Mischief Makers

"One of the few 2D side scrollers on the N64, and not bad"

Mischief Makers seems out of place on the Nintendo 64, because everyone thought 2D side scrollers were dead and gone. To an extent they are, but Mischief Makers tries the formula one more time, and the result is a refreshing experience that makes you wish there were a few more side scrollers for the console. This game pits you as Marina Lightyear, and your job is to meander through dozens of levels of side scrolling action. Marina has the ability to hook onto moving platforms and ride them as well as swing on them (this is an important skill in the game). The levels are varied, and some of them seem like you may have saw them before in another such game. This game is for one player only.

Graphics: 7/10

The graphics are anime in nature, bright and colorful. The 2D worlds are nicely done, and some levels contain nice graphical effects, such as the Vertigo level where you're on a constant vertical climb. Nice touch.

Sound: 8/10

Some voice, and the music and sound effects are OK. Nothing spectacular, seems like typical side scrolling music, but still well done.

Gameplay: 7/10

The control takes a little getting used to, but it's not really a problem once you do. There are many levels in the game (some of them very short). The game is not very difficult, in fact, it seems like it may be geared toward younger players. Still, anyone can enjoy it. The bosses aren't very hard either.

Replay: 6/10

Like all side scrollers, there's not much to bring you back a second time. However, it should be noted that there are challenges for each level regarding time of completion, so this adds some longevity.

Overall: 7/10

Mischief Makers is like a flashback to the days of the SNES, when side scrollers were popping up everywhere. It's a nice break from all the 3D games of today. The Nintendo 64 needs more games like this, that can't rely on superior graphical techniques but instead must implement solid gameplay to make the game a hit. Mischief Makers does this well. Worth a rental at least.

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 11/01/99, Updated 11/01/99