SMB: Super Mario is Back!

Just got a new game for my Nintendo DS, and this time, 3D gaming would be rendered unfashionable. Aptly named New Super Mario Bros, this is the newest side-scrolling Super Mario portable platform game since the release of the monochromatic Super Mario Land for the old Game Boy.

Im speaking geek here, so what does all this mean?

Basically, this new Nintendo DS game brings back nostalgic memories of the 80's because of its revival of the old 2-D motion control used by Nintendo's Family Computer and Super Famicom consoles. Since most of the newer Mario episodes out in the market are set in 3-D worlds (except for the select Paper Mario line), the New Super Mario Bros on the Nintendo DS entices both new and old school gamers to go back to the classics.

Other than reverting to the old linear gameplay, NSMB has more to offer. Even though it is 2-D in motion, the graphics, background and characters are in 3-D.  The polygonal treatment gives a refreshing look to classic settings and iconic characters. Mario and Luigi now look more sophisticated but they still retain the fundamental characteristics they possess for more than two decades ago since they first appeared in the arcades.

But wait, there's more,  NSMB also features new powers never before seen in the original Super Mario. The new powers include a Mega Mushroom, which makes Mario giantic in size big enough to occupy the entire screen and trample on enemies, a Mini Mushroom, which miniturizes Mario in a teeny-tiny speck  able to move faster and fit into tiny crevices in the game and finally the Shell Power which gives Mario a turtle suit able to withstand attacks. New characters and enemies are also introduced. Blue jays, walking pumpkins and moving mushroom platforms also make the Brothers' journey more exciting.

I have to admit that I'm getting hooked to this game. Right now, I just finished the second Bowser castle in World 8. Good thing I could save my recent developments in the DS' built-in flash memory card. All in all, the New Super Mario Brothers is an excellent game. The legacy of Mario's classic 2-D motion lives on through this newest installment to the super saga. Speaking of 2-D motion games, I can't wait for the release of  Yoshi's Island 2 in November just in time for my birthday, Yoshi's Island 2 is another new side-scrolling platform for the Nintendo DS.

Photos from themushroomkingdom.net