I was able to get a physical copy of this, in what was absolute luck, and happenstance*. I couldn't be more excited. I began playing it in an emulator a few times, but it doesn't run very well in PJ64 on my computer (which is odd, cause Rayman 2 runs in "HD" smoothly, at 30 FPS). I never actually played this as a kid on my own at length. Probably in part to its M rating, but also in part cause it came out very late into the N64's life cycle. I remember seeing the commercials, and really, really wanting to play this game. As a kid, I remember a friend's dad had it, and we would sneak and play it sometimes, and it was awesome. He got in trouble cause we started a new save, and he obviously knew we were playing it. He said "This game is not for kids, you guys should play Sonic Adventure, or Rayman 2!" (They also had a Dreamcast).
So I'm starting to play it. I contemplated doing an LP, but I can't record stuff anymore, atm cause of reasons. I didn't want to wait till I could either. This game is.. actually, kind of clunky. It's a very charming game, and it is a rare gem (no pun intended.. this time), and technological marvel for the time on the hardware, but how does it play? Well, slow, stuttery, and some of the stage design is questionable, and confusing at times. But, It's worth it to be able to experience it. I know the kid in me would have spent hours with it, not minding the slippery movements, or awkward way you high-jump. Plus, the writing is pure gold. I have a soft spot for that type of British humour.
As far as what I like in a mascot platformer, this game has some of the same pitfalls as DK64, and Banjo for me. It doesn't focus as much on actual levels, as it does on building a huge hub with lot of characters and stages that focus more on exploration then getting from point A to point B within a given stage. Now, there is nothing wrong with this approach, and a lot of people really love these games and it's clear to see why, but for me, I prefer games more like Mario 64/ Sonic Adventure 2/ Rayman 2 where the focus is more or less on doing the stages or missions within the world instead of finding them, among other collectibles. DK64 was by far the worst offender with this. That game would be one of the best platformers of all time if it wasn't for the color coded Bananas. Rayman 2 is my favorite platformer on the N64 besides SM64, and R2 is rather streamlined. You go from stage to stage with a few instances of backtracking to older worlds, and there is a level select map not unlike Mario 3. Conker takes a more Banjo/ DK approach, which again, is fine, but I just prefer a more pure platformer from an objective standpoint. I feel that SM64 falls in the middle. It has a huge hub, and 15 huge worlds, but there is always a goal, and you always feel like you are progressing.
That said, it's still a blast, and I'd recommend anyone who likes a good ol' platformer to play it. If you don't wanna shill out the cash, though, no one is judging. This ends my stream of consciousness review. Is this a review? Feck if I know, mate.
7/ 10, Too much beer, -- IGN.
* I was walking around downtown with some friends, and we decided to go into this hobby shop/ gag store/ hoarder's den, and they had a small box of about 12 N64 games in a glass case. I asked to see what they had, and I saw that shit, and threw my money at it faster than the biggest tipper in a cam show.
