New Super Mario Brothers 2 Review

For over 25 years Nintendo fans around the world have followed the adventures of the Mario Brothers and you got it Princess Peach has gone and got herself kidnapped again. You'd think she would lock her doors by now? So I prepared to side scroll my way to success, I bagged myself some crazy power ups throw me at that beautiful yet simple 2D universe and I will tear that dinosaur, crocodile turtle thing a new one.

 I don't know how he does it, but Bowser can really pool his resources when he is a pinch, not only does he continuously build lavish traps and obstacles that only one or two sturdy plumbers can scale but he also continually landscapes the areas between Mario's hometown and his own dark castle.

So yes, I have been playing New Super Mario Brothers 2 on the 3DSXL which I also reviewed, the title is exclusive to the 3D platform and looks sweet. This aim of the game is to collect as many gold coins as you can shake a Leprechaun at. Coins come at you thick and fast, you have big coins, small coins, magically appearing coins, hats that give you coins, multi coin blocks and what does Mario do with all these gold coins......he gambles them away!

Every action and reaction In the game is centred around the extra income you can earn, which will in turn give you extra lives and unlock special areas between stages and worlds. Having so many coins adds a little extra purpose to a stage rather than just smashing through them like Usain Bolt. However as a result of this hording of coins you do earn a lot of extra lives while playing through the game and perhaps takes away a little bit of danger if you like me prefer to play Mario a little more recklessly. Plumber smash!

The game play is as superb as it is addictive and doesn't step away from this tried and tested Nintendo formulae. Those people out there saying this is unimaginative are just nay saying....if it ain't' broke don't try and fix it. The boss battles proved enjoyable and simple to master, remember this game is aimed for everyone so although there is some skill involved it main aim is to be fun. Some people out there forget that. Yes you will no doubt stress out at some point or another but don't we all.

The visuals have come back more polished than before and as I briefly mentioned earlier this game looks incredible in 3D. Not many titles for the 3DS can you argue makes the 3D feature necessary, Mario Brother 2 does just that. The improved colour and size of the XL version also lends itself very well to the title. Throw in great music and easy to learn abilities that will blow the laws of physics through the roof and you got yourself a AAA title.
Mario has also returned with a neat new power up, the golden flower. This enables Mario to turn on the bling like some sort of alchemist possessed and allows him to turn everything he touches to gold. Double jumping a Kooper trooper will also leave a trail of gold coins in its wake.

The game has a decent length to it, something I consider important if you taking a big hit to the wallet as with any AAA title. As you battle through a a variety of archetype worlds you need to discoverer the hidden giant golden coins, 3 of which can be picked up on each stage. I say hidden, I mean precariously positioned. For those of you who like to 100% games that's a little something to get your teeth into.

Nintendo have also added a new game mode "Gold Rush", apt for the game that boasts you can collect 1,000,000 gold coins on a play through. The aim of this mode is a smash and grab for coins over three stages back to back. Co-op has also been reintroduced to the franchise where you can be as helpful (or unhelpful) as you like in a bid for financial glory. Those of you who have had a go at Super Mario on the Wii will be familiar with this co-op game play style. You can argue that co-op is almost counter productive. This however provided side splitting laughter and fun as your group tried to bumble its way to the finish flag.

I have to say having played my fair share of Mario games over the years I can see why some of the more purist players or hardened gaming veterans may find this a little tiresome after a while. I found the game easier that previous editions of the game. The mechanics and tactics required the game havn't really changed much over the years. But for those new to the series its undoutably an incredible title. It looks good, plays well and If you like games for fun alone then go out and buy this game. If you don't have a 3DS yet, use this game as an excuse to go out and buy the XL version it will blow your mind.

Pros

• Fun
• Familiar
• Addictive play style
• Family Friendly
• great 3D visuals

Cons

• A little too easy
• Boss fight mechanics all too similar, as game design in general

I will score New Super Mario Brothers 2 on the 3DS:

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Check out the 3DS XL review