A singular 2D action platformer from Treasure. Marin Marinette grabs, shakes and tosses anything that moves through stages bursting with unhinged ideas. Over fifty levels, dazzling bosses and a constant streak of offbeat humour. An N64 oddity that thoroughly earns its cult reputation.
Your verdict
Category
Platformer1 player7+
Description
2D action platformer starring robot maid Marina Liteyears rescuing Professor Theo through her unique grab, shake, and throw mechanics. Developed by Treasure, published by Nintendo, released in 1997. Varied stages, distinctive grab-and-shake mechanics, creative bosses, and a fast-paced rhythm.
A Treasure specialty, the parade of bosses keeps multiplying ideas: you grab, shake and fling back whatever comes, from goofy automatons to multi-part behemoths. Each encounter imposes its own rule, rewarding improvisation as much as reflexes. A frantic pace, visual humor and constant inventiveness make these fights a festival as disorienting as it is exhilarating.
An underrated gem
Treasure again, another mad idea: grab anything, shake it, then hurl it — that's the engine of this 2D action game packed with inventive bosses and unpredictable set-pieces. Its fragmented structure and uneven pacing baffled players. But its overflowing inventiveness and its famous 'Shake shake!' make it a gem that fans of frantic 2D will adore.
Is Mischief Makers still worth playing in 2026?
A 2D action platformer from Treasure, Mischief Makers stars the robot Marina tasked with saving Professor Theo thanks to her unique ability to grab, shake and throw absolutely everything, enemies and objects alike. The grabbing concept, the unbridled creativity of the situations and the snappy pace carry an inventive, singular adventure, the studio's hallmark. The 2D looks austere next to the console's 3D stars. For a fan of original platforming, a Treasure fan or someone curious about a title apart, the title keeps a remarkable inventiveness and character.
