Game Review: Super Mario Bros 2

Platform: Nintendo DS/3DS

Price Range: £29-£39.99

Age Rating: 3+

Genre: Adventure


Design:

Two of the most popular Nintendo characters get a brand new game to really kick off the gaming season in style, it's everyones favourite plumber brothers Mario and Luigi back for more Bowser bashing action in the newest game Super Mario Bros 2. The story plays out just like any of the other games to be honest with Princess Peach being captured by Bowser and his minions and you playing as Mario to try and save her whilst battling whatever is thrown at you along the way. Theres not much story to the game but then again with the audience it is aimed at I suppose that is a good thing. There are additional modes other than the story, you can play coin rush which is where you essentially rush through a selection of 5 random levels to collect the most coins (yes it's as simple as it sounds) there is also a co-op mode so that friends can join in too.

Gameplay:

This new Mario game really tries to stick to it's roots but at the same time adds a new twist to it as well, the ability to store power ups on the bottom screen really comes in handy when trying to negotiate some of the more challenging levels and with over 5 worlds to complete there is plenty of gameplay to go around. At times it can feel a little tedious going through the same actions every time on a new world but the levels themselves really make up for it, no level is the same there is always something different in each level whether it is a new power up or a bad guy to throw fireballs at it really does try to branch out. Boss battles do tend to be slightly similar to each other with the simple notion of dodge,attack,DESTROY coming in very handy. One of the more charming aspects of the game is that with 5 large star coins (three star coins are hidden in each level) you can access various mushroom houses throughout the map and get free power ups or lives depending on which colour house you enter but choose wisely as you can only have one active power up and one stored power up at the same time.

Presentation:

I was very pleased to see that the graphics worked really well on my 3DS XL system as it has been said that it can distort the quality but it really doesn't, the only downside is that when you turn the 3D all the way up on this game the background becomes a total blur which takes away from the level in some cases because what is thepoint in trying to play a game if you can't take in all that it has to offer. The background music is the same loveable stuff we all know and Mario's reactions to power ups and situations really add to the overall presentation of the game as a whole. Enemies and characters alike look stunning and graphically it is just a pleasure to play.

Summary:

If you like Mario buy this game, it is as simple as that, for a great little game that can be played on the go or while you are waiting at an airport or whatever you may be doing make sure you have this charming game in your DS console this gaming season. The only downsides are the blurring when it comes to turning the 3D all the way up and the fact that for some of the more hardcore gamers out there it may feel boring but other than those two things Nintendo has really got a great game on it's hands.

Ratings:

Design: 8.9

Gameplay: 9.6

Presentation: 9.4

Overall: 9.3