Board 8 > Mario

(+) Yeah! (+)

Hello everyone, please join me for a Mario lowercase p party! I love Mario and I know many of you do too. I hear some other Nintendo franchise had a game release in the last few days, but it�s never a bad time to talk about the world�s most wonderful Italian plumber and his brother Mario (not a typo).

I had been entertaining a playthrough of the Super Mario series for a while now. But instead I�ve decided to play any Mario games in whatever order I feel like. This includes Mario Kart, Mario Party, sports games, crossovers (Mario & Sonic, Rabbids, Smash Bros.), RPGs, Luigi�s Mansion, Captain Toad, eventually perhaps even the games which are a bit more removed but still feature at least one playable character from the Mario universe like the Donkey Kong platformers, WarioWare and so on. Basically any game where Mario is a playable character or a character from the Mario universe is a playable character is fair game. I don�t have a ton of time for gaming but I plan to keep this running for a long time and I am excited to dive deeper into this franchise.

It won�t hurt my feelings if I�m the only one posting but feel free to talk about any and all Mario related things here. The new movie, news, speedruns, your crush on Waluigi. I will certainly be sharing. I would prefer to limit the discussion to media and other content featuring Mario or original Mario characters but other than that all is fair game. This is a safe place to shit post, share your own updates if you�re playing through a Mario game or give an impassioned defense of I am a teacher: Super Mario Sweater. It�s Mario time.

Playing through all of the Super Mario games is still a goal of mine but I will not play through them all in release order. I am planning to start with the 3D games. I�ve got Super Mario 3D All-Stars and my current plan is to kick things off by replaying one of the Mario games which is nearest and dearest to my heart, Super Mario 64.

I'm all for this topic.

One of my earliest gaming memories is with Super Mario 64. My first home console was an N64, which I got for Christmas 1998 when I was in third grade. It was one of the absolute happiest moments I've ever had opening a gift. I'd played video games before at friends' houses and other places, and my brother even had a Sega GameGear, but this was the first time I had a home console in my house. This was our "big ask" that year, and we gave our parents some game suggestions. I suggested Diddy Kong Racing, and my brother suggested Super Mario 64, each of which we'd played at friends' houses. Funny enough, they got the exact same two suggestions from another parents they talked to and that was the deciding factor for them. Also funny enough, as each game was addressed to both of us rather than one to each, we each opened the opposite game that we had asked for. I won whatever was the determining factor for playing first (maybe because I was older?) and ended up choosing Mario. I INSTANTLY fell in love with it and to this day it's still my favorite video game ever made.

The Mario series of course remains one of my all-time favorites and I've played most of the mainline games and even a lot of the side-games. Interestingly, this year I've been playing/plan to play a lot of Wario games, but have also had a hankering to replay Super Mario Galaxy, which I haven't played through since getting my Wii (another tale I'll maybe tell later on).

Mario

NFUN posted...

Mario

*Mario Mario

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOc8SrT8jbk

wallmasterz posted...

Hello everyone, please join me for a Mario lowercase p party!

Doopliss be like:

@underleveled - Lovely stuff. I also got an N64 for Christmas in 1998. I was in 1st grade. My dad owned an NES from before I was born with Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt and SMB3, and if there were other games I dont remember them. I would ask him to take me to the flea market on weekends and Id buy NES games back when they were dirt cheap (sigh). SMB was the first video game I ever played, though.

My dad skipped the SNES and as a result I went from NES as our first home console to N64 as our second and I was completely blown away. Nothing has floored me the way entering the first floor of Peachs Castle and exploring Bob-omb Battlefield on Christmas did and I dont expect that to change. I would have to agree its one of the best gifts I ever received, if not the best, both in terms of the joy it brought me and the amount of time I spent using it.

Funny enough, Diddy Kong Racing was supposed to be our second game as my parents elected to have me pick one more in the week after Christmas, but none of the few stores we went to had it. Me being impatient, I blind bought Banjo-Kazooie instead as a six year old lol. We did get Diddy Kong Racing as well in the month or so following Christmas, though.

You said you ended up picking Mario to play first on Christmas Day, thats funny since it was your brothers pick. Im sure your brother enjoyed being able to watch you play even if he was impatiently waiting. Thank God for multiple save files.

What Wario games have you played so far, and which others do you plan to play? Definitely do share your Wii/Galaxy story at some point!

MZero posted...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOc8SrT8jbk

This is art. My dad loves the song Take Me Home, Country Roads and he made us listen to it a lot. I sang it at hotel karaoke once as a kid

This is now my preferred version tbh sorry John Denver

64 doesn't hold up without the nostalgia goggles.

Sunshine is a better feeling game than 64. It's not a better game, but running around is more fun in Sunshine.

Galaxy is still superb. Great soundtrack and the joy of running around little planetoids is unparalleled.

Super Mario 64 is a go.

Update #1 - I have played this game so many times Im practically on autopilot when I do play, at least for the first 10+ courses, using the shortcuts and Marios various jumps to skip chunks of the level at a time. I decided not to do that so I could savor the experience and try playing with fresh eyes. The last time I played this game was January 2021, and I remember clearly because my daughter had just been born.

I started with Big Bob-omb on the Summit, and Ill go on the record admitting I was afraid of that damn chain chomp as a kid. Easy star like most, nostalgic course like most. I always side jump or backflip over King Bob-omb because I never have luck running around him, though I suspect theres an easy solution to that I just never picked up on.

Almost always I clear an entire course at a time before moving on but in an effort to mix things up this time, I left the battlefield and got both stars from Peachs secret slide. The first time I ran it I intentionally tried to take my time but still got the hidden star by finishing in 20.8 seconds. Then I tried rushing the second time and bonked Marios head when I tried long jumping at the start lol. Fortunately, I didnt need to clear in under 21 seconds that time.

I moved on to the secret aquarium next. Guess the game plan is to collect the castles secret stars as early as possible, but I will definitely save Bowser in the Sky red coins for star 120. Its a relaxing star and more or less a swimming tutorial.

I didnt have much time to play before work so I wrapped things up by taking down Whomp. Theres not much to say but I did take some damage getting cute by jumping a little too late before he slammed into me. It was hard to resist all the shortcuts you can take with backflips and long jumps!

Ill likely collect more stars and give less detailed updates in the future due to collecting more stars in a sitting, but I think Ill get one star per level as much as possible just to get weird with things, inefficient though it may be. Next up I plan to get the first stars in JRB and CCM, then Ill probably head back to BOB for a foot race with Koopa the Quick before taking on Bowser in the Dark World.

Stars: 5/120

Seanchan posted...

64 doesn't hold up without the nostalgia goggles.

Sunshine is a better feeling game than 64. It's not a better game, but running around is more fun in Sunshine.

Galaxy is still superb. Great soundtrack and the joy of running around little planetoids is unparalleled.

I have rarely disagreed so strongly with a post on this site.

Anyway, tag.

Seanchan posted...

64 doesn't hold up without the nostalgia goggles.

Sunshine is a better feeling game than 64. It's not a better game, but running around is more fun in Sunshine.

Galaxy is still superb. Great soundtrack and the joy of running around little planetoids is unparalleled.

I agree completely with this quoted post.

NBIceman posted...

I have rarely disagreed so strongly with a post on this site.

Is it just the part where I don't worship 64? I know that's a controversial opinion.

I have a hard time believing that you strongly disagree with my opinion on Galaxy.

I also enjoy sunshine more than 64 but screw the pachinko machine.

SM64DS is the superior version of 64 anyway, you get more characters, more stars, and some of those minigames were great

I'm ready for another true 2D mario

All hail the Mario 64, progenitor of all 3D gaming, yet perfected at birth.

Emeraldegg posted...

you get more characters,

like the fantastic game donkey kong 64, where you get to enjoy running back to some gizmo to switch characters instead of just doing what you wanted to do.

pjbasis posted...

like the fantastic game donkey kong 64, where you get to enjoy running back to some gizmo to switch characters instead of just doing what you wanted to do.

Do you think that whole mechanic actively detracts from the game? Like I consider the bonus of having multiple characters who actually work differently to be worth the tradeoff of having to go to the castle to do it

DK64 is the case study for why more isn't always better in a video game

Seanchan posted...

Is it just the part where I don't worship 64? I know that's a controversial opinion.

I have a hard time believing that you strongly disagree with my opinion on Galaxy.

I think both Galaxy games are just fine. Nothing special in any respect except for, like, overall presentation, and I don't even hold the soundtrack in as high a regard as you seem to. Certainly wouldn't describe running around the little planetoids as "unparalleled fun."

But I recognize that may be even more of a controversial opinion than your 64 take so I don't imagine many would agree with me there.

Mario 64 has aged fine. Galaxy 1 and 2 are both the gold standards of the series. Sunshine isn't bad but I have zero desire to ever play it again, which is probably the worst thing I can say about a platformer.

I love me some mario. I approve of this topic!

Update #2 - plundered the sunken ship in Jolly Roger Bay, went down the slide in cool cool mountain, beat koopa the quick in a foot race and then did bowser in the dark world, nabbing the red coin star there as well. Pretty sure I seldom, if ever, have actually done the first bowser level at 8 stars.

What surprised me is when I went down to the basement to get a star from the toad by hazy maze cave, that bastard wasnt there!! You need 12 stars, a fact Im sure several of you already know.

I went ahead and got the vanishing cap and corresponding secret star. Kept worrying I was missing a red coin somewhere in the first half of the level before the vertical platforms, but nope. Somewhat tricky star imo, and it took me a few tries because Im quite out of practice.

Next I plan on getting the other caps unlocked and their corresponding stars, getting the bastard toad to appear, and then I will grab a star from big boos haunt and hazy maze cave.

Stars: 10/120

Gigantic Mario Kart nerd here btw but Super Mario 64 is a gem.

UnderUrMattress posted...

I love me some mario. I approve of this topic!

Thanks scum I mean Marth

wallmasterz posted...

What surprised me is when I went down to the basement to get a star from the toad by hazy maze cave, that bastard wasnt there!! You need 12 stars, a fact Im sure several of you already know.

I did not know this!

wallmasterz posted...

Thanks scum I mean Marth

:P

Seanchan posted...

64 doesn't hold up without the nostalgia goggles.

Sunshine is a better feeling game than 64. It's not a better game, but running around is more fun in Sunshine.

Galaxy is still superb. Great soundtrack and the joy of running around little planetoids is unparalleled.

I will give updated thoughts after 3D All-Stars but going off memory which includes a single playthrough of both Sunshine and Galaxy, Id likely go Galaxy > 64 > Sunshine

UnderUrMattress posted...

Gigantic Mario Kart nerd here btw but Super Mario 64 is a gem.

@UnderUrMattress which mario kart is your favorite? I love the series as well. I have beaten all time trials and gotten gold on all cups and engine classes up through cup 4 of the MK8D dlc

wallmasterz posted...

@UnderUrMattress which mario kart is your favorite? I love the series as well. I have beaten all time trials and gotten gold on all cups and engine classes up through cup 4 of the MK8D dlc

8Dx

Big fan of the Booster Course Pass

Very excited for waves 5 and 6 and the characters they'll be bringing back.

Second place, and by far the one I've played the most is MKDS. Helped get me through several long and boring road trips.

Love MKDS. First game I played heavily online.

Whats your stance on 150cc vs 200cc? I enjoy both, I think which one is more enjoyable depends on the course but once you get in the zone with 200cc its a lot of fun. If I could only play one though Id probably just stick to 150cc

wallmasterz posted...

Love MKDS. First game I played heavily online.

Whats your stance on 150cc vs 200cc? I enjoy both, I think which one is more enjoyable depends on the course but once you get in the zone with 200cc its a lot of fun. If I could only play one though Id probably just stick to 150cc

It's no different than driving on the highway. When you go 90 mph and then have to slow down to 65 mph it just feels significantly slower. So the fastest engine class is the one I prefer the most. If you asked me a year ago, I'd probably say 150 cc but times have changed.

Oh yeah, what's your favorite track?

Mine is definitely 3DS Rainbow Road with Wii Maple Treeway in second place. The fact that BOTH of those tracks returned in one wave was incredible for me.

UnderUrMattress posted...

Oh yeah, what's your favorite track?

Mine is definitely 3DS Rainbow Road with Wii Maple Treeway in second place. The fact that BOTH of those tracks returned in one wave was incredible for me.

Damn, this is tough. I really like Bowsers Castle (Wii U), Wild Woods, Grumble Volcano, Ribbon Road, Neo Bowser City. Doing the time trials on 150cc and 200cc influenced this lol. Most nostalgic is probably Koopa Troopa Beach from 64.

@dragongargoyle glad youre enjoying the thread so far and we are just getting started. Whats your favorite Mario game?

Leonhart4 posted...

DK64 is the case study for why more isn't always better in a video game

I haven't played it, are the characters in that game optional or required? Is there something in particular about the extra characters in sm64ds that make them cumbersome to use besides just having to go to the castle?

wallmasterz posted...

Most nostalgic is probably Koopa Troopa Beach from 64.

I LOVE THAT ONE TOO

Super underrated. Amazing music. The 7 remake is great.

NBIceman posted...

I think both Galaxy games are just fine. Nothing special in any respect except for, like, overall presentation, and I don't even hold the soundtrack in as high a regard as you seem to. Certainly wouldn't describe running around the little planetoids as "unparalleled fun."

But I recognize that may be even more of a controversial opinion than your 64 take so I don't imagine many would agree with me there.

SACRILEGE! j/k

For me, playing Galaxy for the first time (when it originally came out) was feeling like a kid again. Literal joy and glee. Taking a long jump and watching Mario loop around a little planet. Never knowing what you were going to encounter next (especially after Sunshine). The soundtrack contributed to that because it made everything feel so big and grand. I think it was the first orchestral score for a Mario game? All the little sound effects of collecting star bits and feeding the lumas. It felt like something special in a way that Sunshine never did.

Playing it again in 3D All-Stars, it still stood up. Obviously the magic of being surprised was gone but playing it was still just as fun as it ever was.

I've never been a major fan of 64. Of course it was a revelation back when it came out but once I had beaten it I didn't feel much compunction to play it again and again like I did with the NES/SNES games. I actually ended up selling it.. Banjo Kazooie was to me a much better execution on the 3D platformers of the time, but we'll let that go for this topic. I've replayed it over the years on DS and with 3D All-Stars and it's just always been a chore. The controls and the camera are antiquated and hard to go back to, and made a lot of the stars harder than they otherwise should be.

When someone says that 64 is their favorite 3D Mario, it'd be like someone saying that Mario 1 is their favorite 2D Mario. I think "really?!?". Both games are classics but were far outpaced by their sequels/followups.

With all that said, I'd certainly be interested in playing a remake of 64 with modern sensibilities, should that ever happen.

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/4/7/AARMM-AAEe2j.jpg

Saw this on YouTube a couple nights ago and thought to myself, thats enough YouTube for today.

swirIdude posted...

Doopliss be like:

^5 swirl for my thoughts exactly

GTM posted...

^5 swirl for my thoughts exactly

@swirldude and @GTM I havent played TTYD since it first came out but I still have my copy. Would be a good game to play for this thread if/when I eventually need a break from platformers

Emeraldegg posted...

Do you think that whole mechanic actively detracts from the game? Like I consider the bonus of having multiple characters who actually work differently to be worth the tradeoff of having to go to the castle to do it

Yeah actually. I don't think there's actually a point to splitting one complete character into four less functional characters. Just adds tedium. Especially when it's arbitrary stuff like who gets to put on a special cap.

In SMB2 every character is viable and just changes how you approach each stage. In DK64, all five characters are virtually the same, but there are switches/barrels with their faces on it that only react to them so they're all necessary. Compare to Banjo-Kazooie which has basically all the same abilities but you don't ever need to switch (Lanky Kong has Kazooie's Talon Trot to increase movement speed, but now you only have it 20% of the time!)

wallmasterz posted...

https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/9/4/7/AARMM-AAEe2j.jpg

Saw this on YouTube a couple nights ago and thought to myself, thats enough YouTube for today.

I can never look at HMC the same way again lmao

Update #3 - Having just unlocked the vanish cap last time I played, I activated the wing and metal caps, got every secret castle star I could without having opened the 50 star door, and proceeded to whittle away at the stars in every course. I also beat Bowser in the Fire Sea.

I have completed 64 over a dozen times but I havent played it enough to need a randomizer or some sort of fan-made version to spice things up, at least not yet. My approach to make this playthrough unique has been to get every secret castle star as early as possible, and otherwise always keep the number of stars I have in each level equal as much as the game allows.

For example at a certain point I had three stars in the first four courses, two in courses 5-8, one star in DDD and none in courses 10-13. So I got the first star in 10-13, then the second star in 9-13, then the third star in 5-13. I worried this would be tedious but the game is small enough and numbered courses generally close enough together that its not annoying. I am definitely wondering if Ill regret intentionally saving all 15 100 coin stars for the end though >_> we will find out soon!

But yeah, I got all the secret castle stars except for the ones you need 50+ for, which means I have 11 with four to go (still need MIPS 2, Toad 3, Wing Mario Over the Rainbow and Bowser in the Sky red coins). I got the first three stars in the first 13 courses, which seemed like a fitting stopping point for my first day of play.

I had a lot of fun despite a brutal sunburn from this weekend. The burning, wish-you-could-tear-off-your-skin itch is real.

I still cant resist long jumping onto a goombas head.

Next up is MIPS 2, Toad 3, Wing Mario Over the Rainbow and getting the first three stars for TTC and RR. Then Ill go about getting the 4th star for each course, and I will decide if Ive changed my mind about nabbing the Bowser in the Sky red coins star early. I dunno, RR 100 coin star would be a perfectly epic one for star 120.

Stars: 50/120

Is anyone currently playing a Mario game? If not, whats the Mario game you most recently played?

I was hoping to knock out another 50 stars or so tonight but I fell asleep sitting up at 8:15 my time lol. Itll probably be tomorrow before I play Super Mario 64 again.

Pretty sure the last Mario game I would've played is Mario Party Superstars. Game on Yoshi's Tropical Island with my fiancee and our best friends.

One of said friends is the luckiest human being alive when it comes to board games, be they digital or physical, and he was holding the lead for the majority of the game thanks to his usual good fortune. He got so overconfident that he risked a completely unnecessary duel with me that I won (Vine With Me was the mini-game IIRC). Turned the game all the way around and I clutched out the W. He's still bitter about it and swears he'll never throw like that again.

I'm re-buying Mario 64 soon to get back into 16-star runs. Maybe 120-star too. will also probably run SMB 1, 2, 3 & World, + Mario Land 1 & 2 this weekend.

I'm a SM64 rando speedrunner but haven't been running for awhile