Super Mario 64 – Are Koopa the Quick Times Constant?

The DS version's main feature is a few extra playable characters with special abilities. The Wikipedia article covers most of the functional differences.

However, I would like to bring attention to the main difference in my head: the DS controls are horrible. Since the DS doesn't have an analog stick, you are forced to use either the DPad or the stylus. Both controls are clunkier and more annoying than their 64 counterparts.

I loved the 64 version and got every star in it, and really wanted to play it again with new characters. Unfortunately, the DS controls made me unable to stand playing the DS version for more than a few levels in. It would be nice if they would rereleased the rerelease on the Wii instead so I have some chance of ever completing it. However, if you play it on a 3DS, you can use the circle pad in place of the DPad, which fixes all of those problems. On 3DS, the DS version controls just fine.

Obtaining Completion Credit

For SMW and SM64, there is no way to save the game after beating the final boss, nor is it necessary. The game automatically credits the save file for the progress gained by beating the final boss.

I am unsure about Paper Mario, but I would imagine that it followed a similar mechanic of crediting you automatically.

Completion Qualification

Super Mario World

The indicator that you have beaten every level (both in their normal ways and via finding their secret exits) is indicated on the load screen with a star beside the number of levels you have beaten. You receive this star upon finding 96 different level exits/bosses:

Super Mario 64

100% completion is denoted by collecting 120 stars. This is actually shown on the load screen when you complete the game:

Paper Mario

100% completion is achieved by obtaining all badges, star pieces, and recipes.