theman61890's Full Review: Super Mario Advance for Game Boy Advance
Super Mario Brothers 2 originally came out in 1988, and it was an outstanding platform game that has passed the tests of time. It improved on the first game so much, Super Mario Bros., that it is simply one of the best platform games of all time. Its grade A game qualities are its variety, level design, and overall gaming ideology and feel. Nintendo repackaged Super Mario Brothers 2 on the Game Boy Advance as Super Mario Advance. The differences are noticeable right away. The graphics and sound are vastly improved over the original Super Mario Bros. 2 game.
Story
The story is the same as its Super Nintendo counterpart. A toad named Wart has taken over I think Fairy World and Mario and his friends must save the captured fairies and their land. I love this story since it strays from the whole Mario vs Bowser feud and adds a new villain, even though he was never see again.
Graphics
The graphics of Super Mario Bros. 2 were revolutionary for its time. Now on the GBA the graphics are even better, with new designs everywhere. Some improvements are extraordinary, such as updated backgrounds, larger character sprites, especially the vegetable items, and all of the sprites look much better.
Anyway, all four playable characters, Mario, Luigi, Toad, and the Princess, all look excellent, looking better than they did even in any Super Mario for the SNES. The levels are what give the graphics such a high score. Each one is beautifully drawn, they have their own unique look, and they are varied and wonderful. They make the game more fun to play through, and are gorgeous to look at.
Sound
It’s nice that the sounds of this game are improved over its predecessor. Luckily, they are more tracks varied than in the original game reducing repetition. The characters in game sound great also, even though there is not much taking. Animations and movements also sound better, such as bombs exploding. I also love the extra songs for the screens not related to the main mode such as the casino, selection and option songs. Boss battles also sound more intense which add a better feel to the battles. Most boss battles have very fast tempo music which gives a real battle environment.
Gameplay
The game allows for two modes you can play the main story and go after Wart or you can play Mario Bros which is essentially a mini game in which you defeat enemies and collect coins as you try to get as far along as you can while posting a high score.
Now onto the main mode. The level design is spectacular, from the obstacles to most of the enemies. Theres many types of areas such as grassy, sandy, and icy areas. The boss of each level is Birdo, and there are several variations of her. Having to fight her at the end of each level is a nice addition, and at the end of each world, there is another boss battle not with Birdo. There are seven worlds and three sub levels. In the first two sub levels you fight Birdo in the end. And in the third and conclusive level of each world you fight another boss whether that being a flying flame, a bombing Mouse, or a tri headed dragon.
But possibly the best new feature of all is that there are four playable characters with different characteristics. Mario is the average all around character whom is good at everything but not great or bad at anything. Luigi is pretty slow, but he jumps the highest of them all. Toad is the fastest, but he really cannot jump well at all. Princess Toadstool has the ability to float in the air for a few seconds. You can choose whom you want to use before very level.
Another cool thing is that there is no timer, giving you all the time you want to play through a level. Another cool thing is that unlike Super Mario Brothers, you can go backwards in levels if you wish to. Sometimes you aren’t always moving to the right. If you played Mario Bros. you know how frustrating it can be to not be able to move backwards.
Another cool feature is that you can link up four GBA and play a multiplayer game, using just one GamePak. This is very cool, but you’re limited to only one level to play in. If each player has the game though, they can all play in multiple areas.
Replay Value
With four characters to choose from, and such great levels, you’ll be playing this game over and over. This game is never dull. And with the new four player mode, you can have fun with your friends, and fight with them. With the main game, the mini game and the possibility of linking up the game is seemingly endless.
This is a must buy for Mario fans and for people whom want a good game. A endless classic that has just been improved. This game will have you playing for a while an dis easily worth its price tag.
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