Dr. Mario 64

When one considers the franchise as a whole - one definitely does not refer to Dr. Mario 64. Arguably, it's the most forgettable game in the series, omitting the typical engaging platform mechanics for a puzzler. That being said, there are plenty of people who enjoy the challenges that the game provides.

Dr. Mario 64 came at the end of the life cycle of its console. Perhaps that's why the game is more forgotten than some of the other entries into the series. Given that this puzzler continues to receive the remake treatment, maybe we've been a bit harsh on the old boy. Let's look back at Dr. Mario 64 to see if it was misunderstood rather than redundant.

The Doctor is In

If you ever played the original Dr. Mario, you'll understand how quirky the narrative of these games is. Since when did Mario become a doctor? Why is he peddling pharmaceuticals instead of saving Princess Peach? We just have to accept that this game is based in a parallel universe where Mario plays the medical hero rather than the epic one.

Dr. Mario 64 takes much from its predecessor in terms of gameplay - and quite frankly, not much has changed. The game is still a falling-block puzzler where players will combat 'viruses' by connecting color-coordinated vitamins. Challenges pick up as they fall faster, testing players' cognitive skills while shaking a fist at the evil pathogens donning the screen.

The game is typical of its genre - just under a Mario skin. There isn't a lot to define it from other games with similar mechanics apart from its bizarre narrative and visuals. However, Dr. Mario 64 aims to stand out a little more by offering a few different game modes to players. Multiplayer, story mode, flash attack, and marathon are a few elements trying to convince players that the game is unique.

Still, Dr. Mario 64 comes across as the same game as all the others. There is a cult following behind these games, and those who enjoy falling-block puzzlers will have a decent time. But there's not enough reason for any player to return to the game when there is plenty of the same thing. Its bland mechanics and lack of variation almost turn players away.

A Pill Hard to Swallow

Referring back to Dr. Mario 64 presents an identity challenge. Is it the bland game that doesn't deserve that much attention? Or is it the classic puzzler that cult gamers return to - satisfying their Mario and falling-block needs simultaneously? Whatever the case, it's one of these games that doesn't bother you being lost in time.

Pros:

• Homage to the classic falling-block puzzler in the Mario universe
• Multiple game modes to keep players challenged

Cons:

• Nothing different from other games of the same genre
• Visually and mechanically does not feel different from the original
• Doesn't do the Mario franchise any justice

First Nintendo revives Tetris Attack as Pokemon Puzzle League, and now Dr Mario returns to the N64 on April 9, for an attractive, under $30 price. It looks pretty much like the same old game we've seen thrice before (see below), outside of a new four-player mode. The idea is simple: Put the right color pill on top of the same color virus to make it disappear. The higher the level, the more viruses you have to clear.