New Super Mario Bros. 2

8.25 Overall Score
Gameplay: 10/10
Graphics: 6/10
Sound: 8/10

Coins | 2D Mario Co-op | Tanooki Suit | Coins

3D effects | No online

Game Info

GAME NAME: New Super Mario Bros. 2

DEVELOPER(S): Nintendo

PUBLISHER(S): Nintendo

PLATFORM(S): Nintendo 3DS

GENRE(S): Adventure, Side-scrolling

RELEASE DATE(S): August 19, 2012

With every iteration of a Nintendo console we know that we will be treated to a new Mario title.  For the 3DS Nintendo has been pumping out their cash cow franchise at a considerable rate.  The 4th Mario title  (More if you consider the Virtual Console and SEGA Olympic game) to grace this portable is a return to the series 2D roots with a little twist.  The twist? Collecting coins…. A LOT OF COINS… LIKE A MILLION.  The idea seems novel but does it hold up as a worthy addition to the storied franchise?

The game starts off in the Mushroom Kingdom when SPOILER ALERT Princess Peach is captured by the evil Bowser. So what happens when our beloved Princess is captured? SPOILER ALERT Mario and Luigi take charge to go rescue Peach.  While the story never really changes, for the 2D Mario’s it really doesn’t need to.  Great stories are more fitted for the Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi series.  The over-world map will look similar to the last few Mario games with the standard linear path of 6 levels a mid-level and end-level castle.  The game most resembles a mash of  Super Mario Bros. 3 from the NES and Super Mario World from the SNES, which is fine by me.  Those two games were my favorite 2D Mario games growing up and are a big part of shaping me as a gamer. Series staples like the  Tanooki suit and the the Koopalings are a few of the classics that are back.

The game itself plays like a normal 2D Mario game.  The only new power-up is the golden flower which allows Mario to shoot a golden flame which turns almost everything into gold.  The gold collecting mechanics in the game are enjoyable but for a veteran Mario player like me, makes the game WAY to easy.  I had over 200 lives when I finished my first time through.  I love the star coins that have become a series regular. They are challenging to find and a pain to collect. The game features 6 levels with 3 unlockable areas as you progress.

Graphically, the game holds up with the previous DS entry as well as the Wii entry.  I was extremely disappointed with the 3D effect in this title.  I thought it actually looked worse with the 3D on and did nothing to add depth to the game.  The soundtrack is as always a memorable one.   The one consistent feature that Nintendo titles seem to get right are the soundtracks.  It is a beautiful blend of new and old.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 also features a mode which is a series first called Coin Rush.  The basis of Coin Rush is that you have one life and have to complete 3 levels collecting the most coins you possibly can.  Oh yeah, I forgot to mention you have a limited amount of time too!  These are a fun little addition and can be traded with fellow StreetPasser’s.  In fact, this will be the first North American title from Nintendo with the ability to have Downloadable Content (DLC) . Nintendo just announced that the DLC will hit the eShop sometime this October.  This new Mario title also features Co-op.  Unfortunately though, it is only local and requires two cards and two 3DS systems.  I really think Nintendo whiffed on a great opportunity to bring the series online.  If Nintendo is as serious as they claim about their online strategy, they really missed out here.  A little bit goes a long way with gamers.

So what do I think of the game?  I think it is a commendable entry into the franchise.  I am a little more excited by the Wii U version hitting later this fall at the launch of the new console, but this was a fun little title to hold me over.  The new features are a welcome addition to the series and while online co-op would have been preferred the local goes off without a hitch.  I will always be first in line when a new 2D Mario drops and it was no different with this one.  I would recommend this game to anyone that owns a 3DS.  While not as great as Super Mario 3D Land, it holds its own as a good 3DS game.

 

 

 

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Author: Anthony DeVirgilis View all posts by
Managing Partner / Editor for Sony/Nintendo I prefer Indies to AAA titles... unless it's Nintendo or Sony Google+ Author