New Super Mario Bros

Review from Oracle - Tuesday, 04 July 2006 @ 12:00am

Back in E3 2004 Nintendo announced the Nintendo DS, surprising audiences with the unique gameplay possibilities and fancy features. While Nintendo was showcasing the DS a certain teaser was played in the background. It was the New Mario Bros trailer which slapped everyone in the face, causing them to shout out for the world's most recognised video game character, Mario!

The title says it all people, it's the New Super Mario Bros. Nintendo has taken a pinch of old school with a dash of next generation and mashed it all together, resulting in a game that can be picked up and enjoyed by anyone.

The game starts off very corny, but if you have a sense of humor you could easily see that's what the Nintendo team was aiming for. Yes, it's the good ol Princess gets kidnapped by Baby Bowser and for some reason Mario wants to rescue her, probably because he wants some.

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So what happens to Mario now? Baby Bowser leads him on a chase through which Mario must complete levels in worlds to reach his final destination which is... yep you guessed it, Bowser's Castle.

The gameplay from the original Mario Bros games is what made Mario and Luigi so successful. I'm pleased to say that the gameplay has not only been kept but it's twice as fun and addictive. You're hooked as soon as you power on the DS.

Ahhh, there's nothing like going back to your old school gaming roots.. nothing like throwing a couple of turtle shells, collecting coins, jumping off walls, dodging fire and everyone's favourite, jumping on heads! The most imaginative part of New Mario Bros is that every level is done completely differently to the others and can be enjoyed in many ways to the very end.

The levels in New Mario Bros are what makes the game stand out from the other Mario titles published in the past 20 years. The levels are now rendered in both 2D and a full, rich 3D, allowing Mario to change the shape of objects around him; colourful environments and an atmosphere which will semi-bring back and introduce new Mario worlds to its players.

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The slight downside to the game is from start to finish will take you approximately 8 hours. However, if you truly enjoy the game you will find yourself coming back to Mario Bros to complete the game 100% by finding all the hidden levels and collecting all the Star Coins.

Another cool feature about New Mario Bros is the catchy tunes. New Mario music has been introduced and the tracks are catchier than ever. Just try not to whistle along with the music in public, otherwise you will look like one of those freaky people you try not to make eye contact with on the train because you would feel sorry for them... Yug for an example.

Surprisingly Nintendo also threw in some catchy multiplayer modes which can be shared off one cartridge. You can select either Luigi or Mario as you and your opponent fight to collect the stars that randomly pop up in the selected level. Much like the multiplayer mode in Super Mario 64 DS but with a new touch.

Another added feature thrown into New Mario Bros is the Mini game mode, exactly like the mini game mode introduced into Mario 64 DS. No seriously, it contains the exact same mini games featured in Mario 64 DS. It's a downer that Nintendo didn't add in any new creative mini games into this game. However, the cool part about the Mini game mode is that player is now able to play multiplayer with up to 3 other players. Very cool, especially the gambling mini games.. what? I have no addiction? *shifts eyes*

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Overall, I've enjoyed this game to the extent of almost completing it 100%, but with that said I'm very sure you'll be coming back to this game even after rescuing the princess... OMG! I gave away the ending!!

This will be a game that will be sitting in your DS slot for the coming months, I think we can all agree when I say welcome back Mario.. we missed you.

Summary

Bow down, it's here! The king of old school has finally hit the Nintendo DS and Mario has grabbed us by the neck and thrown us back through 20 years of full rich gameplay, giving us an experience we haven't felt since the NES ages. Welcome back Mario!

Pros

Very fun and enjoyable old school gameplay, unique levels, anyone can pick it up and play. Beautiful graphics, easy controls, and the catchiest tunes around. Warning: Once picked up you will feel the incredible urge to jump on peoples heads.

Cons

The adventure mode is pretty short, it could have been longer but the whole idea of fully completing the game will get to you. Old ported Mini games will turn you off if you have played them to death on Super Mario 64 DS. The multiplayer star mode is a play-it-once thing.