Jinx's Comparisons #9 - SM64 vs SMS vs SMG (Requested by Brookelas)

[MQJinx]

QuartrJinx?
This is probably going to be my most controversial comparison yet, as this is very opinionated and I'm delving straight into that unholy territory known as COMPARISONS ON ENTIRE GAMES. The people who have played these games have had very emotional attachments to them, and I hope they don't storm my barracks looking for blood. All of these games have their strengths and weaknesses, but I still say that this is one comparison to look deep into. How this comparison will work is that 1st place gets 3 points, 2nd gets 2 points, and 3rd gets one point. Also, I am not looking at sequels, remakes or remasterings. I am looking at the original games. Now with all that said, LET'S GO!
Rockman No Constancy - Wily Map (Boss Intro)

VS

VS

Category 1: Characters

Spoiler

In this area, Galaxy wins. The characters have enough development and personality to make them enjoyable to be around. Sunshine comes second for having comic relief characters, while 64 doesn't have any personality in the characters.

64: 1
Sunshine: 2
Galaxy: 3

 

[MQJinx]

Category 2: Level Design

Spoiler

The level design in Galaxy is just awe-inspiring with a variety of themes for different levels, without being too tough. 64 comes in second, as although the designs were decent, the concepts were being reused in later levels, and Sunshine doesn't offer much variety, and some areas can be notoriously hard.

64: 3
Sunshine: 3
Galaxy: 6

 

[MQJinx]

Category 3: Humor

Spoiler

Sunshine has added to the GCN era of comic relief, with so many moments that can catch players off guard into laughter, like the way some bosses are fought and some cutscenes. Galaxy gets second because 64 pretty much has no humor at all.

64: 4
Sunshine: 6
Galaxy: 8

 

[MQJinx]

Category 4: Music

Spoiler

Galaxy takes the cake on this one, for its music is very diverse catchy, memorable, and overall well-executed. 64 comes in second as while it has some memorable music, it is reused throughout the game, and only a few of Sunshine's tracks stand out to me.

64: 6
Sunshine: 7
Galaxy: 11

 

[MQJinx]

Category 5: Gameplay

Spoiler

Gameplay is, IMO, the most important part of a game, so I'm gonna be harsher on this category: 1st gets 5, 2nd gets 3, and 3rd gets 1. In this area, Galaxy wins, as the controls are easy to learn and work without any major flops. 64 gets 2nd due to having less flow of gameplay by not having the added features of Galaxy, and Sunshine can get sloppy at times.

64: 9
Sunshine: 8
Galaxy: 16

 

[MQJinx]

Category 6: Art Style

Spoiler

Galaxy wins this one by far. It has so many art styles used for its levels that it might as well be a level museum. 64 has a variety of art as well, if not for the repetition, and Sunshine doesn't have that much theme differences.

64: 11
Sunshine: 9
Galaxy: 19

 

[MQJinx]

Category 7: Bosses

Spoiler

Galaxy is filled with unique bosses that are all fun to fight against, and the Daredevil Comet adds some nice challenge in it. 64's bosses have some creativity, but not as much as Galaxy's, and Sunshine, minus Bowser, Bowser Jr, Petey Piranha, and King Boo, have bosses that are simply bland sea creatures.

FINAL SCORE
64: 13
Sunshine: 10
Galaxy: 22

The conclusion: 64 was a great way to start Mario 3D platforming, with some basic concepts that worked out very well. Sunshine was the most entertaining, but Galaxy's diversity and detail make it my favorite out of these three games.

1ST

2ND

3RD