It’s hard to believe that we’ve waited since the launch of the Super Nintendo for a true 2D Super Mario sequel, but here we are fifteen years later, finally able to play a new installment. Fifteen years is a long time to wait, and gaming has come a long way since the 16-bit generation. Many have begun to question whether Nintendo is in touch with modern gaming, and some have outright condemned them; screwing up a title of this magnitude would further drive the nails into the proverbial coffin some have designated for them.
Rest easy, true believers, because New Super Mario Bros. is an absolute success on almost every level. Saying that this "feels" like a true Mario title would be doing this game a disservice -- it is a true Mario title. Mario takes some of the moves he learned while moseying around in the third dimension and makes excellent use of them in this amazing 2D homecoming. This return-to-basics-platformer shows that Mario still has what it takes to put other 2D platformers back in their place. Even those who fear the game being on the DS would require the addition of gimmicks will be pleased to hear this game is devoid of almost all dual-screened tomfoolery.
Yes, the game is on the DS, which is supposed to widen the possibilities of gameplay with its new-fangled touch-screen, but New Super Mario Bros. isn’t about reinventing the platformer, nor is it even trying to mix things up. The game will please old timers that grew up with the NES and new school gamers alike, and it is surprisingly fresh considering it’s the basically the same gameplay we got a decade and a half ago. It’s really a testament to how well the original titles were designed.
Any gamer unaware of how a Mario title is played needs to be strapped into a chair, have a controller thrust into their hands, and should be forced to play through all of the portly plumber’s groundbreaking adventures. But if you’re in that minority, the basic gameplay will be outlined here. New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling platformer. The main object is to lead Mario to the end-of-level goal, which in classic Mario tradition is a flagpole. The player must help Mario traverse the levels by running and jumping. Two new additions to the formula, which are now standard moves, are Mario’s butt-stomp maneuver and his ability to jump off and up walls a-la Metroid. Both of these moves were available in Mario’s 3D adventures, and while they’re welcome additions, they are hardly groundbreaking.
Mario is also able to gain special abilities by using the power-ups distributed throughout the game. The red mushroom makes small Mario grow taller and the classic FireFlower returns, bestowing upon Mario the ability to shoot fireballs at enemies. Three new power-ups make their debut in New Super Mario Bros., though some are more useful than others. Two new mushroom varieties are available: a tiny one which makes Mario shrink down to Minish size, and another Super Mushroom that makes Mario grow to epic proportions. When Mario is tiny, he can access areas unavailable to him when larger by either fitting through small holes in the levels, or going down tiny pipes. His smaller size also means he’s lighter, so he can jump farther, higher, and has greater airtime.
The Super Mushroom makes Mario as tall as the screen, though it only lasts for a few seconds. While using this power-up Mario can break through any obstacle in his way, including pipes, blocks and enemies. This power-up is less useful than it is fun, and is readily available for those looking to take advantage of it. The final new power-up is the turtle shell. Mario can now don the armor of his long time nemesis’ footsoldiers, the Koopa Troopa. When running Mario will duck into the shell, propelling himself into a special sliding attack that can break blocks and hurt enemies, similar to simply kicking a turtle shell except this time there’s a passenger. Also, fireballs and other attacks can’t penetrate the shell, so if Mario ducks into the shell when something is fired at him he’ll be safe inside.
"New Super Mario Bros. is an absolute success on almost every level. "
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The power-ups might not be as numerous as they were in later Super Mario Bros games, but this game isn’t as much a tribute to those as it is to the original. Every power-up can also be applied to deal with specific situations, which come through amazingly in the level design. Some stages are better designed for the turtle shell, but others would be better played with the mini-mushroom. It’s up to the player to figure out what works well with what stage, and its part of the genius of the game.
The levels themselves are designed creatively as well, with each stage feeling completely different than the one before it. Sure, the setting might be the same in each world, but you’re rarely doing the same thing twice. All of the levels (aside from the castles, fortresses, and ghost houses) are the established run-to-the-end formula, but the obstacles change up constantly. One stage has giant mushrooms Mario will need to ride that scroll across the screen. These mushrooms bob wildly, and it’s up to the player to keep Mario on the mushroom while avoiding enemies, jumping over blocks, and collecting items. Others have ledges Mario needs to shimmy across, while others require swimming.
Levels set in castles, fortresses, and ghost houses play differently than the normal levels and add a level of diversity to the game. The dank interiors and imposing music in these levels also helps mix things up because every world besides World 8 is happy-go-lucky. The ghost house levels are more maze-like than other levels. The levels usually have doors that take players to different rooms, rooms which are sometimes deviously designed. Disappointingly, these ghost house levels aren’t as complex as those found in Super Mario World.
"The levels themselves are designed creatively..."
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The fortress levels show up at least once a world, but sometimes twice. At the end of each fortress a mini-battle ensues with Baby Bowser, who at the beginning of the game captured Princess Peach. After defeating him, he runs off to the next fortress or castle with her majesty in tow. These battles aren’t overly complex, but add something to the mix to keep things interesting. The castle levels appear once a world, are longer than the fortress levels, and have full-fledged boss battles at the end. These boss battles range from overly simple to fairly creative, though they are never really all that impressive. Mario has battled more capable foes in the past, and it would have been nice to see a greater challenge.
The game can easily be completed in a day or two if players simply rush through all the levels, but the real challenge lies in collecting every level’s three hidden star coins. While many of the star coins are easy to get your hands on, some require a lot more effort and planning. Also, some levels have hidden exits. Players can tell if a level has a hidden exit or not on the world maps, which are laid out similarly to those found in Super Mario Bros. 3. If a level has an inaccessible path branching off of it, it’s likely because the level has a hidden exit. Sometimes these hidden paths are shortcuts, but they can open hidden stages as well. Even with the hidden exits and star coins, replay value in the main adventure is limited, especially for Mario veterans. I was able to find all the exits and coins in the game in less than a week, and I’d expect most Mario fans probably wouldn’t take much longer.
"New Super Mario Bros. is simply one of the greatest platformers ever created..."
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With such a short, though ultimately satisfying main game, it’s a good thing that both a Vs. mode and the mini-games from Super Mario 64 DS are included to bolster the value of the package. The Vs. mode pits two players against each other, one as Mario and the other as Luigi. They’ll then battle on a small stage to collect stars. Players can attack each other the same way they attack enemies in the main game. Fireballs, turtle shells and any other offensive options are at their disposal. While it’s a fun distraction, it feels slightly bare bones, and doesn’t play via the Wi-Fi connection. Even so, it’s nice that it’s not required that both players have the game. The mini-games from Super Mario 64 DS are included, a few new ones are added, and players now can also compete wirelessly in some of these as well. Again, there’s no Wi-Fi support, but the games are fun for those in close proximity.
New Super Mario Bros. is simply one of the greatest platformers ever created, and easily one of the best games on the Nintendo DS. This game has some of the most creative level designs ever and it controls flawlessly. If ever there was doubt that Nintendo could craft another 2D platforming classic, it should be put to rest now because this game, despite its relative brevity, is absolutely exceptional.
