Mischief Makers

Good day, all! More video game content for you readers today. This game is called Mischief Makers. As a side-scrolling Platformer, it was released in 1997 for the Nintendo 64, and with it, it carries some of my most treasured memories. The story takes place on the planet Clancer where Cybernetic Robot - G Marina Liteyears and her creator, Professor Theo call home. It was a normal afternoon when suddenly, the normally peaceful and loving Clancer inhabitants kidnapped the Professor! Marina quickly goes off in search to find him. She soon finds out that a lot of the Clancer have been recruited by a so called "Evil Empire" led by none other then the Professor's evil (and jealous) twin brother. Marina then sets out on her quest, along with some of the still good Clancer helping her along the way, to save Prof. Theo, and defeat the Evil Empire.

Mischief Makers doesn't have the deepest plot ever written, but it gets the job done. Even though Mischief Makers is weak in the story department, gameplay is where this game really stands out. The main mechanic of this game is grabbing. You can grab just about anything. Once you've grabbed something, you can use it, throw it, or shake it. The only bad thing I have to say about this game is the controls. They are simple, but can be very confusing in the beginning, and annoying in the future, but you get used to it.

What sets Mischief Makers apart from other games is its unique charm and humor. With that said, I think that makes it okay for the story not to be as deep and compelling as some others are. But that annoys some people. In a GameFAQs review of Mischief Makers, the review states "it's the 'damsel gets kidnapped' scenario that Super Mario has been doing for ages," and goes on to say "while there is a subplot or two it's nothing worth caring for, either." He implies that the game is unoriginal due to its similarities with other existing games, but the "damsel in distress" archetype has existed since the dawn of time, so that is hardly something to be complaining about. About the subplots, though, he makes a valid point. There are times in the game where characters and enemies are introduced, but they are never explained and leaves you wondering, as stated in the review "why on earth am I even fighting this boss?" In IGN's review of Mischief Makers, the reviewer tells us "Gameplay is where Mischief Makers really shines. Unlike many other action/platform titles, the game challenges players to use their heads to overcome the stages' various obstacles." He goes on to say "While some stages focus on straightforward action, others present the player with puzzle elements that must be overcome in order to make it to each stages goal." Variety is one of the most important things in not only games, but all media. Mischief Makers certainly has not introduced any groundbreaking ideas. It walks on familiar grounds but still presents something altogether unique and definitive that sets it apart from other games.