AbstractThrow items and enemies as one of four differently-gifted characters, travel the fantasy world, and defeat new enemies in this update.
ESRB rating
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Suitable for Persons Ages Six and Older |
Full descriptionNintendo offers classic, old-fashioned Mario platform action on a brand new system with Mario Advance. Produced as a launch title for the Game Boy Advance, Super Mario Advance marks the first appearance of the Mario franchise on the 32-bit handheld system. The game is based on the classic Super Mario Bros. 2, released for the original Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988. Although characters and gameplay remain true to the original, the cartridge makes use of the increased technical abilities of the handheld Game Boy Advance over 1985's original 8-bit Nintendo console, featuring detailed graphics and animations.
Much of the action in Super Mario Advance concerns lifting items to throw at enemies or carry to a special location. Instead of hopping on a Shy Guy's head, for example, Mario may need to pull a turnip from the ground and throw it at the enemy to get him out of the way. Often, characters will need to carry a key from one part of the level to another. GBA gamers choose to play as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, or Toad. Each character has a different combination of strength and agility. The Princess can jump very high and float gracefully to the ground, but if she is carrying an item she moves much more slowly and cannot leap as far. Toad can't jump as far as the others, but he can carry items without any effect on his speed or leaping ability.
Going even further back in the characters' history, Super Mario Advance also features a multiplayer-compatible mini-game based on the original Mario Bros. arcade game. Players will have to hop their way to the top of the screen, quickly and carefully, avoiding turtle-like Koopas and other enemies. This enhanced version of the arcade game can be played in "Classic" or "Battle" modes. In all, Nintendo makes an effort to send their best characters ahead to welcome the handheld system to their product line.
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Editorial reviewSource:
AmazonThe world's favorite plumber makes his first appearance (along with playable characters Luigi, Peach, and Toad) on the Game Boy Advance, and, for the most part, Mario's arrival is welcome indeed.
Super Mario Advance is primarily a slightly tweaked port of Super Mario Bros. 2, the (still) very popular side scroller from the days of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). So expect plenty of running, jumping, and hurling of items at many a foe.
The game's graphics and sound have been a given a nice overhaul from the original game, and are clear and bright enough to please old-school and new fans alike. While Nintendo did a good job shrinking the visuals down to handheld size, the tiny GBA screen can get very busy at times, making accidental death due to sometimes less-than-precise controls frustratingly frequent--at least in the beginning. Most gamers should overcome such mishaps with a little patience.
Also included is the still fun, if forgettable, original Mario Bros. game from many eons ago. Up to four players can engage in a coin-collecting battle mode or the classic mode. Super Mario Advance isn't the game to show off the power of the GBA, but it is a long, fun title that will satisfy today's gamers with a taste from the best of Mario's past. --Mark Brooks
Pros:
- One of the best NES games is faithfully ported
- Upgraded sound and graphics
- Gameplay is easy to get into
Cons: - Somewhat loose controls
- Neither fresh nor original for those who've played the NES version
Deadly enemies; unique weaponry; awesome graphics; classic characters; cool sound effects
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