It's been several years of Retro|Spective threads now and long enough to take a look back at some of the more notable franchises or threads that attracted the most discussion in a spin on the usual format which will happen from here on every tenth thread. Taking a similar approach as the Canon|Strike threads, this will break from the normal structure of presenting a franchises run in one post to regular update focus on individual entries with
Retro|Spective on Retro|Spective
This is effectively a deep dive giving a chance for more detailed thoughts on the merits and failings of individual titles, your memories of them and how they place in terms of their franchise mates should the series being discussed have been fortunate to have enjoyed multiple entries. We begin with the core 3D era line of Nintendo's mascot with:
Super Mario 64

This is an entry who's introduction isn't required, the first footage I saw of it via Bad Influence was an event unlike any I can recall in gaming past. It was the one true moment of being struck by a truly next-generational shift that you could never come back from. To then be so hyped for so long until its release, go through the chaos of launch day (I'd end up waiting around an extra fortnight of being lied to and messed about by my retailer) and then playing it for the first time and it actually living up to that hype was unforgettable. So much time spent simply wandering Peaches castle grounds, hearing the birds chirp, the freedom to jump into the moat and more was something never recreated.
Time has aged the game to a degree, it's simpler than it once was and a bit over familiar but it's still one of the most easy to play N64 titles thanks to its strong focus on control and for me it's still not the weakest in the 3D line of Mario games which is a testament to the strength of its design. The closest to unimpressed I've been was the poorly judged NDS update of the game and I'm thankful Rare had its platform distractions for the system as it was a bit of a shame a direct sequel never made it to N64 to see what a more confident Nintendo would have done on the same hardware.
Is Super Mario 64 still a relevant entry or has it aged too much for you to enjoy like you did? Was it always overrated or is it still a classic? What are your favourite levels and moments?
Retro|Spective on Retro|Spective
This is effectively a deep dive giving a chance for more detailed thoughts on the merits and failings of individual titles, your memories of them and how they place in terms of their franchise mates should the series being discussed have been fortunate to have enjoyed multiple entries. We begin with the core 3D era line of Nintendo's mascot with:
Super Mario 64

This is an entry who's introduction isn't required, the first footage I saw of it via Bad Influence was an event unlike any I can recall in gaming past. It was the one true moment of being struck by a truly next-generational shift that you could never come back from. To then be so hyped for so long until its release, go through the chaos of launch day (I'd end up waiting around an extra fortnight of being lied to and messed about by my retailer) and then playing it for the first time and it actually living up to that hype was unforgettable. So much time spent simply wandering Peaches castle grounds, hearing the birds chirp, the freedom to jump into the moat and more was something never recreated.
Time has aged the game to a degree, it's simpler than it once was and a bit over familiar but it's still one of the most easy to play N64 titles thanks to its strong focus on control and for me it's still not the weakest in the 3D line of Mario games which is a testament to the strength of its design. The closest to unimpressed I've been was the poorly judged NDS update of the game and I'm thankful Rare had its platform distractions for the system as it was a bit of a shame a direct sequel never made it to N64 to see what a more confident Nintendo would have done on the same hardware.
Is Super Mario 64 still a relevant entry or has it aged too much for you to enjoy like you did? Was it always overrated or is it still a classic? What are your favourite levels and moments?
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