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  REVIEWS - Super Mario Bros. DX ::

A masterpiece returns.
Game Info.
Genre
Action (2D Platformer)
Publisher/Developer
Nintendo/Nintendo
Peripherals
  • Game Boy Printer
    • Release
    5/10/99 (10/85)
    Media
    (none)

    Super Mario Bros. DX
    A precursor to the age of Advance.
    Reviewed by Sam - August 25th, 2002

    Coffins. I'd hate to get stuck in one, especially without this game. It's just that fun.
    Before Mario Advance, in 1999, Nintendo released their first portable port of a classic Mario platformer on the Game Boy Color in the form of Mario Bros. Deluxe. What's really special about it, aside from players' first chance to play the game since 1993, is that it reinvents the platformer and takes it to a new level with extras and fun features in every corner.

    Gameplay
    Not surprisingly, there are countless extras jammed into the game. My favorite, and probably the most important, addition to the game would be Challenge Mode, in which you can replay all and any levels you've been to before, reach for high scores, collect hidden red coins and even Yoshi eggs. It's fabulous, and opens up the scope of the game so you're not just replaying those first few levels over and over again for eternity.
    Other extras are ingenious as well. If you've held onto your Game Boy Printer since 1997, pat yourself on the back real quick; DX has loads of different functions for your printing needs; it's impressive. An elusive Boo Chase challenge can be unlocked at a certain point that pits you and a boo head-to-head through traps and tricks in one of 8 brand new levels. Not to mention the hidden inclusion of the fabulously difficult Super Mario Bros. 2 (from Japan); yeah, the entire game. Who would've thought it possible back in 1989 that the Game Boy would someday hold two entire NES games with buttloads of extras to spare? Thank the Maker we live in the age we do. ^_^
    9/10

    Control
    Control is tight, as always with Miyamoto's games. However, specifically in the GBC port, jumping, running, and run-jumping can get ruined by the small size of the screen; they added a quirky panning function that frankly just doesn't help out at all, and may even distract you in the middle of frantic levels.
    7/10

    Graphics
    The graphics are ported perfectly from the original NES in pixelly 80's fashion, and menus and certain extras have even gone and redone the graphics, which is pleasing in and of itself, but the two sides just don't come together all that well. Oh well, my only real complaint is the lack of the splendid redone level backgrounds we've come to love since 93's Mario All-Stars.
    8/10

    Sound
    In most Mario titles, the music is freaking great, but limited to only a handful of songs. This is the case with Super Mario Bros.; only four songs in the whole game (standard level theme, water level theme, dungeon theme, and castle theme). I can't say it really drives me nuts, I'd just rather have more. Sorry, the music's important to me.
    8/10

    Replay Value
    I know it sounds cheesy, but the extras are the saving grace for this game. They make it bold and exciting so you never want to leave it alone. It's a shame that the only big additions to the Mario Advance titles have been the arcade original "Mario Bros.", which, after a few millenia of play, can get a little old, dare I say?
    9/10

    Overall
    This is a great buy, not only for those who love classic Mario adventuring. I found it fun in ways I never thought possible. Portable Mario is just plain great, it's hard to explain.
    But like I've said before, I've never thought that the original platforming adventure Super Mario Bros. was a spectacular game. Even at the age of 3 it failed to captivate and move me. If I were to honestly review the NES version of Super Mario Bros., I'd have to give it an 8, which isn't a BAD score, it just shows that the game isn't Miyamoto's polished piece of side-scrolling perfection; Mario Bros. 3 is.
    Back on track, of course there are the extras, which make everything worth while. I'd like to personally recommend Mario Bros. DX, even if you'd rather spend time on something more recently released. Get this, it's a pak that's just too good a deal to turn down.

    FINAL SCORE: 9/10
    =Amazing=

    Send feedback to: sam@ngeb.net