A solid return to the classic Mario platforming.
User Rating: 8 | New Super Mario Bros. DS
NEW Super Mario Brothers successfully returns to the series' 2D roots but keeps a lot of advances in place that have been around since the transition to 3D. The game borrows from all the old titles and while its more like the original SMB it also has elements of the later platformers such as secret exits to levels which lead to different paths, extra coins to collect, and such. Finding these secrets actually end up leading to two separate hidden worlds so its worth doing and not simply just an added bonus. The game plays differently then the old platformers with Mario having considerably more momentum and there being a lot more to exploration than previously. In addition there are now mini and mega mushrooms that change marios size by a lot. Mega mushrooms are kind of a gimmick and their placement is clearly intentional, while cool it doesnt add much to the game and can make entire levels too easy. The mini mushrooms though allow for further exploration. All in all the game has flaws. Control could be tighter, the levels could be better designed (they dont hold up next to World and SMB3) and the minigames are the same ones on Super MArio 64 DS. But the game is good enough overall with nice graphics and good sound effects. 
