RECEPTION OF SUPER MARIO 64
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How a 3D platform redefined Gaming history
Critical reviews:
Super Mario 64 received an enthusiastic pre-release reception, with early praise for its smooth gameplay and engaging action, even when only half-complete. Critics highlighted its innovative 3D animation, which was a major leap from previous 2D Mario games. At E3 1996, it was one of the most highly anticipated titles, drawing large crowds eager to try it. Upon release, the game received critical acclaim, earning a 94/100 from Metacritic and a 96% rating on GameRankings, ranking it among the greatest video games of all time.
The design, variety of controls and use of 3D gameplay received praise from video game publications. Maximum found its strongest points were the sense of freedom and its replayability, comparing it to Super Mario World and citing its similar gimmick of allowing access to new areas upon finding switches. One of GameFan's four reviewers, E. Storm, cited the water levels as "overjoy[ing]" and showed how Super Mario 64 delved into an "entirely new realm of gaming". Official Nintendo Magazine called it "beautiful in both looks and design".
GamePro particularly praised the combination of unprecedented technical performance and art design, calling it "the most visually impressive game of all time". Paul Davies described the graphics as "so amazing to see, you find yourself stopping to admire [them]". Jonti Davies called the visuals phenomenal.
Doug Perry found the graphics simple but magnificent, a sentiment shared by Next Generation. Hyper reviewer Nino Alegeropoulos called it the best-looking console game to date and opined that its high resolution and frame rate for the time made it look "infinitely better than a cartoon".
Awards
Super Mario 64 received widespread acclaim and won multiple "Game of the Year" awards from gaming media and Nintendo's Player's Choice selection. It has consistently ranked among the greatest games of all time according to various reviewers. The game earned a Gold award from Electronic Gaming Monthly and won several accolades, including Game of the Year, Nintendo 64 Game of the Year, Adventure Game of the Year, and Best Graphics. At the 1997 Computer Game Developers Conference, it received awards for Best Use of Innovative Technology, Best Console Game, and Best Game of 1996.
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List of awards
| Date | Award Publication | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Maximum | Game of the Month (June) |
| Electronic Gaming Monthly | Game of the Month (September) | |
| Gold Award | ||
| Nintendo 64 Game of the Year | ||
| Game Informer | Game of the Year | |
| Spotlight Awards | Best Use of Innovative Technology | |
| 1997 | Digitiser | Game of the Year |
| Computer and Video Games | ||
| Golden Joystick Awards | Best Looking Game | |
| Official Nintendo Magazine | Best Nintendo 64 Game | |
| 1998 | ECCSELL Awards | Gold Award |