Retro Evolved #1: New Super Mario Bros (DS)
Really, what do I have to say about this game? Let’s see the first word in the title...NEW. That’s right folks a NEW 2-D Super Mario game. The last Super Mario 2-D true side scroller was in 1991, with Super Mario World. I’m not counting Yoshi’s
Island, as you didn’t control Mario, and Super Princes Peach doesn’t really count either.
This is a hybrid of SMB1/SMB3/SMW, and a nicely done one at that. You will see new moves (a butt-stomp, for example, from SM64) with new music, nicely done graphics, a 3-D look (think SM64 look) fused with 2-D style of game play (think SMB3).
Naturally the game isn’t the best of the games (that is SMB 3) but it does fall to a 2nd/3rd place finish (depending on where you put SMW, me its 2nd).
It’s a tad short but worth it, there are plenty of unlockables. Most of the challenge comes from finding Star Coins (like the dragon coins in SMW).
There are multi-player mini games, but most (90%) are rehashes of the SM64DS mini games. It’s like Mario Party only with out the stupid board game.
There is also a vs. mode that is plenty fun to play, you have to collect the most stars than your opponent, a simple diversion at best but very fun.
If you have a DS, pick this one up - its $34.99. This is a great addition to the Mario family, and a worthy buy for anyone who has a DS.
- Kyle “maxmouse2008” Piper
Contact me: piperky@neshq.com