Nintendo 64

Certain transitions simply arent meant to succeed. Whether it is a book being adapted for the big screen, a singer tempting fate in acting or vice-versa, there will always be cases where the newly created product or effect will tarnish the initial reputation. As the Playstation and Nintendo 64 gradually left the Sega Genesis and Super Nintendo to rest in peace, it became a common practice to take video game series, which had made themselves well known on 8 and 16-Bit systems, and to create three dimensional sequels for them. Among these sequels can be found highly successful titles such as Super Mario 64 or The Legend Of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time. This, however, isnt to say that every sequel to bring a series in the third dimension has been well received. When Konami followed in this trend, it did so by introducing, among others, its whip slashing, vampire hunting line of games known as Castlevania. The result, Castlevania 64, shows that the series is better off remaining a two-dimensional side-scroller.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes

The premise of the Pokémon Stadium games hasn't changed with the new sequel. Anyone who's ever played the original knows exactly what to expect with Pokémon Stadium 2. The main idea is still to take Pokémon trained on the Game Boy versions (which now include the most recent Gold and Silver ones) and transfer them over to the Nintendo 64 via the Transfer Pak so that they can battle in a much grander and more vivid three-dimensional arena.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Mild Animated Violence 

Game Description: What can you expect from the sequel to one of the favorite Nintendo 64 games of 2000? A lot. Pokémon Stadium 2 comes with four new tournaments, 12 new minigames, and lots of fun extras, like special Pokéquizzes to test your level of mastery. And you're sure to find your favorite monsters, because—gulp!—249 Pokémon are present in the game. As in Pokémon Stadium, you can train and battle your monsters, as well as transfer them (via the separately sold Transfer Pak) from your favorite Game Boy titles—including the newer Gold and Silver editions of the game.

Now, in the twilight years of the Nintendo 64, we can only hope that the upcoming GameCube will not travel down the same racing-and-platformer-heavy path its predecessor has. However, in a strange turn of events, the Nintendo 64 has been graced with a supremely excellent RPG only a few mere months before it receives its last rites.

According to the ESRB, this game contains: Comic Mischief

While I haven't been starving for RPGs, I agree with all of Brad's major points. Paper Mario is a very good RPG that plays towards Nintendo's primary strength—creating charming game experiences with its evergreen characters. Intelligent Systems succeeds in designing and implementing a witty game that is nearly impossible to dislike. The game is filled with charming characters, bumbling enemies, and the sort of odd-ball situations that only Mario would get himself into.

Game Description: Paper Mario has a 2D look in a 3D game world—an aesthetic designed to make players feel as if they've entered an animated pop-up book. A stationary camera helps reinforce this storybook illusion. The game's title is taken from the paper-thin characters inhabiting the Mushroom Kingdom. For example, when Mario is sleeping, he flips and flutters through the air like a leaf falling from a tree. Paper Mario is the sequel to the classic Super NES role-playing game Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Like the original, it contains a mix of turn-based battles and intricate puzzles, as well as timed attacks. Players time their attacks by moving the D-pad and pressing the A button at exactly the right moment to inflict maximum damage. This seasons Paper Mario with a little action/adventure flavor. Classic characters, such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Bowser, and Toad, are joined by the likes of Goombario and Kammy Koopa.

According to ESRB, this game contains: Animated Violence, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes