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Gaming, In My Opinion
Super Mario games have always been used to mark the launch of a new Nintendo games console. The Game Boy Advance was no exception. For every four GBAs bought so far, one unit of Super Mario Advance has been sold. So with statistics like that, you would think that this is something special.
Unfortunately, some may not agree that this is the case. The box boasts that it is two games in one (though there is a third in there) but, surprisingly, they are simply re-releases of previous games. Super Mario Bros. 2 from the NES and the Mario Bros. coin-op game. If you have already played these, then Super Mario Advance will be nothing more than a trip down memory lane for you. There are, of course, extras. While playing Super Mario Bros. 2, the GBA-exclusive red Advance coins help open up the third game and there are pots to enter in order to gain extra lives and health. For those, like myself, who never played either, this is a completely new Mario release. Visually, the game shows of the power of the GBA. The games looks as colourful and detailed as the SNES release Super Mario Allstars did (and then some). The crisp, clean visuals will astound you and you’ll begin to doubt whether you are really playing it on a handheld. All of the old enemies have returned and now look sharper than ever before. There is even a wonderfully detailed backdrop, which is much better than the originals’ plain backgrounds. The Character selection screen is easily the most amazing visuals ever to be seen on a handheld console. The entire game looks very much like a cartoon rather than a game. The GBA’s new speaker is also used to great effect. The soundtrack to the game is not at all muffled and was recorded by a real orchestra. The tunes are naturally jolly and surprisingly catchy. If you don’t have headphones, it may be an idea to get some, as the sound is twice as good when heard through them. The sound effects are the usual that you would expect to find in a Mario game. Best of all, the game features hundreds of catchphrases, ranging from Mario’s “Here we go”, to the threats of Birdo and all of the other bosses. All the voices are crystal clear and expertly said. Unfortunately, Nintendo have achieved something that they shouldn’t be proud of; Toad’s voice has reached an all-new level of annoyance. If playing with Toad, no matter how much you like the music, for your own sake, turn the sound off. You have been warned. The box for the game boasts that it is two games in one. It does, in fact, have a third game. Once you have completed Super Mario Bros. 2, you may take on the “Yoshi Challenge”. Admittedly, this is simply Super Mario Bros. 2 all over again, but it gives the game an extra task; you must get through each level, getting the two Yoshi Eggs, cunningly hidden throughout the levels, and defeat the boss without losing a life. To those who found the games bosses hard, this will be a nightmare. Whether on the first trek through Super Mario Bros. 2 or the Yoshi Challenge, the game becomes incredibly addictive as you try to reach end of the immense levels and battle the frustratingly hard boss. While playing, you must bare in mind how much the GBA cost before you smash it up with anger. The second game, Mario Bros. is equally addictive, simply because you will want to reach the next phrase, then the next, then the next. Each phase involves numerous enemies that must be defeated and you never know how many are left until you are down to the last two. While trying to complete the later phrases, fireballs will fly through the level at you and ice monsters will freeze some of the ledges, causing you to slip and slide into your foes. This game can be even more annoying as Super Mario Bros. 2, as you only have to be hit once to lose your life. There are a few bonus stages, which makes a nice brake from the non-stop action and allows you to earn extra lives. Unfortunately, I have not yet been able to experience the multiplayer, so I cannot judge it, but I have no doubt it is as addictive as the N64 multiplayers. All three sections of Super Mario Advance will take you through several sets of batteries before you are satisfied. So, the final verdict? As mentioned earlier, there are loads of new extras for those who have already played the originals, but you can’t help but feel disappointed that Nintendo haven’t brought out a brand new Mario adventure. Still, it will keep you occupied until a truly new Mario game arrives, especially if you have three friends and a link cable I imagine. VISUALS: Amazing. You will be struck dumb by the fact that this is a handheld game, and you’ll be smiling for weeks when you see all your old favourite bosses and enemies. 9/10 SOUNDS: The first handheld game to have crystal clear speech and yet another collection of catchy, jolly tunes from Nintendo. 10/10 LIFESPAN: These games will keep you addicted until you have completed all three. And then you’ll still come back for more. Unless you have the originals, of course. 9/10 VERDICT: A worthy purchase to keep you occupied until the GBA really gets going. But why Nintendo didn’t bring out a brand new game is a mystery. 93% |