New Super Mario Bros Reviewed

May 7th, 2006, 23:24 Posted By: wraggster

IGN have posted the first worldwide review of New Super Mario Bros for the Nintendo DS:

Heres an excerpt:

Damn, does it feel good to go back to Mario's roots. Don't get me wrong - Super Mario 64 was an important and integral step for Nintendo's plumber hero to take, what with the company essentially being the trailblazer in the world of 3D platforming. But in moving forward, rising expectations pretty much dictated that Nintendo shouldn't look back, so the classic sidescrolling formula was simply relegated to "classic" status, only returning in retro repeats of existing games on current systems and, occasionally, as spin-off franchises for other Nintendo characters. An official Super Mario game would have to be something special for it to exist on a current Nintendo system, which is why the release of New Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo DS is so significant: it absolutely is something special. This game marks a brilliant return to Mario's side-scrolling environments, with a look, feel, and play that feels unbelievably classic, with new elements that do a fantastic job advancing the design.

The Conclusion

9.0 Presentation
The only letdown is that the extras are recycled mini-games from Super Mario 64 DS. Outside of that, this game is ridiculously well designed.
9.0 Graphics
Really slick hybrid 2D/3D engine enables level designers to pull off some awesome effects and gameplay elements, stuff that just weren't possible back in the 2D days.
9.0 Sound
Classic Mario soundtrack with the enhancement of Mario vocals to begin and cap off each level.
10 Gameplay
Absolutely brilliant platforming action that takes what Nintendo's built an empire on, and adding so much more to it. It's not a tremendous challenge, but the game is fun as hell from start to end.
9.0 Lasting Appeal
If you just want to blow through the game from first castle to final battle, it's over in just a few hours. But there's so much more, including hidden levels and single cart multiplayer challenges.
9.5
Incredible OVERALL
(out of 10 / not an average)

Read the full excellent review at IGN Here --> http://uk.ds.ign.com/articles/705/705537p1.html

There are 3 comments - Join In and Discuss Here