Mischief Makers (Nintendo 64)

Treasure ultimately gained a reputation as a developer of high quality games with unique gameplay characteristics. Mischief Makers was their first release on the Nintendo 64 and their first release for a Nintendo console. Mischief Makers was also the first 2D (really 2.5D) side-scrolling game for the Nintendo 64.

This game seems to be viewed through the lens of nostalgia much better than it was when it was contemporary. Reviews at the time of its release were mostly average and noted the unique gameplay characteristics but also indicated that it had a rather steep learning curve and was brief with little replay value. More recent retrospective reviews consider this game to be one of the most underrated games on the Nintendo 64.

In Mischief Makers, the player takes the role of a robotic maid off to save her kidnapped creator. The unique control mechanism is to pick up objects and then shake and throw them. Shaking objects can change their function or reveal treasure or other items. The game is action oriented but also contains a number of puzzles to solve.

To date there are no sequels, remakes or re-releases available for this game. The only way to play it today is with a Nintendo 64 or via emulation. However, given the nature and popularity of Treasure, this game seems more likely than many to eventually see some sort of re-release and/or sequel down the road.