!
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