Category Archives: super mario bros
[REVIEW] New Super Mario Bros. 2
Jordan Nakasenh
(3DS [REVIEWED])
The concept of collecting all of the coins in every level has always been an incentive for platforming games. It gives players a reason for going through every single level and checking every block and going down every large green pipe; players are literally getting their money’s worth with every precise movement they execute. Nintendo has done this time and time again with Super Mario Bros. over the years based on the same formula, and it feels like it hasn’t seemed to slow the franchise down at all. So, what do they have up their sleeve this time with New Super Mario Bros. 2 for the 3DS? I’ll give you a hint: it involves coins. An absurd amount of coins.
The Koopalings return to the spotlight after lurking in the shadow of Bowser, and are up to no good. They have kidnapped Princess Peach, so it’s up to Mario to save the day. Where have we heard this before? But let’s refrain from talking about a recycled story throughout the franchise. Mario has quite the task ahead of him, and players will find that the Mushroom Kingdom is literally overflowing with gold coins. The main goal of the entire game is to grab as many coins as possible; forget about saving a helpless Princess Peach; you’ve got to collect a million coins!
The gameplay is relatively similar to that of previous Super Mario Bros. instalments. The mechanics of the game are very simple, and it is easy to just pick up and play, as a side-scrolling platformer is something anyone can enjoy. Now, with the added option of co-op mode with Luigi, you can have tons of Mario fun with a buddy. It feels like any Mario game would, with its vibrant colours and detailed backgrounds. The 3D feature is also nice to look at when you’re going through each level, but is better served towards your battery life since your quest of collecting those shiny gold discs is a long and tedious one.
Each level includes different power-ups that can help you obtain coins in multiple ways. They have the classics like the Tanooki suit, which is especially useful if you want that extra power in your jump to get that evasive last coin on top of the screen. Players can also grab another form of that power-up which is basically a mix between the Tanooki suit and Star power. Another classic power-up is the Fire Flower; a good choice if you don’t like to get close to enemies, but want them exterminated. Other powers can be obtained as well, including the Mega Mushrooms, which enable Mario to grow much larger and just plough past everything. Some of these make going through each level a breeze (aside from the odd underwater level), and makes the game much more enjoyable to play. However, it can become a little too easy at times.
New power-ups can also be found. One new power-up that sees its debut is the Gold Flower. When you grab this flower, it turns Mario into gold and literally gives each fireball the Midas touch, turning everything it comes in contact with into gold coins. This is particularly satisfying to do. as coins will literally fill your screen and you’ll suddenly feel that urge to collect every single one of them. As you are playing the game, you will also encounter a flying yellow block, and if you hit it, Mario’s head will turn into that block that makes you gain a certain amount of coin over time. This process can occur faster if you jump more often.
Each world looks as good as the next one from the classical Mushroom Kingdom forests, to snow-capped mountains. It’s relatively eye-catching for players that like well-done games by Nintendo, as well as the on-lookers that watch you collect coins like a boss. Another aspect that Mario fans will always enjoy is the soundtrack. It isn’t particularly breathtaking, but it melds in with the gameplay perfectly. On occasion, you will see enemies stop and dance to the soundtrack, which is a nice touch to a well-done Mario game.
A new game mode has also arrived called Gold Rush. The concept of gold rush is to collect as many coins as possible before you run out of time. Those scores can also be added to your StreetPass records and can be shared with other players. If you have beaten another player’s record in StreetPass, you receive a Crown Coin, which is worth 100 coins. This can further add replay value to those who like being on top of leaderboards.
New Super Mario Bros. 2 has the golden touch when it comes to creating a game that is almost entirely based on collecting as many coins as possible. There is no hidden formula that makes this game truly something that can be fun for everyone. It’s something that has been done for over 25 years with a minor twist of hoarding coins. Although it’s not that “new” by any means, in comparison with the Mario games out there now, it’s more than worth a look if you enjoy anything that is related to Mario, or are looking for a good time-killing platformer.
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