Upon reading Xavier's recent blog post about Blast Corps there was another Nintendo 64 game that really caught my eye from the beginning of seeing it in an issue of Nintendo Power. This game was of course, Mischief Makers, an actually amazing and technologically advanced 2D/3D hybrid game that seemed to slip by most of the radar. This 2D/3D hybrid type of a game is not seen very much now but just imagine the possibilities on the next gen systems to display amazingly beautiful 2D sprite art mixed with 3D backgrounds and shifting enviroments. Some games have pulled off the 2D/3D look fairly well like the ever so popular Marvel vs. Capcom 1/2 but Mischief Makers is a whole different animal.

This gem of a game was developed by Treasure who I already treasured myself for creating one of the best console shoot 'em up titles for the Sega Genesis called Gunstar Heroes. Although this game had more puzzle elements and platforming than attacking it still had it's fair share of attacking and massive bosses. I remember first playing the "Cerberus Alpha" boss and being amazed by the detail and him reacting to you're every move, it was so lifelike. You played as a cyborg type robot which the game refers to as Marina, developed by a man named Professor Theo. While visiting the planet Clancer he is kidnapped by the Empire and therefore sets Marina off to go save him.

The game's graphics at the time were simply incredible to me displaying bright and vibrant colors which kind of reminded me of a style somewhat similiar to Yoshi's Island for SNES (many of the enemies look extremely similiar to shy guys). Anyone who has played this game will also remember the fairly challenging difficulty, especially in getting the yellow gem in each stage which would in the end contain a section of the ending cutscene, certainly a nice little incentive to play levels again and make sure to really search hard, and some are really hard to find.

While IGN game this game a 6.2/10 back in the day, I certainly don't agree with it. I remember waiting for this game because of it's creative appeal and interesting gameplay mechanics. While this game isn't on my top games list or anything it would definitely make my list of top N64 titles to ever reach the console. It gives you those rare moments quite often that makes you realize and be grateful that you love video games and that 2D games can make it in a 3D world.

Side Note: Who remembers the track and field levels? The race was so damn difficult, at least to get the yellow gem, I remember you had to button mash faster than humanly possible. Awesome.