Official "New Super Mario Bros." Thread

[WiseSalesman]

I actually got the "Game Over" screen on World 4 (I warped forward, but went back to play through the previous worlds. I could easily have finished the level with no trouble, but I wanted the damn star coins and it ended up kicking my ass over, and over, and over...

I picked the game up yesterday (along with a used copy of AstroBoy GBA ... another awesome game) and I played the two of them kind of all day, so I forgot to come on here and post. Lucky me that I had yesterday and today off. Anyway, loving it so far, and the visual style is much nicer than I expected.

[joshnickerson]

Try pushing L+R+A when selecting a new file...

[SkiDragon]

I dont particulatly care for the wall jump. It is counter intuitive to press towards the wall to jump away from it.

[THATinkjar]

I dont particulatly care for the wall jump. It is counter intuitive to press towards the wall to jump away from it.

Not at all. It is like you are pushing into the wall, to gain the momentum and strength to push off it.

[Nature Boy]

I bought it yesterday and have to say I'm very underwhelmed. I think I've officially fallen out of love with Nintendo.

Hate the name too, but whatrugonnado...

[NintendoMan]

I bought it yesterday and have to say I'm very underwhelmed. I think I've officially fallen out of love with Nintendo.

Hate the name too, but whatrugonnado...

Damn, I take it that you hate this game then!?

I got this Monday and am in World 3 right now. While I like this game very much, I don't love it yet. I think the reason along with anyone else that doesn't like it is because you think about all the good times with ALL the old Mario's, so this game has ALOT to live up too. While this new game to have come out might be better than another older Mario, you don't think so because you just think of all the good times with the old Mario games.

So far I think this game is way too easy, and the game is too much like Super Mario Bros. for the NES. While of course that game is great, I was hoping this game would be more along the lines of Super Mario World, or SMB3. This NEW SMB just so far is too plain, but again I'm only in the World 3. But don't get me wrong, this is a good game to me so far, but it's too much reminisant of the original SMB, and I was hoping for Super Mario World i guess?

[downfall]

The entireity of World-8 is everything that's right with video games wrapped up into one nice, neat little package.

[Simply Dave]

The entireity of World-8 is everything that's right with video games wrapped up into one nice, neat little package.

Dang, I just got to World 8 last night before I retired to bed. Can't wait to see what's next.

[THATinkjar]

The entireity of World-8 is everything that's right with video games wrapped up into one nice, neat little package.

Dang, I just got to World 8 last night before I retired to bed. Can't wait to see what's next.

I can ruin the surprise... World 8 is next.

[downfall]

The entireity of World-8 is everything that's right with video games wrapped up into one nice, neat little package.

Dang, I just got to World 8 last night before I retired to bed. Can't wait to see what's next.

It's well crafted, full of suprises, great level design, and moreso than any other World in the game took me back to my childhood, which I spent tearing through the castles of Super Mario World and the levels of Super Mario Bros. 3. Pure fun is all it is - and it's done to perfection.

Maybe not that hard, maybe not that long - but it's one hell of a ride, plain and simple.

And understand, I liked the rest of the game, but I wasn't as blown away as most people, and I don't really dig either of the new power-ups. It was fun all the way through, but it wasn't until World 8 that I was really, really captivated by it - the same way I was when I first played through Super Mario World after playing 3 for all those years.

[Xexyz]

This game is fun, but it's just that, fun. I think it's a wonderful addition to the Mario platforming franchise, but for me, it falls short of just about every other title. Maybe I was too hyped about the game, I don't know. After all, the same thing happened to me when Gunstar Super Heroes came out. That's twice I've been underwhelmed from a potential game of the millenium. Oh well, it's still fun and I'll be replaying it sometime in the future.

[Nature Boy]

Damn, I take it that you hate this game then!?

Hate the name, but I am enjoying playing it. I was just expecting to be more thrilled with the prospect and I'm not whatsoever (hence the underwhelmed comment).

I wouldn't rate it as high as I'd rate SMB3 and SMW say. I can pretty much guarantee I'll play those two games a dozen times over before I play through this a second time. This just looks prettier IMO and doesn't bring enough to the table.

(Is it just me, or are the minigames the same as in SMB64DS? I am *really* disappointed in the minigames after glancing at them).

[ShinobiMan]

Just completed the game tonight. Was very fun, but in no way as memorable as the Mario platform titles that came before it. Each of those games found something new to add to the table with each offering.

New Super Mario Bros is really just a collection of many different themes and ideas from the past. It's like a semi sequel to the original SMB, hence the reason why I think they decided to simply call this one NEW SMB.

A must have for any DS owner, but sadly, I was really expecting much more from this one.

[Vinnysdad]

New SMB is a fun game but I just bought the game last night and I already finished it. Last freakin night! The game was a little on the easy side.

[JJNova]

The game was developed to bring in the customers that stopped gaming over time, and figured that they could still get into a "Super Mario Bros." game....since they played it 20 years ago.

Henceforth why it is so easy. I agree with a few comments baove that we were just over hyped for it. Myself included. I beat the game, but through Warp Zones I stumbled across, so there are worlds I still need to experience. Downfall is right though, World 8-5 through 8-8 is gaming bliss.

[Daniel Thomas]

I wrote a short blurb about New Mario over at V-TNG, and I ended up making the same point as yours. It's very much a videogame nostalgia trip, and I'm perfectly happy with that.

Is this game easy? Well, I remember when Super Mario World came out; I flew through the entire game in about three days. It certainly was a game with a million secrets and surprises and its fair share of challenge, but nothing that an experienced gamer couldn't handle.

Five years later, I had a roommate with a Super Nintendo, so I played through Super Mario World again. This time, I played it cool, taking my time and enjoying the experience as much as possible. It took me two weeks to finish that time, and it was infinitely more fun to play through.

New Mario is as densely packed as any of the classic titles, and there are even a few times when I get stumped or beaten down. It probably won't take too long for me to reach the end, but if I take the time to find all the secrets, hit all those hidden coin boxes, discover all the warp pipes and vines and star coins....well, I suppose I'll enjoy the trip a lot more.

[ShinobiMan]

There were so many different things to unlock in Super Mario World, from the different colored Yoshi's to the 5 star warps and Special Zone, the game gave you incentive to keep playing in order to find these things.

But much like the first Super Mario Bros, this game really has nothing more outside It's 8 worlds and few hidden levels within each world. And I've read that once you collect all the different Coin Stars from each level, it unlocks a new background for the title screen. Hardlya prize worthy of such a feat, but I guess we'll have to deal with it.

Again, I want to make claer that while I was disappointed with this game, it in no way is a BAD game. It was still very resfreshing to dive into a New SMB game and I'm sure I'll be playing it again sometime soon.

[THATinkjar]

What are we looking at here, guys? 4 hours of playtime? 8 hours? I'd love to have a rough idea. My copy is sitting at home, and I aim to have a play tonight if possible.

[poe]

Initial playthough was quick for me. Just over 3 hours, no warp cannons used. I could see the game being finished in under an hour, if you know where the warps are. The time, and most of the challenge, is in the 100% completion haul.

And Natue Boy, the games are reused from 64DS, but they've been redone to support wireless multiplayer off one game.

[Simply Dave]

What are we looking at here, guys? 4 hours of playtime? 8 hours? I'd love to have a rough idea. My copy is sitting at home, and I aim to have a play tonight if possible.

I'd say around 6 hourse for the first time.

Well, I beat the game last night. My son watched as I took on the final boss and conquered him (after about 10 tries LOL ). World 8 is so awesome....I wish they made the rest of the game as challenging as those last 5 or 6 levels. Some of those levels really had my hands sweating towards the end.

All in all, I would give this game a strong 9 out of 10. While the game was pretty easy on most levels, it's still an incredible amount of fun. This is the kind of game that you can just pick up and play at anytime and just have some fun with it. We need more games like this nowadays.

Also, I think expectations for a portable game might have been a little too high. Portable games have rarely lived up to the standards of their console counterparts. No Castlevania has yet to achieve SoTN greatness, no Metroid has lived up to Super Metroid, no Zelda has lived up to Ocarina or LTTP(except LTTP itself LOL ). While this game does not live up to the previous Mario games I think for a portable game NSMB is pretty amazing.

[ShinobiMan]

[quote=THATinkjar]Also, I think expectations for a portable game might have been a little too high. Portable games have rarely lived up to the standards of their console counterparts. No Castlevania has yet to achieve SoTN greatness, no Metroid has lived up to Super Metroid, no Zelda has lived up to Ocarina or LTTP(except LTTP itself LOL ). While this game does not live up to the previous Mario games I think for a portable game NSMB is pretty amazing.

I pretty much agree with nthis statement. My expectations were perhaps a litttle to high. If I were to compare this game to the Super Mario Land games, this one would clearly win. I guess what we all really are cravin' is a new 2D console Mario game!

That'll be the day. LOL

[Nature Boy]

And Natue Boy, the games are reused from 64DS, but they've been redone to support wireless multiplayer off one game.

Am I alone in feeling ripped off in that respect then? If I ever use that extra feature I'll be *stunned* - they could've at least given me something new.

(I felt the same about the SMB remakes for GBA. I *love* having SMW and SMB3 in portable format, but was disappointed in getting the same 'bonus' Mario Bros game...)

If there's one thing this conversation has done, though, it's given me a hankering for some SMW action. The more I think about it the more it's a top 10 game for me. :)

[Jive3D]

-----

[ubersaurus]

[quote=THATinkjar]Also, I think expectations for a portable game might have been a little too high. Portable games have rarely lived up to the standards of their console counterparts. No Castlevania has yet to achieve SoTN greatness, no Metroid has lived up to Super Metroid, no Zelda has lived up to Ocarina or LTTP(except LTTP itself LOL ). While this game does not live up to the previous Mario games I think for a portable game NSMB is pretty amazing.

I pretty much agree with nthis statement. My expectations were perhaps a litttle to high. If I were to compare this game to the Super Mario Land games, this one would clearly win. I guess what we all really are cravin' is a new 2D console Mario game!

That'll be the day. LOL

A day in the fall, you mean. Because Super Paper Mario is going to be a new 2D console Mario platformer :P

[THATinkjar]

I love this game.

[NintendoMan]

[quote=THATinkjar]Also, I think expectations for a portable game might have been a little too high. Portable games have rarely lived up to the standards of their console counterparts. No Castlevania has yet to achieve SoTN greatness, no Metroid has lived up to Super Metroid, no Zelda has lived up to Ocarina or LTTP(except LTTP itself LOL ). While this game does not live up to the previous Mario games I think for a portable game NSMB is pretty amazing.

I pretty much agree with nthis statement. My expectations were perhaps a litttle to high. If I were to compare this game to the Super Mario Land games, this one would clearly win. I guess what we all really are cravin' is a new 2D console Mario game!

That'll be the day. LOL

A day in the fall, you mean. Because Super Paper Mario is going to be a new 2D console Mario platformer :P

Oh no, were talking a full blown Mario platformer game, Paper Mario is an RPG when comparing the two styles.

[Leo_A]

Sure looks like a platformer to me from the short video Nintendo released of it during E3...

[ubersaurus]

Oh no, were talking a full blown Mario platformer game, Paper Mario is an RPG when comparing the two styles.

Nono, Super Paper Mario is a platformer done in the Paper Mario art style.

[Jasoco]

Nonono, Super Paper Mario is a platformer with RPG elements. It's basically the "Zelda II" equivalent to the Paper Mario series. Except that we don't know just how far it goes into the RPG genre. We'll see. Instead of making Mario bigger, mushrooms give him HP for instance. We'll see when the game comes out or more info. Either way, Super Paper Mario is not just another Mario platformer. It's something totally new. BELIEVE!

Sorry, wrong forum. :P


Okay, so I got this on Tuesday amd I am extremely happy. It's everything I expected. And more! In fact, the only problems I have with it:

Bowser Jr. instead of Mortin Jr. and the gang. Not that I don't like Bowser Jr. Actually, I think he's got his own characteristic appeal, it's just why did Nintendo create him in the first place when Bowser had 7 other bastard children that could have taken the roles? Mario could have had a field day against all of them in Sunshine.

Some moves are missing. Like looking up and throwing shells up. Run and redirect to backflip. Or backflipping period. Guess it wasn't needed in this game. And really, it wasn't.

I think there was one more. But it wasn't important.

The level design is ingenius. If you didn't play through and have written the game off, you haven't even TRIED the game.

SPOILERS: Highlight to read...
World 2-6 - Riding along on a moving platform while piranha plants are systematically added and removed from your platform. It's more difficult than it sounds.

World 3-2 - All the moving mushroom platforms tilting and waving.

World 7-3 - Where the level takes place on the back of a GIANT Wiggler!!!

World 7-Tower - The ingenious movement of the blocks and spikes. Takes timing.

[James]

Bowser Jr. instead of Mortin Jr. and the gang. Not that I don't like Bowser Jr. Actually, I think he's got his own characteristic appeal, it's just why did Nintendo create him in the first place when Bowser had 7 other bastard children that could have taken the roles? Mario could have had a field day against all of them in Sunshine.

This game comes before SMB 3 and SMW in timeline, hence New Super Mario Bros. so I guess Bowser's 7 kids haven't been born yet. Although that would have been cool if Nintendo included them.

[Jasoco]

Bowser Jr. instead of Mortin Jr. and the gang. Not that I don't like Bowser Jr. Actually, I think he's got his own characteristic appeal, it's just why did Nintendo create him in the first place when Bowser had 7 other bastard children that could have taken the roles? Mario could have had a field day against all of them in Sunshine.

This game comes before SMB 3 and SMW in timeline, hence New Super Mario Bros. so I guess Bowser's 7 kids haven't been born yet. Although that would have been cool if Nintendo included them.Think about what you just said.

Bowser Jr. was invented in Sunshine. A game taking place WAAAAAAAAY after SMB3. The Koopa Kids ARE born. Nintendo has decided to kill them off for some damn reason.

Also, the game is a hybrid between 1 and 3.

[keiblerfan69]

I guess everyone and their mother bought this game. I should of picked it up but I bought some cheap games instead.

[Jasoco]

Wow. World 7-A brings back memories! Pipe World vertical underground level FTW!

Oh, and BABY WIGGLERS! SO CUTE!!!

[James]

Bowser Jr. instead of Mortin Jr. and the gang. Not that I don't like Bowser Jr. Actually, I think he's got his own characteristic appeal, it's just why did Nintendo create him in the first place when Bowser had 7 other bastard children that could have taken the roles? Mario could have had a field day against all of them in Sunshine.

This game comes before SMB 3 and SMW in timeline, hence New Super Mario Bros. so I guess Bowser's 7 kids haven't been born yet. Although that would have been cool if Nintendo included them.Think about what you just said.

Bowser Jr. was invented in Sunshine. A game taking place WAAAAAAAAY after SMB3. The Koopa Kids ARE born. Nintendo has decided to kill them off for some damn reason.

Also, the game is a hybrid between 1 and 3.

Well we could argue over timelines and alternate universes within the Mario realm but yeah I know that. I don't know why Nintendo decided to change the story by removing creative villains and replacing them with less creative ones, they do that alot these days with their franchises and some of these new characters annoy me, Tingle for instance, in every new Zelda game and that damn Owl!

I was just making idle conversation throwing a 'what if' in there. This is a great game either way and will surely become a classic.

[ubersaurus]

Bowser Jr. instead of Mortin Jr. and the gang. Not that I don't like Bowser Jr. Actually, I think he's got his own characteristic appeal, it's just why did Nintendo create him in the first place when Bowser had 7 other bastard children that could have taken the roles? Mario could have had a field day against all of them in Sunshine.

This game comes before SMB 3 and SMW in timeline, hence New Super Mario Bros. so I guess Bowser's 7 kids haven't been born yet. Although that would have been cool if Nintendo included them.

Nah, this game comes after the other mario platformers in whatever "timeline" exists for mario :P

I thought for the longest time that Mario killed the Koopa Kids in Yoshi's Safari with the bazooka, yet they popped up in Mario & Luigi for another hurrah. They're still around, sort of.

I guess if Nintendo was trying to uncomplicate mario for people who haven't played since the first one, the Koopa Kids would have been harder to swallow than the fairly innocuous and straightforward "Bowser Jr".

[Jasoco]

Next time someone, ANYONE does an interview with Miyamoto, PLEASE ask him about it. PLEASE! He'll have to answer. Maybe we'll get a straight one too.

I should just email Nintendo Power's Pulse section and ask it. See what they say. Hopefiully they won't remember the last email I sent them complaining about how Sunshine was going to flop because of its distance from the previous Mario games.. They emailed back saying to "Try the game first" before I make a decision. Well.. here it is half a decade later and they've FINALLY returned to their roots.

So.. I guess in a roundabout way.. I am responsible for NEW Super Mario Bros! ;) LOL

Okay.. me and some other people I guess.

[Apossum]

trying to figure out the mario timeline is surely the greatest exercise in futility. LOL


anyway, I'm enjoying this game, but I still think Yoshi's Island is the best mario/related platformer out there. this will eat my time until Super Paper Mario comes out (which is my most anticipated game from E3, for sure. tied w/ MGS4, that is.)

[jezt]

I just got it, and am enjoying it immensly!!

Its good to play mario in a sidescroller once again. the game isn't too hard, and its not too easy either.

I do feel that the sprite based games of the past had a liiitle more personality though. The music is more remenicsent of the more current games in the series. It doesnt quite capture the whimsical nature of say, super mario 3, but it does capture the essence of the series, (the classic series anyway) with regards to its play control. Plus, it takes place in the mushroom kingdon.....and we havnt seen this since super mario 64.

Two thumbs up. if i had more thumbs, id put em all up!! LOL

[THATinkjar]

I know two people, who have never played a classic Mario platformer, who'll be picking this game up shortly. Job done, Nintendo!

[Trumpman]

Why does circuit city have the game listed at 34.99 now? I was going to go get it today for 27.99.

[GrandAmChandler]

Why does circuit city have the game listed at 34.99 now? I was going to go get it today for 27.99.

It was a sale that only lasted for 1 week. It ended yesterday.

[joshnickerson]

Anybody catch the commercial for this game yet?

Pure genius, especially the beginning Linky (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUnFmf4yhvY&search=new%20super%20mario%20bros%20commercial)

[slip81]

Bought it. Playing it. Loving it. Great game :)

[Jasoco]

I do feel that the sprite based games of the past had a liiitle more personality though. It doesnt quite capture the whimsical nature of say, super mario 3, but it does capture the essence of the series, (the classic series anyway) with regards to its play control. Plus, it takes place in the mushroom kingdon.....and we havnt seen this since super mario 64.
I disagree. I think it's a hell of a lot more whimsical than ANY other Mario game. The dancing enemies alone prove that! Some of them only "act" when their cue comes on as well. I love that! For instance, in the desert level with the jumping ? blocks, you'll notice when you get close they start to shake.. BUT they do not attack... until the beat plays. Then they jump. So you can use them to your advantage. Or if you're not paying attention, to your death! LOL ;)

Goombas jumping.
Koopa Troopas stopping.
Spinys turn around.
? Block Monsters hop.
Red Cheep Cheep's spin.

If I missed any enemy shenanigans, list them here.

I keep hearing stupid complaints about the music. It's not bad. It's great music! And as I said, it plays an integral part of the gameplay. Sure it'll never be as memorable as the original music, NOTHING can be as memorable as that! So get over it. It's great music nonetheless. I absolutely love the castle music. The Jamaican beach music. The remixed underground theme. The Ghost House music. The world map music. The old classic style sound effects. The old fanfare at the end of levels when you get to the flag pole at the right time. The death music.

I really like the level design.

[Simply Dave]

[quote=jezt] I absolutely love the castle music.

The castle music is flat out awesome.

[jezt]

[quote=jezt]I do feel that the sprite based games of the past had a liiitle more personality though. It doesnt quite capture the whimsical nature of say, super mario 3, but it does capture the essence of the series, (the classic series anyway) with regards to its play control. Plus, it takes place in the mushroom kingdon.....and we havnt seen this since super mario 64.
I disagree. I think it's a hell of a lot more whimsical than ANY other Mario game. The dancing enemies alone prove that! Some of them only "act" when their cue comes on as well. I love that! For instance, in the desert level with the jumping ? blocks, you'll notice when you get close they start to shake.. BUT they do not attack... until the beat plays. Then they jump. So you can use them to your advantage. Or if you're not paying attention, to your death! LOL ;)


In hindsight, you might be right. I guess that is just a testament to how great some of the older mario games really are. to reacreate that would be impossible.

I would loved to have seen the koopa kids back in action though.

My wife started playing it and now she wont let me have my DS, so it would seem that Nintendo's grand plan of getting non gamers, and people who have not gamed in a long time has succeeded immensly. Which is good for me, cuz now she wont have a caniption when I come home with my brand new DS Lite.

[Jasoco]

That's the second time in a row I was misquoted here. You guys really need to learn how to remove extra quotes correctly. LOL

I'm working my way up. I've got 6 out of 8 worlds completed. 99 lives. A whole bunch of unused mushroom houses and a lot of Star Coins to use to buy them. I haven't bought any of the wallpapers yet though.

Edit: Strike that. 7 of 8 Completed.

This may be the first game I 100% in a long time. I haven't 100%ed a game since the original Banjo-Kazooie and Mario 64 (On the N64).

Basically I think this game is just the right difficulty to enjoyment ratio. I never 100%ed Sunshine because it got way too hard too fast. I never 100%ed Banjo-Tooie because it got too confusing. Same with Donkey Kong 64. And even the DS version of Mario 64. Glad to see a game that I can enjoy and beat the hell out of again. (Don't tell anyone, but I still haven't beaten Bowser in Super Princess Peach yet!)

[poloplayr]

NSMB, God I love you!

Thank you for bringing the same feeling back into my gaming life as Miyamoto once did all those years ago.

[THATinkjar]

That's the second time in a row I was misquoted here. You guys really need to learn how to remove extra quotes correctly. LOL

Yeah! And yours truly was caught in the crossfire. These scars will never fade!

[Bronty-2]

My wife started playing it and now she wont let me have my DS, so it would seem that Nintendo's grand plan of getting non gamers, and people who have not gamed in a long time has succeeded immensly. Which is good for me, cuz now she wont have a caniption when I come home with my brand new DS Lite.

I just bought a DS and nintendogs recently and my fiance barely lets me play it also! LOL Pretty good considering that she much hated video games. I don't think she'll be running out to buy any others, but I'm sure I'll catch less flak for buying other titles also. Their plan may succeed on that level if nothing else ;)

[THATinkjar]

Anyone else notice that not all of the underground sections are displayed on the bottom screen?

[jezt]

whoops sorry about that. Its all good though. LOL

[RegSNES]

[quote=jezt] I absolutely love the castle music.

The castle music is flat out awesome.

Oh man, I thought I was the only one! I freaking LOVE the castle music that plays on the last level of each world. I cannot wait for the MIDIs of this game's music to start rolling in.

I was gonna hold off on this game but I had some green left after paying rent and bills and I could't find the manga books I wanted. So I went to Circuit City and picked upa copy for under $30. My word, this game is AWESOME!!! I nominate it for GOTY. It's that good. I'm on World 5 now. Gonna beat the game as Mario first then play it all over again as Luigi. The game is an amazing blend of SMB, SMB3, SMW and SM64. Love it. Love it. LOVE IT!!!

[THATinkjar]

Meh. Didn't even know that you could play as Luigi! That is awesome. Once I've finished with Mario, I've got to go back and collect the odd coin, find the hidden levels, etc. And then I get to do it all over again with Luigi :)

Sweet!

[slip81]

Does anyone know how the heck to get to worlds 4 and 7? I can't seem to find the way, I just went 1-2-3-5-6-8, and all the warp pipes do it bring me to worlds I've already unlocked.

[slip81]

Does anyone know how the heck to get to worlds 4 and 7? I can't seem to find the way, I just went 1-2-3-5-6-8, and all the warp pipes do it bring me to worlds I've already unlocked.

[Mayhem]

Spoiler time...


Although I haven't yet done it myself (been just going through the game to begin with) you need a shrink blue mushroom by the time you reach the boss in castle 2. Beat the boss via whatever means, then use the mushroom and enter a tiny pipe after him to get to the cannon to reach level 4.

[Mayhem]

Spoiler time...


Although I haven't yet done it myself (been just going through the game to begin with) you need a shrink blue mushroom by the time you reach the boss in castle 2. Beat the boss via whatever means, then use the mushroom and enter a tiny pipe after him to get to the cannon to reach level 4.

[Gamereviewgod]

Spoiler time...


Although I haven't yet done it myself (been just going through the game to begin with) you need a shrink blue mushroom by the time you reach the boss in castle 2. Beat the boss via whatever means, then use the mushroom and enter a tiny pipe after him to get to the cannon to reach level 4.

That spoiler is incorrect:

You need to beat the boss as tiny Mario. You cannot control Mario after the boss, so it's impossible to use the mushroom after the fact.

[Gamereviewgod]

Spoiler time...


Although I haven't yet done it myself (been just going through the game to begin with) you need a shrink blue mushroom by the time you reach the boss in castle 2. Beat the boss via whatever means, then use the mushroom and enter a tiny pipe after him to get to the cannon to reach level 4.

That spoiler is incorrect:

You need to beat the boss as tiny Mario. You cannot control Mario after the boss, so it's impossible to use the mushroom after the fact.

[Daniel Thomas]

Alright, I admit it. I highlighted the spoiler just above. I've just reached the ending, but I still haven't found the key to reaching those two hidden worlds. So, after trying my best, I caved. So much for this game being a cakewalk.

It's wierd how New Super Mario has amassed this bad reputation among the hardcore gaming set, who will never forgive it for being tough enough for them, or long enough to justify months and years of sweaty anticipation. Instead, all they got was another Mario game.

It's pretty much a given at this point that no Mario game will ever surpass Super Mario 3, Mario World, and Yoshi's Island. The videogame world has moved away from platformers, the kids who grew up on Nintendo no longer have the skills, and attention spans are too short for epic-length games. The hardcore set will never be satisfied with anything that doesn't match up to the power of their childhood nostalgia.

Big freakin' deal. New Super Mario is more fun than nearly everything on the shelves now, and that includes our beloved DS. Could it be a little harder? Yeah, sure. There are some tricky moments here and there (there's a secret door in one ghost mansion that had me pulling my hair out), but I happen to remember bulldozing through Mario World in three days flat.

Maybe for the next trip, Nintendo could make a Mario that's fiendishly hard. No, wait, they did. It was called Super Mario Sunshine; the kids wouldn't touch it. Said it was too hard.

I still haven't played Super Princess Peach, so I don't know how it compares. I'll have to pick that one up one of these days.

[Red Warrior]

I've read alot of complaints on the Internet about NSMB being too short, but I beg to differ. It took me 3 days to beat NSMB. In comparison, it took me 4 days to beat SMB2, 2 days to beat SMB3, and 3 days to beat SMW back when those games first came out.

Also, I counted the levels in NSMB, and the final tally came to 80. I then counted the levels in SMW... which added up to only 70.

Final analysis: NSMB is just as long (if not longer) than the other Mario games... and it takes the same amount of time to beat. So you can rest assured that Nintendo didn't pull any punches when making this game. :)

BTW, I LOVE this game with a passion that hasn't been felt in years! Pure gaming perfection!

[Leo_A]

Sorry, but at least for this gamer, Super Mario World was much longer. NSMB is easy and short in comparison.

[Red Warrior]

I just counted the levels in SMB3, and that comes to 90. So NSMB is somewhere in between.

[Daniel Thomas]

True, but Super Mario World had more variety, with multiple exits, the hidden block stages, the star road, and, course, that extra-hard bonus zone that turned all the game characters into tripped out freaks. That was probably my favorite surprise of them all.

New Mario seems shorter, but Nintendo has been steering away from the epic games, in favor of shorter, more accessable affairs. Sure, you and I spend the five weeks it took to completely conquer Zelda Ocarina, but that's far more effort than most consumers ever gave. Notice, for example, how much shorter Zelda Minish Cap is (even though it's still packed to the rafters).

I'll take quality over quantity anyday. Give me a game that I'll return to every once in a while, instead of something that requires several weeks and then disappears for four years. Of course, that's just me. Perhaps Nintendo should program in a "Hard Mode" for the expert gamers.

[Gamereviewgod]

DP Review up:

http://www.digitpress.com/reviews/newsupermario_ds.htm


*flame shield activated*

[Leo_A]

I think you pretty accurately reviewed this, though I'd of criticized the music.

[DragonMaster Sam]

After owning this game for 8 days, I finally beat it tonight. Oh yeah, it helps out big time if you have a Mega Mushroom in the final battle. I'm such a cheapass.

[Daniel Thomas]

I've been playing for about a week (though not every day), and I've managed to reach World 4, and am about to get to World 7. I still have quite a few star coins to uncover, so it may still take a while.

I don't know if my gaming skills have deteriorated with age, but there were a lot of secrets in this game that weren't obvious to me. I'm still wracking my brains with a few of them (damn ghost mansions).

I have to agree with earlier sentiments about World 8. Each level is a work of platforming brilliance, and it's easily the most challenging of the whole game. Love the final castle.

I'm also having a real blast with Super Princess Peach. Very detailed and tripped-out, in that Yoshi's Island sense. It's probably doomed to be lost underneath Mario's shadow, but I hope that isn't the case, and enough gamers give it a go.

[CreamSoda]

I love this game, and not much out there gives me the "awesome gaming feel". But NSMB nails it!

The only other Mario games I enjoyed more....SMB3 and SMW. So thats saying alot, this is easily my favorite DS game by a long shot(even out classing my absolute favorite, Mario 64DS).

I'm sorry for sounding like a fanboy(please don't take me as one), but the DS is the greatest handheld I have ever owned!!!!! :D :D :D :D

[SkiDragon]

I think the music is actually pretty good, if perhaps too "complex" for a 2D mario game. I think this game is at least better than SMB2, and in the same league as the others. I just wish it could be played on a TV, and the "Co-op" mode in Mario was always fun even though one person had to watch. I would really like to see some new 2D games developed for the "Virtual Console".

[THATinkjar]

I just posted this mini-review of New. Super Mario Bros. over on EuroGamer. Thought it might be worth posting here, too...

My thoughts

For ages, I have been on the fence about EuroGamer. Something never felt right. Too many conflicting writing styles, too many questionable remarks. But then a review like this hits you, and everything starts to make some sense. I could not agree with you more, Mr. Bramwell. Say, may I lovingly refer to you as "Tom"?

I've been enjoying - wait, scrap that - I've been *playing* New. Super Mario Bros. since it hit Stateside a couple of weeks back. (Incidentally, I would recommend JPN Games (jpngames.co.uk) for DS imports). I say "playing", because there wasn't an instant attraction. It wasn't the perfect fit that hype would have you believe. I may have been doing the game a slight injustice (by not giving it my undivided attention, for various reasons), but regardless - something didn't click. I was simply going through the motions.

After my initial run through - with the sole aim of reaching the pseudo end - things began to fall into place. It wasn't until I was charged with the challenge of exploring every nook and cranny, collecting each and every coin, and meticulously working through the many layers this game has to offer, that I realised this was everything it wanted to be. And as the game slowly draws to its final conclusion, all I want to do is play it again. Thank God for Luigi, eh? (Something I never thought I'd say).

Contrary to what some people would suggest, this is by no means an easy or a short game. It is seemingly as long as you want it to be. And the difficulty certainly ramps up nicely. Yes, you may indeed have eighty-three lives to your name… but an attempt to collect that one fiendishly-placed gold coin could easily dispose of half of them in an evening of joyful frustration. A word of advice: do not waste those goody huts. They are an invaluable source for those blasted mini-mushrooms, which you absolutely need more than you think. Love each one as if they were your last. Think Rolos.

There is this cold efficiency to tackling New. Super Mario Bros., and damn - it feels very, very good. You almost always know where you stand with this game, and perhaps the genius of it all is only truly appreciated as you near the end.

Okay, so the hidden worlds don't feel all that hidden. And yes, the generic world themes are slightly uninspired, drawing more from Super Princess Peach (and its approach to new gamers) than previous Mario platformers. The power-ups are far from innovative, but then - they are a lot of fun. Taking on Mario's gigantic form is heavenly. Brief and rare and unnecessary as it often is, smashing your way through the lovingly designed levels - tearing them apart to their very basic being - is disgustingly delicious. Hell, even purchasing those tacky touch-screen wallpapers is somewhat fun. 8-Bit Mario for the win!

In all honesty, as I hinted above, New. Super Mario Bros. didn't make the immediate impact I hoped it would. But as the game's attention to detail shines through, you'll begin to understand. It is this slow trickle of brilliance that keeps you coming back, wondering what you'll discover today.

One could level a number of criticisms - the three-second boss showdowns (I'm not joking - they're far too easy), music that isn't quite up to Super Mario World standard (only just, mind you) or a general look and feel that is simply too clean and too professional (for want of a better word) for its own good - but for every minor disappointment (and no, I don't agree that the save system is one of them), there is a truly memorable experience lurking down a warp pipe, or stuffed inside a question mark block.

Game of the year, thus far.

[Jasoco]

I really really hope Nintendo uses the dancing enemies feature in more games. At least Mario games. Games need more character.

[slip81]

I don't think it's too short or too easy, in fact I'd say its perfect for what it was design for, a handheld system.

Sure it's not Oblivion or Ikaruga, but it's not meant to be. You want an epic edge of your seat challange; plug a console into the wall and stay in. It does have 80 levels and 240 coins to collect and it's share of tricky spots, plus mini-games and multiplayer.

The game was meant to be played in short burst while waitng for something or traveling. It's pretty much a uninimous decision that the game is super fun and one of the best games out on any system right now. Play it and enjoy it.

[Avatard]

I'm enjoying playing it, but is HAS to be the WORST soundtrack I've ever heard. They didn't need to butcher it so much. I've enjoyed the music in every Mario game except for this one. What a shame.