NSMB only gets better with age...

[Mr Durand Pierre]

Like many of you, I bought NSMB the day it came out and had the common reaction that while being a satisfying game, it was perhaps a bit of a dissapointment after its predecessors. Sure it was fun and all, but the new power-ups were underwhelming and the game was just too easy. I managed to attain 100% after 4 days with no assistance and figured it would just gather dust on my shelf for the next couple years. But after replaying it to completion this past week, I've realized that it really is a true classic and may even be my favorite Mario game. Let's examine this, shall we...

Mario Bros 1 was always a fun, classic game, but way too simple to enjoy for much more than an hour by today's standards. Mario 2 isn't even a real Mario game (but rather a game called Doki Doki panic that was given a last minute Mario make-over in translation). But Mario 3 is where the series seems to have really picked up. Mario 3 had all kinds of new crazy power-ups and items, and a near-perfect difficulty level. I fondly remembered it as being possibly the best in the series. But after replaying it, I realized that while the game is great and all on a single play-through, there are no secret levels and not much incentive to go through it again. Super Mario World changed all that, where the emphasis was placed not so much on beating the game, but on finding and conquering all the secret levels. Yoshi's Island took that to the next level where the game had tons of collecting and very steep requirements for unlocking bonus levels. It was a good idea, though quite frankly, I got a bit tired of having to replay every level near perfectly to garner a 100% for each stage (especially isnce the levels are so long and you need to beat them with full health). So, what NSMB did that I found especially interesting, was that it combined the game layout of Super Mario World- with overworld map and all kinds of hidden exits and bonus levels- and combined it with the scaled-down 2-button simplicity of the original Super Mario Bros.

Yes, NSMB seems designed as though Mario Bros 2, 3, and Yoshi's Island never existed. And this is in no way a bad thing. You still get all the exploration that made Super Mario World such an addictive pleasure to go back to, but combines it with the classic formula that anyone can pick up and play that made the original such a breakthrough. And while the mega-mushroom, blue turtle-shell, and triple-jump are more of a gimmicky novelty, the poison-mushroom and wall-jump are absolutely stellar additions to the Mario canon that really influence gameplay a lot. I can't tell you how many times I almost fell in a pit only to wall-jump out at the last possible second. Or using it to reach high-up places in an unconventional way. Coupled with the gliding aspect of the poison-mushroom and there even more ways to go about reaching your destination. The butt-stomp works pretty well too adding yet another dimension to brick breaking and environmental interaction.

The levels too are every bit as creative as ever with all new kinds of tilting and expanding platforms, or spikey balls breaking through bricks, or lava falling from the sky destorying everything in its path, or riding a giant centipede across an endless pit. The levels themselves are very short, but this is not a bad thing as you are strongly urged to replay levels again and again in order to find all the gold coins and hidden exits. If the levels were any longer, it would get repetitive and frustrating. But as is, it's well-paced and addictive. And contrary to my intitial opinion, I'm kind if glad there is no flying power-up this time around, because who wants to spend all their time exploring the empty skies because there's occasionally some random secret arbitralily placed up there? Keeping things flat allows for a more stream-lined approach where you can take your time to analyze every brick and cranny hunting for secrets.

I suppose it was nearly impossible not to expect too much from the first 2D Mario game in 14 years, so the intial sense of dissapointment was only natural. But I bet in a few years time when people look back at the 2D mario games, NSMB will be widely considered one of the best in the series. It has certianly aged well in 2 months, and like a fine wine, it only gets better.

[mattstockton12]

I don't think I like it that much. However, I do like it better than SMW. SMB3 is still my favorite though.

[Weedy649]

I love the NSMB and people who complain about it should just be glad that we finally got a new one(instead of just gba ports and a new 3d one every new console).

I must say however, that Sonic rush beats it when it comes to taking the old school formula and making it much better.

[jer7583]

I agree with this topic.. I've recently gone back to get all the coins and new levels (not quite there yet) and the game is even more fun on repeated play throughs.

And I hate how SMB2 US is not considered a "Real" Mario Game. Doki Doki Panic was created by the same team that made SMB, if I remember right, and the game even got a japanese release, as SMB2 US. It may as well be a mario game. It's like saying Mario Basketball 3 on 3 isn't a true mario game because it started as a square enix project with cactuars and mages. Just a small annoyance, don't mean to be a dick.

[keithp]

I agree with this topic.. I've recently gone back to get all the coins and new levels (not quite there yet) and the game is even more fun on repeated play throughs.

And I hate how SMB2 US is not considered a "Real" Mario Game. Doki Doki Panic was created by the same team that made SMB, if I remember right, and the game even got a japanese release, as SMB2 US. It may as well be a mario game. It's like saying Mario Basketball 3 on 3 isn't a true mario game because it started as a square enix project with cactuars and mages. Just a small annoyance, don't mean to be a dick.

No, I just say SMB2 isn't a real Mario game 'cos it sucked.

[Roufuss]

Super Princess Peach does everything NSMB did and a whole lot better... SPP had personality and that Mario feel, NSMB just feels like a generic platformer with Mario slapped on it.

Sadly, no one plays Super Princess Peach for some reason, it's an amazing game, it has tons more replay value as well.

[blandstalker]

Super Princess Peach does everything NSMB did and a whole lot better... SPP had personality and that Mario feel, NSMB just feels like a generic platformer with Mario slapped on it.

Sadly, no one plays Super Princess Peach for some reason, it's an amazing game, it has tons more replay value as well.

The reviews I read said it was too easy. Is there a lot of challenge in the replay, or is that just an off-base characterization?

[elwood731]

No, I just say SMB2 isn't a real Mario game 'cos it sucked.
I'm not sure why anyone would think this. It's far much more in the vein of each Mario game being innovative than the real SMB2 is (or Lost Levels). I don't recall anyone at the time hating SMB2. Must be one of those fashionable things to do now. I still love the game, and at times enjoy it more than a lot of the other Mario titles.

Maybe goes back to people hating Zelda 2, because, you know, we'd hate to see them try something new...

[secretvampire]

I'm not sure why anyone would think this. It's far much more in the vein of each Mario game being innovative than the real SMB2 is (or Lost Levels). I don't recall anyone at the time hating SMB2. Must be one of those fashionable things to do now. I still love the game, and at times enjoy it more than a lot of the other Mario titles.

Maybe goes back to people hating Zelda 2, because, you know, we'd hate to see them try something new...
Both of these QFT. I thought SMB2 and Zelda 2 were both fantastic titles, even when compared with their predecessors.

[Rei no Otaku]

Super Princess Peach does everything NSMB did and a whole lot better... SPP had personality and that Mario feel, NSMB just feels like a generic platformer with Mario slapped on it.

Sadly, no one plays Super Princess Peach for some reason, it's an amazing game, it has tons more replay value as well.
QFT.

I have to post that everytime Roufuss replies to a NSMB thread since it's such a ridiculously true statement that no one else seems to realize.

[furyk]

My only problem with Super Princess Peach is that it is pretty ridiculously easy. The only really challenging part of it the final fight with Bowser, and if you didn't go Toad hunting in the beginning of the game. I love SPP and hope they make a sequel, but it's a cakewalk when compared to NSMB which doesn't really become that challenging until the second half of world 8.

[Roufuss]

My only problem with Super Princess Peach is that it is pretty ridiculously easy. The only really challenging part of it the final fight with Bowser, and if you didn't go Toad hunting in the beginning of the game. I love SPP and hope they make a sequel, but it's a cakewalk when compared to NSMB which doesn't really become that challenging until the second half of world 8.

NSMB was pretty easy for me as well, though... all DS games are, it's a moot point.

SPP had better level design, actual mario enemies (not a giant eel or giant spiders), better bosses, a gimmick that actually worked nicely, and replayability after you beat the game that I won't spoil for people.

Like Rei said, it's a shame more people didn't jump all over this game, because I'd rate SPP pretty high up the Mario food chain, alot higher than I would NSMB.

[kaw]

NSMB was pretty easy for me as well, though... all DS games are, it's a moot point.


NQFT. Play Trauma Center much?

[Pancake Rabbit]

Yoshi's Island = 3 > SMW > 1 > NSMB > 2

[MusicNoteLess]

After completeing NSMB and collecting all coins...there's not much else to it. The only reason I put NSMB in my ds nowadays is to play Multiplayer with my friends. And as for SPP, I would like to play this game for a cheaper price tag than 34.99 just because I want a game worth my time. A game that's too easy to beat...I MIGHT pay 20 bucks at the very most.

[Rei no Otaku]

NQFT. Play Trauma Center much?
Trauma Center was not that hard. People make too much of a big deal out of that game's "difficulty." Once you learn the patterns of the GUILT strains, the game is not hard at all.

[furyk]

Even if you take Trauma Center out of the equation Lost Magic, Ouendan, Advanced Wars DS, and a number of other games for the DS can be listed as decently to incredibly challenging. Coupled with games that offer higher difficulty levels such as Tetris and Metroid Prime Pinball, the DS has a number of games that can be more challenging then you're potraying it as.

[Rei no Otaku]

I'm not arguing that. I've played challenging games on the DS (Advance Wars though? Lmao, I don't think so). Just wanted to comment on the Trauma Center thing. Sick of people bitching about how it's so challenging, when it isn't.

[SMMM]

Sick of people bitching about how it's so challenging, when it isn't.

Agreed. My guess is poor reflexes. You need to be pretty fast with some things.

[jer7583]

Super Princess Peach does everything NSMB did and a whole lot better... SPP had personality and that Mario feel, NSMB just feels like a generic platformer with Mario slapped on it.

Sadly, no one plays Super Princess Peach for some reason, it's an amazing game, it has tons more replay value as well.

Super Princess Peach was great. I've been a longtime Peach player in SSBM so it was an added bonus to see her in her own game. It was too easy though, and It just didnt' seem to control as smooth as NSMB. They're both great, but i'd take NSMB over SPP anyday. Just my opinion.

[Mr Durand Pierre]

Perhaps this is not the best place to post this, but if anyone would be willing to sell me Super Princess Peach for $25 shipped I'd take it. I've been curious about that game for a long time as well, but $35 is a bit steep for my blood.

[mattstockton12]

I'm not arguing that. I've played challenging games on the DS (Advance Wars though? Lmao, I don't think so). Just wanted to comment on the Trauma Center thing. Sick of people bitching about how it's so challenging, when it isn't.

That isn't really the point though. By saying all DS games are easy, you are grouping together the likes of SPP and Trauma Center, when those games have an undeniable difference in difficulty level, your uber 1337 gamer skills notwithstanding.

[Arkay Firestar]

I think when I pop in NSMB later I too will enjoy it even more than the first time through...but then again...I loved it the first time through anyways :)

[Rei no Otaku]

That isn't really the point though. By saying all DS games are easy, you are grouping together the likes of SPP and Trauma Center, when those games have an undeniable difference in difficulty level, your uber 1337 gamer skills notwithstanding.
*shrugs* Not my fault you suck.

[mattstockton12]

*shrugs* Not my fault you suck.

I suck because I think Trauma Center is more difficult than Super Princess Peach? Wow. You are quite deluded.

[KaneRobot]

Yoshi's Island = 3 > SMW > 1 > NSMB > 2

2 doesn't even belong in the equation there. It's apples and oranges, regardless of brand name attached.

SMB2 is a great game...it's just a totally different game than any other in the main SMB series.

[SilverPaw750]

Yoshi's Island = 3 > SMW > 1 > NSMB > 2
Bull. NSMB is better than SMB1 - much more creative, and fun overall. SMB1's level design starts getting stale by the third world. No variety, save the castles and occasional water level.

It goes:

SMW > SMB3 > NSMB > SMB1

2 isn't a real mario game, and I haven't played enough Yoshi's Island to factor it in. IMO, while SMB3 had all the crazy powerups and stuff, SMW really perfected the Mario mechanics. The control is perfect in that game, and the level design is amazing. But all four of them are great games.

[Demontooth]

I finished NSMB over the weekend. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I think one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much is because it wasn't so fucking hard that I wanted to stop playing it (Ninja Gaiden). You whiny titty babies who bitch and moan because it wasn't hard enough for you need to sit back and enjoy the game for what it is.

[mattstockton12]

I finished NSMB over the weekend. I enjoyed it thoroughly, and I think one of the reasons I enjoyed it so much is because it wasn't so fucking hard that I wanted to stop playing it (Ninja Gaiden). You whiny titty babies who bitch and moan because it wasn't hard enough for you need to sit back and enjoy the game for what it is.

I'm sorry, I just wanted to let you know that "whiny titty babies" is my new favorite insult.



Also, my opinion is that the Mario games go like this:

SMB3 > Mario 64 = Yoshi's Island > NSMB > SMW = SMB2 > SM: Sunshine = SMB > SML = SML2

You can't even budge me on SMB3, either. Also, note that I think all games in that list are freaking awesome, well, the Super Mario Lands are merely ok, but everything above those are freaking awesome :lol:

[Roufuss]

Super Princess Peach was great. I've been a longtime Peach player in SSBM so it was an added bonus to see her in her own game. It was too easy though, and It just didnt' seem to control as smooth as NSMB. They're both great, but i'd take NSMB over SPP anyday. Just my opinion.

Like some else posted, once you get all the coins, that's it.

At least SPP has extra levels to do once you beat the game, as well as going back for 100%. I just like the level design, the enemies used, the personality... NSMB just feels like a generic platformer, almost like a homebrew project.

Sure, SPP wasn't that difficult, but I can't think of a mainstream platformer that is. None of the SMB's are difficult, Sonic is pretty easy, I think you get my drift.

[furyk]

I must be the only person on this forum who thinks that Super Mario Brothers 3 isn't nearly as entertaining as NSMB. I'm not saying that SMB 3 isn't a great game, it's just that it hasn't aged nearly as well for me as other things have. Also Super Mario Land 2 might be the most underrated Mario Brothers game of all time and I feel ashamed that I forgot about it until mattstockton12 brought it up.

[mattstockton12]

I must be the only person on this forum who thinks that Super Mario Brothers 3 isn't nearly as entertaining as NSMB. I'm not saying that SMB 3 isn't a great game, it's just that it hasn't aged nearly as well for me as other things have. Also Super Mario Land 2 might be the most underrated Mario Brothers game of all time and I feel ashamed that I forgot about it until mattstockton12 brought it up.

Any game with Kuribo's shoe automatically wins in my book :bouncy:

[coltyhuxx]

Both of these QFT. I thought SMB2 and Zelda 2 were both fantastic titles, even when compared with their predecessors.

QFT a second time... amen brother.

[kurrptsenate]

besides the mini-games, and the mario vs luigi mode, i really dont care for the game. 1p mode is fantastic the first time through, but after 3 hours, i had no desire to play it again

I do think the mario vs. luigi mode is fantastic, but i can never coerce my brother into playing me after getting thrashed.

that being said, im contemplating selling the game off