About this game
Mischief Makers (1997) is Treasure's first Nintendo platform game and the N64's first 2D side-scroller — a deliberate challenge to the era's 3D orthodoxy. Marina Liteyears, a cybernetic android, must grab-and-throw everything in her environment to progress, creating a momentum-based physics system with satisfying weight and snap. Treasure's signature commitment to deep, high-skill gameplay in a compact package made it a cult N64 title that has only grown in reputation.
Key Features
The core mechanic is grab-and-throw: Marina latches onto enemies, objects, and terrain features, shaking them for power-ups or hurling them as projectiles. The 2D side-scrolling format on N64 was unusual for 1997 — most publishers had abandoned 2D for 3D. Each stage is densely designed with mechanics that reward mastery. The game features an unusual structure mixing action stages with brief puzzle intermissions. Treasure's 12-person team built it over roughly two years with minimal N64 documentation.
The Story Behind
In 1997, the industry had essentially declared 2D gaming obsolete in favor of 3D. Treasure — known for bucking trend with mechanically precise games on Genesis and Saturn — chose to make the N64's first 2D side-scroller and demonstrate that 2D design could evolve rather than simply give way to 3D. The game was also Treasure's first Nintendo collaboration, following a long relationship with Sega's platforms (Gunstar Heroes, Radiant Silvergun).
Tricks & Tales
Mischief Makers features gold gems hidden in each stage; collecting all gems unlocks the game's true ending. This led to years of guide-writing in the Japanese gaming press before online walkthroughs existed. The game was one of the few N64 titles to be 2D — a distinction that made it stand out in the N64 library both in 1997 and in retrospective appreciation decades later. Composer Motoaki Takenouchi's soundtrack is considered one of the more underrated N64 scores.
Collector's Guide
Region & Compatibility
Released worldwide. Japan version (ゆけゆけ！トラブルメーカーズ) published by Enix; international versions published by Nintendo. Gameplay is identical.
Maintenance Tips
Standard N64 cartridge care. The game uses battery-backed SRAM — check the battery if saves are lost.
Available in our shop
Hand-cleaned and tested units shipped worldwide from Toyohashi, Japan. HP direct purchase exclusive: we include a printed shop owner's note card with every order.
Direct purchase supports this museum directly. eBay Top Rated Seller · 1,750+ reviews · 100% positive feedback.
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