The New Super Mario Bros. review.
The action feels just like a mix of all the original titles. You won't really find any big surprises in gameplay here, unless you haven't played a Super Mario game.... ever. Mario is packing a few new moves though. For example players may find themselves sliding down and jumping off walls, or power stomping their foes. Along with a couple of new moves, Mario has packed a few more items for his new adventure. One is the SUPER mushroom, and as you could've guessed it makes you really big.... I mean breaking apart the level big. I'm serious! When Mario uses the SUPER mushroom and becomes huge, he can literally walk through most levels breaking apart pipes, blocks, enemies, and just about whatever gets in his way. On the other hand though, there is also the tiny mushroom, which of course makes you tiny. Now you're going to want to watch yourself here, because like little Mario, tiny Mario can only get hit once. The advantage though, is that as tiny Mario you can get access to certain tiny Mario exclusive areas, such as tiny pipes. Also, tiny Mario gains the ability to jump higher and fall slower. I guess he's lighter or something. Third, there is the Blue Shell. With this, Mario can duck inside and basically be impervious to damage. I think it also gives you faster swimming ability. The one real drawback to the whole shell thing is that when you run, the game automatically pops you inside the shell and you kind of lose a little bit of control. All in all though, these new toys work pretty well and adds a little more flavor to the series. Oh and of course the classic Star and Fireball are
also along for the ride.
The Graphics look all right. I didn't think they were anything really fancy, but they were good. Basically it looks like a classic Super Mario game, and that actually isn't a bad thing. I think it really gives the game a nice feel of nostalgia. Same goes for the sound, although I did find the music a bit repetitive at times. Overall though I think Nintendo did a good job with this game on both fronts.
I definitely enjoyed this game, and despite my small criticisms about the music, the game as a whole really works well. If you are looking for a game to fill your classic side scrolling Super Mario Bros. void then I would give this game a shot. In the end, this is a game I kept picking up, trying to get every little secret...and there are a few.... Including the two worlds I still need to get to and complete. So if you're looking for some "old school" feeling fun for the DS, go out and give The New Super Mario Bros. a go.