by Branden Barrett

Created on: November 19, 2008   Last Updated: January 14, 2009

There is one particular thought that you should dismiss from your mind before reading a review or perhaps even going out to purchase this game. And that is, do not expect this to be along the same monumental line as Super Mario 64, Super Mario World, or even the first game Mario appeared on for that matter. It is best to think of Mario's latest venture as more of an anthology of sorts; an assemblage of positive features from his best games, spanning over the last twenty years. A nostalgic trip down memory lane has definitely been one of the main incentives to purchase a DS and the same applies for the latest in the long line of Mario's platform-based adventures. With new and old elements alike, some good and bad, New Super Mario Bros. is yet another reason to purchase the dual screen handheld - that is of course if you haven't already.

Now the first thing noticeably different about New Super Mario Bros. is the graphical presentation. Mario is now sporting a three-dimensional image, first seen on the Nintendo 64. What of course hasn't really changed is the reason why he is frantically running across the world as if something is terribly wrong. Once again, the Princess has been abducted, this time however by Bowser Jr, who has apparently become his father's errand boy within the last few games. Over the course of eight worlds, two of which secret, you will travel over a relatively large map, knocking out stage after stage in the hope of retrieving the Princess yet again. And sorry Super Mario World fans, none of Bowser's other kids are in this one unfortunately.

If you are familiar with the traditional controls then the learning curve of this game will not be a problem. Using certain buttons in conjunction with the D-Pad will allow you to pull off dashes and hops, as well as acrobatic feats, such as: triple jumps, ground pounds, and wall kicks. The latter being quite useful in later areas when you have to make quick escapes, especially in the screen scrolling stages. Another thing to note is that the touch screen is somewhat limited in use, providing just an overview of the world and a mini-map of your present location.

Nevertheless, what has always made these types of games fun is the atmospheric diversity apparent in said worlds. As you hop from land to land (by way of a Super Mario Bros. 3 style map system), you'll cross valleys and deserts, climb up piranha vines to the clouds, and swim through underground caverns, all the while avoiding carnivorous eels and

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>