A port of ‘Super Mario 64’ that runs natively on PC circulated the internet recently which caught Nintendo’s attention, much to the company taking ‘legal action’ to shut it down and scrub it off the internet.
Super Mario 64, Nintendo’s seminal IP based on its iconic red plumber, is originally a game exclusive to the Nintendo 64.
To play the game officially, one has to have both the physical copy and play it on an actual Nintendo 64 console. Otherwise, play it on Nintendo’s more advanced console by way of the Virtual Console.
Technically, there had been another way to play the game outside of its intended platform, that is, via emulation. Something that is illegal in and of itself.
An Almost Impeccable Port
But what caught Nintendo’s attention is far more interesting than an almost perfectly smooth emulation.
The port not only runs ‘natively’ on different hardware, but also comes improved with features unprecedented to the game. This includes widescreen support and overall improved visuals, done externally via Reshade.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sxwPd0hDBc
A simple Google search easily lands to a myriad of YouTube footage showcasing the seamless and enhanced rendition of the game. Some of which even contains a link that gives access to the game for free.
Digital Millennium Copyright Act
As of writing, Nintendo has already filed a complaint against the said illicit showcase of one of its classic intellectual properties. This includes not just the video demonstrating the game in its newfound glory, but also links that direct to the game’s premade client.
As a caveat, not all video footage of the game was removed from YouTube.
The issue of the giant game company taking on indie projects based on its IP is nothing new. Just previously, in 2016, Nintendo also filed a legal complaint against ‘AM2R’ to stop an unauthorized recreation of its Metroid game.
As per Torrent Freak, the entity behind the takedown is Wildwood Law Group, LLC. The very same firm that took down the AM2R project via a DMCA complaint in the representation of Nintendo.
Unsurprising
Nintendo’s latest endeavor to make the internet free from plagiarised work of any of its IPs may have worked. At least, for now and to a certain extent. But knowing the internet, there is likely some traces of the illicit material lingering still.
It is not clear whether the takedown has something to do with the rumor suggesting the Super Mario 64’s remake. But knowing Nintendo, based on its deed in the past, the initiative is hardly ever surprising.
Image used courtesy of YouTube/Kyugma