Game Review: New Super Mario Brothers

Sunday Mercury

New Super Mario Bros (Wii) QUITE how Nintendo have managed to create a masterpiece of a game that is so much like it was in 1985 and yet so radically different is simply beyond me.

This game sent me bouncing back to the late 80s with a spectacular 2D gaming experience that maintains the very heart of the originals all those years ago.

So much has been incorporated from the early games like the same power-ups and environments and all of those familiar characters we all love.

Themusic is even the same and subsequently has been stuck in my head all week. More importantly the fluid, inventive, fun and quite simply perfect gameplay has never been better.

If youwere a fan of the old games then this really is going to be heaven.

The frustrations of the original are here, such as forgetting to jump that turtle shell and having to go back to the last save point! I have played this game for an hour or two so far and sat there like an overgrown child nodding to myself and chuckling as the memories came flooding back.

Level design is fantastic. At times the game is so diffi-cult you feel like sticking your foot through the TV. There is a rather handy new super-guide though which basically allows you to let the computer complete a level for you after you have had eight attempts.

The best thing about this new game is there is now a 4-player co- op game that allows players to drop in and out of the action. The manic nature of the co-op mode is perfect family fun and madness, players can of course 'co-operate' but with four of you on the screen at the same time it can be a little troublesome at times and can work in the favour of the more mischievous gamer!

Nintendo have cleverly introduced a bubble for your characters.This bubble will trap you if your character dies and other players need to release you. You can also opt to bubble yourself and stay out of harms way if a particular challenge is a bit too awkward. The makers have clearly created the whole gaming experience with an aim of creating a high-octane, visually charming and utterly addictive modernization of the original.

Two of the best new additions to the game are in the formof the penguin suit and helicopter suit.

The penguins suit lets you throw snowballs and slide on your belly at great speeds. The kids thought this was great fun. They loved riding on Yoshi, too - especiallywhen he kept lashing his tongue out and eating everything.

The Wii-mote is put to great use. You shake it to fly, angle it to balance on seesaws and so on.

The magic is that the Wii-mote isn't over-used. It is incorporated into certain elements of the game but in a subtle and well-used way.

Anyone who has ever loved a Mario game will fall in love once again; this is a perfect 2D adventure.

Top-notch throughout and offering so much in the way of gameplay, it's hard to see how anyone could even comprehend making a challenge for its crown as the king of the 2D family game.

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