Mischief Makers (N64)

So, it seems I've forgotten about my reviews lately...but not to worry...because this is (hopefully) the first of many reviews to grace the webspace of Silent Waters!

Anyway...before there was Yoshi's Story...there was only one 2D side-scrolling platform game on the Nintendo 64...not two! Marina burst onto the scene in early 1997 as a somewhat unusual offering by a development company called Treasure. The concept revolves around a Professor Theo...who has a bad streak of luck when it comes to being kidnapped...and the lovely android Marina Liteyears, who comes to his aid whenever she is needed.

Marina looks an awful lot like Mega Man...but she's actually completely different! Rather than blasting her way through enemies, she has her own unique skill. She grabs things...shakes things...and throws things! This might seem odd at first, but the game allows her to use her skill in fascinating ways!

To start with, Marina can deflect and/or catch quite possibly anything that's thrown at her. This comes very much in handy during all the boss battles...battles which are, amazingly enough, never boring! In fact, it seems that every level is unique and interesting...which makes the game fascinating enough to make you want to play...and keep on playing!

The graphics are...well...subjective. I personally like the art style. Sure, it's all old and N64-ish...and pixellated...but what's not to like about Marina or those adoreable Clancers? Everything is made out of Clancers...which makes all the levels look kind of the same...but they're still different enough in their own way that it's fine!

The music...well...I hardly even remember it, for the most part...but it was kind of...well...your normal video game music. The sound effects aren't much to be dazzled over either, but they get the job done. The really subjective part is the voice acting. Personally, I like hearing Marina yell "STOP!!" or "Shake! Shake!"...or Prof. Theo's shout of "HELP ME, MARINA!!". Good stuff.

The game is fun. That's about all there is to it. I mean...sure, there's more to it...but...oh, well! Hey, if you own an N64, go out and buy this game! If you find it pre-played, it'd only be like $10 anyway! Go for it!