The Final Word game review

Super Mario Advanced -- Nintendo

R.I.P.
If you were a fan of the original Super Mario Bros. 2 for the NES (or from Super Mario All-Stars on the SNES), then welcome home to a new release of the classic. Unfortunately, while there were some added differences made to this new version (such as some larger enemies), the game is really no different than it's original side-scrolling cousins. This was a loss for me because I appear to be one of the few people who didn't find SMB2 all that gripping of a game to begin with, so here I am with the same general feeling on this release.

Graphically, the game is nice to look at, and works well on the GBA. Effects and music are pretty average for the system, although I liked the additions to SMB2. In fact I liked all of the updates to SMB2, but they still didn't win me over in the long-run.

The one thing that I did like about this cart though was the inclusion of a supped up version of the original Mario Bros. arcade game. This version of the game can be played one-player over increasing difficult levels, or multi-player via link-up. In Mario Bros. you play on a single screen stage with koopas and other enemies dropping down out of pipes at the top of the screen. The goal is to bonk all of the enemies that drop onto the screen on the head without getting touched yourself. Some enemies take more than one bonk to knock them off the platforms. In multi-player it's a team-up.

If you're a real fan of either of these classics, then this is probably one you don't want to miss. Additionally, if you're looking for another good title that you can play on a road trip, this makes a great buy. Either way, if you own a GBA and like platform games, you should give a strong look to decide if it's up your alley.

(12/2001)