The very first video game I’ve ever owned! Definitely the most interesting of the NSMB games.
Mechanically and visually I do believe this game is a step down from SMW, though a fun Mario game is still a fun Mario game. The level design is solid and the controls are good. I could end the review there.
When it comes to power ups, Mega Mushrooms are boring, exist exclusively as a marketing gimmick, and are only impressive on a visual level. In fact, I remember specifically that the Mega Mushrooms can screw you out of getting star coins by destroying the warp pipes you’re supposed to enter, so I’d argue that they’re more of a vice than an asset.
The blue shell is ridiculous, boring at the best of times, and potentially nausea inducing.
The Mini Mushroom, however, (with the exception of Yoshi, who in all honesty is more of a unique playable character) Is my favorite power up in 2D Mario. As a double edged sword, its awkward physics and vulnerability are contrasted by superior vertical and horizontal movement and the ability to reach inaccessible zones. NSMB uses the Mini Mushroom’s less desirable attributes to its advantage by making certain worlds only accessible through its usage, creating an unofficial challenge mode.
Finally, a notable element exclusive to NSMB are the unique enemy boss fights at the end of each world, offering versatility to the gameplay that usually isn’t present in 2D Mario. The battles against Bowser and Jr, however, are the exception. Each of these encounters are uninspired, and this unfortunately makes the final boss battle one of the least memorable in the series.
Fun game that unfortunately can’t reach the series’ highs.
Mechanically and visually I do believe this game is a step down from SMW, though a fun Mario game is still a fun Mario game. The level design is solid and the controls are good. I could end the review there.
When it comes to power ups, Mega Mushrooms are boring, exist exclusively as a marketing gimmick, and are only impressive on a visual level. In fact, I remember specifically that the Mega Mushrooms can screw you out of getting star coins by destroying the warp pipes you’re supposed to enter, so I’d argue that they’re more of a vice than an asset.
The blue shell is ridiculous, boring at the best of times, and potentially nausea inducing.
The Mini Mushroom, however, (with the exception of Yoshi, who in all honesty is more of a unique playable character) Is my favorite power up in 2D Mario. As a double edged sword, its awkward physics and vulnerability are contrasted by superior vertical and horizontal movement and the ability to reach inaccessible zones. NSMB uses the Mini Mushroom’s less desirable attributes to its advantage by making certain worlds only accessible through its usage, creating an unofficial challenge mode.
Finally, a notable element exclusive to NSMB are the unique enemy boss fights at the end of each world, offering versatility to the gameplay that usually isn’t present in 2D Mario. The battles against Bowser and Jr, however, are the exception. Each of these encounters are uninspired, and this unfortunately makes the final boss battle one of the least memorable in the series.
Fun game that unfortunately can’t reach the series’ highs.