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Back to Basics

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 6 / 8
Date: May 18, 2006
Author: Amazon User

For people like me who basically grew up gaming with the Mario Brothers, Nintendo's latest title featuring the plumbing pair is a godsend. If you didn't already know, while Mario and Luigi are immensely popular even till this day, it has been almost 15 years since they last appeared in a side-scrolling adventure. The brothers have ventured into racing, golf, tennis, soccer, and what have you. They've taken on aliens and travelled through time in other outings. They've even suffered the fate of being captured by their nemesis, only to be rescued by Princess Peach. All these are notable expansions of the brothers' career, but what many fans really wanted was to simply play through a brand new side-scrolling Mario game, updated with current technologies. And Nintendo have responded. New Super Mario Bros. for the DS is the game that brings the brothers back to where they began, and boy, what a ride it is!

All the ingredients that made the early Super Mario Bros. games great are found in New Super Mario Bros. The storyline, the gameplay and the level designs are all reminiscent of the classic titles. The plot goes that Princess Peach is (once again) captured, and Mario is (once again) on his way to save her. Zero marks for creativity here, but that's beside the point. The franchise is never well known for groundbreaking story-telling, and for a game returning to its roots, it's only right that Nintendo are sticking to a tested-and-trusted formula. What really stands out in this game is that, apart from the expected involvement of simpler features from the originals, it also includes a large amount of advancements. Now, the DS may not be a PSP, but it's still strong enough to carry out the ideas that Nintendo wanted. The result is an instant hit featuring great gameplay, killer presentations, and a whole lot of fun.

Mario's quest is broken up into eight worlds, and as usual, these worlds are in turn broken up into various levels. You'll approach these levels in a linear fashion via a world map, much like how you used to (and I hope you've!) approach Super Mario Bros. III. Within these levels, you'll then have to do the mandatory running, jumping and bouncing to reach the end of the level within a time limit. Along the way, Mario will encounter familiar enemies, bricks that contain power-ups and coins, as well as the secret areas and shortcuts. Of course, the path to the end of each level isn't a bed of roses, and the game does throw in some difficult challenges as you progress further into it. As such, despite the game's simplicity, you may find yourself running out of time as you attempt to navigate environmental puzzles, explore secrets in each level, collect rewards and beat enemies, while trying to reach the flag pole in time. All in a day's work for Mario, I guess. And, if you're wondering whether you've read correctly, yes, I mentioned the term "flag pole". This end-of-the-level checkpoint is, of course, homage to the original Super Mario Bros. game. And, if you happen to do something right during the level, you'll also trigger the end-of-level fireworks, which is yet another tribute to its origins.

Within a level itself, you'll come across some sort of a "midway point". Not all levels have midway points, but once you reach one, the game will inform you by showing off a flag icon. The beauty of this feature is that, if you fail to get to the flag pole successfully thereafter, you can restart the level from this point, instead of having to engage the level right from the start. A similar feature appears on the world map, in the form of a tower. This tower is primarily the midway point of a world, and it's mostly (if not all) guarded by Baby Bowser. Defeating him will lead to an opportunity for you to save your game. At the end of a world, a castle beckons, and, as you may've expected, they're are guarded by a host of bosses. The surprise here is that these end-of-level boss fights do not consist solely of battles against Bowser Sr., which would be too cheap a trick to borrow from the past. Defeating a boss will bring you to the next world, as well as provide you with another opportunity to save your game. The distance between the save points, at times, may appear too far away. This is especially evident when you're playing on the run, and may not have the luxury to beat a few levels at one go. Considering that the DS is a handheld, Nintendo would do well to provide more save points along the way to cater for players who prefer to play the levels on short bursts.

To make it easier for you to reach these save points, Mario is given an array of skills and items. He has his usual dashing, jumping and bouncing abilities. On top of that, he has some new skills that are mostly lifted from his later adventures. These include a wall-jump move, which allows him to bounce from wall-to-wall to reach higher grounds, as well as a downward pounce that he can use to do a (literally) ground-breaking action if the ground texture is made of bricks. The environments also provide many opportunities for Mario. Some pipes, like previous games, lead Mario into secret areas and shortcuts, while others simply toss him up into the air (a new feature). It's usually not a bad thing when that happens, because some obstacles can't be crossed without having Mario going air-borne,

Talking about obstacles, New Super Mario Bros. also throws in some new traps that are previously unseen. One of these is a rocking mushroom that doubles up as a platform for Mario to manoeuvre. This sways from side-to-side, which essentially means that on each platform itself, Mario will have to experience an upward and downward slope in quick succession. Failing to jump to the next platform will simply result in a fall to death, so sharp reflexes are definitely a must if you want to end the level unscathed.

Thankfully, the game does supply a fair amount of 1-Up mushrooms for you. Amassing 100 coins will net Mario another life. Unlocking a Toad House may net you a chance for many, many 1-Up mushrooms. Bearing in mind that an additional 1-Up mushroom equates to an additional chance for you to make it to the next save point alive, you'll just have to hope that you can figure out how to unlock a green Toad House regularly!

On the subject of mushrooms, Mario is also given some news power-ups. The usual Power-up Mushrooms and Fire Flowers are still around, but Mario can now use a Mega Mushroom to transform himself into a supersized menace. In this size, Mario can bulldoze through a level without having to avoid any enemies, since they'll bounce off him and meet their maker when they're in his way. When Mario goes on a run in this size, blocks and pipes get destroyed along the way. A five-notched meter also grows at the top of the screen as he goes on the rampage. Each notch on this meter will drop 1-Up Mushroom when the giant-sized effect is up, giving you yet more chances of staying alive.

Apart from the Mega Mushroom, Mario can pick up a Koopa Shell, and turn himself into... a Koopa! The selling point of this power-up is that Mario can hide within the shell and do a quick dash, sweeping any enemies along the way like what a Koopa Shell usually does. The shrinking concept in Zelda: The Minish Cap also finds a way into New Super Mario Bros. as another form of power-up. A Mini Mushroom will shrink Mario down to ant-sized, and in this form, he can go past small gaps, and enter small pipes. Because he's so light in this size, he can walk on water, and also jump higher than before. All these power-ups are scattered around each level, so, depending on the need, you'll find Mario changing into many forms even within a level. The only pity is that the Racoon Suit power-up, so useful in Super Mario Bros. III, is not in the game. Nevertheless, the innovative use of power-ups makes the game a more than lively experience.

Games incorporating a multi-player mode are common nowadays. New Super Mario Bros. has one as well, and it's called the Mario vs. Luigi mode. No prize for guessing what that means! This mode allows two players to face off wirelessly in customized levels. In these games, both players must fight against each other in the quest to amass Big Stars. You can set the number of wins required to win a Mario vs. Luigi game; the numbers of Big Stars required for victory; as well as the number of lives each brother will have. You can also select from a few designated levels to do the battles in, so the choice is entirely up to you. The good thing is, a Mario vs. Luigi game can be played on a single card via download play, so all you need is a friend with a DS, and a New Super Mario Bros. cartridge to begin your quest for boasting rights.

New Super Mario Bros. also has a 4-player Minigames mode. As with the Mario vs. Luigi mode, this also allows for a single cartridge to host 4 players simultaneously. These games are mostly recycled from Super Mario 64 DS, but they're equally fun when you're engaging them with friends. Unfortunately, the game doesn't support online play like Mario Kart DS. It's not exactly a big loss, but not everyone has the time to meet up for a wireless multi-playing session.

While the game is billed as a "2D side-scrolling adventure", its graphics are actually made up of a mixture of 2D and 3D images. Mario himself, for example, is a fully 3D model. The backgrounds are mostly 2D, but some side effects are 3D as well. I mean, since the DS does have the engine to run 3D graphics, why lay it to waste? This combination works wonder in providing more depth to the otherwise bland 2D nature of the earlier Mario games. Yet, the 3D features are not too overwhelming to an extent that the look and feel of these games are lost. The audios in New Super Mario Bros. are also gloriously composed, providing a fair amount of old and new music and effects to complement the various levels nicely. Some of the boss fights even include Zelda-styled boss themes, which add tremendous appeal to the game.

For all its goodness, New Super Mario Bros. falls short in the length department. Even with eight worlds to engage, some clever use of blast cannons, warp zones and short-cuts will cut your play time even shorter. The game can probably be completed in a day, so gamers who prefer a long and epic adventure may be critical of its overly short game time. Nevertheless, Nintendo has gone on record saying that they'd like to make shorter, simpler games, so it's not exactly a surprise when this game actually backs the company's vision up.

I must admit that "New Super Mario Bros." is not a very appealing title. The game, however, turns out to be an awesome adventure that not only plays well, but also pays great tribute to the series' origins without making you feel that it's overdoing it. The game is a testament of how a 2D side-scroller should be; and, regardless of how you feel about its short lifespan, seeing Mario back in a side-scrolling platformer should be incentive enough for you to pick this one up.

Sidetrack: The design of first level of New Super Mario Bros. is loosely based on the first level of the original Super Mario Bros., albeit enhanced with modern touches. Breezing through it brings back the memory of me trying to "hit a brick for coins" after playing the game. Ouch.

Big Fat Plumber=Big Fat FUN!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 8 / 13
Date: May 25, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I bought a Nintendo DS (Mario Kart package) as soon as I heard this game was coming out. And I have to say, I have absolutely NO REGRETS! If you don't have a DS, buy one. It's worth it just for this game. So fun!

The Best 2D Mario Game since Super Mario Bros 3!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: May 19, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This is by far one of the best Mario games ever! It does everything right. This is one of the best examples of creating a game with phenominal graphics while still maintaining the classic feel. I'll try to give you the basic feel of the game without going into too much details or spoiling any surprises.

Gameplay: Perfect! Honestly couldn't be better. There are still just the right amount of glitches to keep the nerds guessing how to get perfect in the level, and also has the same amazing response time as every other Mario game. Platformers don't get much better than this. It's a wonder why Nintendo doesn't make a Metroid game like this. Two new moves are added to this game, [...] stomp and wall jump, both of great use. Also in this game are two new mushrooms, one that increases your size to fit the screen so you can dominate everything, and one to minimize you to fit into small crevaces and pipes. Both are rare appearces, but exciting when you get them. Also new is the ability to have a secondary item, similar to Super Mario World. All in all, it's an exciting experience.

Graphics: Beautiful. Engaging worlds, great 2D AND 3D effects, great/smooth framerate, and bright, vivid colors. There isn't more you could want. Character models are great, as well as vehicles, mushrooms, and bosses. One of the best looking DS games to date!

Sound: CLASSIC. Using 3 types of sound, Surrond, Stereo, and Mono, you can choose what type of sound you want to get out of your speakers or headset. Every crisp and clear and those old tunes never get old. Very appropriate for each level, and very familiar.

Replay Value: EXCELLENT!!! Especially if you didn't play Super Mario 64 DS. There are tons of minigames to play if you get tired of playing the regular mode. But then again, the regular mode is so fun, I don't know how you'd ever get to the minigames. You can also do vs mode via Wi-Fi hook-up. There is PLENTY to do in this game, you won't get bored.

BOTTOM LINE: If you own a DS, this is the game you've been waiting for! The Best 2D Mario game since Super Mario Bros 3. 16 years later... 2D is REVIVED!

VERY GOOD GAME!

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: May 23, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game is one of the best DS games I've come across and their are a few of those. Anyway this game brings back old memories with the NES. The new items are cool and the new bad guys are somewhat diffrent. I do like how you face Bowser like the older games. Even when you face Bowser Jr. it's like facing the koppa kids in Super Mario Bro 3. Very good to all DS owners.

Old school euphoria

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: July 05, 2006
Author: Amazon User

Challenging and deeply emerging gameplay that only nintendo can bring. Updated graphics with the old school play mechanics of the original Super Mario Brothers series on the original nintendo entertainment system.

SMB is still one of the best

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 4
Date: August 24, 2007
Author: Amazon User

Its been going on for years and even still. They still find a way to bring some fresh and new thing to the series. Myself i found New Super Mario Bros. to be very good and while there were a couple points in the game that i wasnt really fond of. It in no way detracts from the overall fun of the game. With a lot of the old staple enemies back for another round, Bowser (obviousl), his son (little annoying thing), goombas and various other enemies that most SMB fans will know from sight. What i like about this one in particular is how each of the worlds are different and this requires you to alter your game play. Like on the ice world you can't go flying through the stages and expect to make it through in one piece. While on the stage with the volcano erupting around you and rocks flying in the air destroying any and everything. You have to move quickly while avoiding or dispatching the enemies that are there as well. Which isnt hard in of itself but these enemies are bombs so if they get lit by the crashing rocks. They ignite and will run your way to bomb the mess outta you and take you out depending on whether you pay attention to them of course.

Also each of the different worlds has various areas that you need to have a certain number of stars to access. Like one where you can get extra items and another where you can get a mad number of extra lives (my favorite). You pay the star toll (5) and get access to it. You go in and there you have six blocks that get scrambled around. Each one of the blocks has either an extra life, a times 3 which gives you three, a times 2 which doubles your extra lives that you can get and the one you want to avoid. The bowser block that stops your run right there...you still get what you collected before hitting that block. But if you didnt get anything then its over and the area disappears from the map. Luckily you can save before going in there (for those that dont like the outcome) and can reset. I don't myself but its up to you.

There are eight worlds to explore throughout the game. You don't have to access all the worlds in order to finish the game. There were a couple worlds that i didnt even go to. It's pretty much up to as far as what you want to go through or not. I would advise going through them all if only to gain more lives (but not necessary). Also you can always go back into the worlds that you've already beaten and play them through again however many times you want to. Also a good way to build up your extra life total as well. You are also able to start at the mid point of a level once you make it halfway through a level as evidenced by a mushroom flag that pops up on your screen while your playing. So even if you die you dont have to redo all that you just accomplished.

I found myself remembering back to when i first started playing Mario Bros. back in the day. It's still that good and can't help but hope for so much more in the future whether it be on the DS, Wii or whatever other system they decide to release it on. Because from the ending i saw it leaves things wide open for a sequel.

Love it and hope for a lot more SMB in the future. Excellent purchase for the price and its a game that you can allow your children to play as well. There's a bit of rough stuff in the game but nothing that should keep a kid from being able to play this game. Not that its just for kids cause that's not the case...just saying. New Super Mario Bros. is kid friendly. So enjoy, remember when and have a blast SMB will take you there and back again...over and over!!

its ok.

2 Rating: 2, Useful: 7 / 12
Date: June 30, 2006
Author: Amazon User

I bought a DS lite just so i can play Mario, unfortunately, this game was not as fun as I expect it to be. The game went by too quickly, and it was too easy. The mega mushroom is more for the purpose of marketing the game than an useful item. The turtle shell and mini mushroom helps you uncover hidden areas, other than that you're back to you good old fire ball...back to basics.
I would recommend renting it since theres really no point in playing it over and over again. The whole game can be finished in 3-5 hours. The 3 star coin collecting is supposed to add replay value, but personally I find it pretty pointless since you use it to buy more mushroom houses (which u can get easily by jumping the flag pole at the right time) or background. If I can use it to unlock new level then it actually will add replay value.
The level design feels some what repetitive, some level feel almost identical (water stages), and the mid stage boss is exactly the same in all 8 worlds just on a different platform. Maybe I just out grown Mario, but DS Mario feel like a kids game that doesn't provide any challenges nor any nostalgic values. Overall, I would rate SNES Mario World the BEST Mario game, followed by Mario 3 and then this version of Mario. (I dunno about the 3D mario on N64, but mario belongs on a 2D platform)

This game is amazing

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 5 / 7
Date: May 20, 2006
Author: Amazon User

There are few things in the gaming world that could be referred to as a "must play" but this is one of them. Doesn't matter if you are a Nintendo fan or a Mario fan. If you are a gaming fan then you owe it to yourself to play this game.

classic!- could not put it down...passed it and passed it again =)

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: July 05, 2006
Author: Amazon User

This game is so much fun. It would be a plus if there was more cool features but it had plenty, i guess i am just being greedy because this is a game i played when i was growing up and now its nice to play it again with better graphics and other improvements. oh and most importantly, you can play with your friends multi player game option thats going to keep you guys busy for hours- laughing and screaming, its great!- its too much to explain in terms of what makes the multi player so awesome but it is, it really really is.

Finally, a return to roots for Mario

5 Rating: 5, Useful: 4 / 5
Date: September 22, 2006
Author: Amazon User

New Super Mario Bros. (2006.)

INTRODUCTION:
Mario has long been the most popular and most consistent character in the Nintendo universe. Shigeru Miyamoto's creation has grown to far greater heights than anyone could ever have imagined. The character has been in every kind of game possible. But Mario got his big break in side-scrolling action adventures, as any long-term fan of Nintendo and/or the character knows. And now, for the first time in over a decade, Mario returns to the genre that made him a legend.

OVERVIEW:
New Super Mario Bros. was released in mid 2006. The game features two-dimensional side-scrolling action adventure game play, similar to what the Mario series used on eight and sixteen-bit platforms. There are numerous power-up items, game play modes, hidden levels, mini games, and multiplayer modes as well.

REVIEW:
Fans of Mario have been waiting for a return to roots for a long time now. And I can safely say that the return to roots for everyone's favorite mustachioed plumber is an excellent one. This is the way two-dimensional gaming is supposed to be!

-THE GOOD-
-THE LONG AWAITED RETURN TO ROOTS. Let's face the facts, when Mario went three-dimensional and went into a bunch of different gaming genres, the good old days were often forgotten. At long last, Mario goes back to the style of gaming that made him a legend - and it's as solid as ever.
-THE PERFECT CROSS OF OLD AND NEW. Basically, this is a side-scrolling Mario game, not unlike those that were on older Nintendo systems. But the graphics are rendered in three dimensions, and Mario has many of his new moves from the newer games, including the wall kick and the ground pound. Combine this with new equipment for your favorite plumber, and it's a sure-fire win-win situation!
-STAYS INTERESTING. There are a ton of cool levels, enemies, power-ups, and all the good stuff you love about the Mario series here. Plus, there are tons of hidden items and secret routes/levels. The game is likely to hold your attention long after you've completed the eighth world.
-MULTIPLAYER. Nintendo is really pushing their new DS titles to make use of the wireless multiplayer capabilities of the system, and this is a prime example.
-MINIGAMES. There's more to enjoy here than just the main game!
-A SOLID EXAMPLE OF EASY TO LEARN BUT TOUGH TO MASTER. This game is one you'll pick up right away, but as you'll soon learn, mastering it will take a long time. Meaning it will hold your attention that much longer!

-THE BAD-
-MAY BE TOO EASY FOR SOME. Many parts of this game will actually seem rather easy, and as such, some gamers may overlook the depth that the game really has, and all the hidden stuff.
-CONTROLS CAN BE SLUGGISH AND UNRESPONSIVE AT TIMES. This is particularly noticable when you're running in a direction and need to turn around. Mario will not turn fast AT ALL. Not to mention he has trouble coming to a halt whem on the move. Fortunately these problems aren't as bad as they sound.

OVERALL:
A must-own for your Nintendo DS. Mario's return to roots is a solid piece of work. If you've got a DS, don't be without this one.

EDITION NOTES:
It's a recent release, and it's not likely to be disappering from store shelves anytime soon.

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