Review For New Super Mario Bros.

New Super Mario Bros was the first sidescrolling Mario game, since the SNES. How does it match up with games in a 3D world?

STORY

The story of the game definitely gets not many points for originality. Pretty much it same old "Bowser Kidnaps The Princess" story that has been used since the original SMB. However, I would believe that's the point.

CONTROLS

This game uses a mix of new and old Mario controls. The game features the classic running and jumping as well as news moves, such as the ground pound and wall jump. Speaking of the wall jump, it's much easier to use in this 2D adventure, which is good since it's used quite a bit.

The only time the controls really falter are when you are either Shell or Mini Mario. As Shell Mario, you start spinning as you are running and sometimes this happens accidently causing you to fall into a pit (it's also quite hard to time jumps). As Mini Mario, you have a much lighter weight, which really makes good timing a must.

However, despite those downsides, the controls in this game are quite solid.

GAMEPLAY

This is classic Mario gameplay all the way. The game uses the World Map found in most Mario sidescrollers, since SMB 3. Each level has the simple "Beginning, middle, end" format found in the classic games. The second screen helps you keep track at how far though the stage you are.

Each world is split into two halves. At the end of the first half of the world, you have to go through a fortress guarded by Bowser Jr. It should be pointed out that that the fortresses are a missed opportunity to bring back the classic Koopalings, instead of having you face Bowser Jr. over and over again. At the end of each world, is a castle guarded by a boss. For the most part, the bosses are just giant versions of classic enemies. The only real originallity among the bosses are the three incarnations of Bowser that you have to fight (normal, boney, and "tag team").

The items don't really add much to the game. The classic three (Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Super Star) are the items that you would be using most often. The Mega Mushroom is fun to use (and smash through everything), however there are some areas (such as underground), where you will become too big to move. The Mini Mushroom is really only used to find secrets (including 2 of the 8 Worlds). As for the Blue Shell, it's all but useless (since it's so hard to control).

The game has some nice replay value thanks the inclusion of 3 Gold Coins in each level (as well as secret exits). This is a good thing, since an experienced player could speed through the game in a few hours.

The game also features a multiplayer VS mode. In the mode, Mario and Luigi race to collect many stars. In my opinion, how fun this mode is really depends on the stage (and how open or cramped it is). Of the five stages, I would say the most frantic (and fun) would be the pipe stage, where it's really easy to quickly gain and lose stars.

As an added bonus, the minigames from Super Mario 64 DS reappear. Some of these are quite fun and will help you pass the time if you are bored and are looking for something to do (I'm personally addicted to the Picture Poker game). Unlike SM64, the minigames have an added VS mode and they are much more fun when you have someone to play them against.

GRAPHICS

Even though the gameplay is 2D, everything is rendered in 3D and just looks great. This is definitely the best looking of all the Mario sidescrollers.

SOUND

The sound in this game is average for a Mario game. Some of the classic SMB music returns, as well as some new tracks that fit the Mario mood. To fit the retro mood of the game, we return to sound effect instead of voice samples. Mario still makes the odd comment, however when he jumps or throws fireballs we hear the classic sounds from SMB. As for Bowser and Bowser Jr, they just make growling noises.

OVERALL

Mario's return to old school platformers is a very successful one. The only real bad thing to say about the game is that it's over way too soon.

Ratings
S-Story C-Controls G-Gameplay GR-Graphics SO-Sound

Reviewer	S	C	G	GR	SO	Overall (NOT AN AVERAGE)
Sean Kelly	5/10	9/10	8.5/10	10/10	8/10	9/10 - A

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