Reviews  •  Latest Reviews  •  Top Games  •  Forums  •  Screenshots  •  Hot Deals! PS3  •  Wii  •  PC  •  PS2  •  PSP  •  Xbox  •  Xbox 360  •  GameCube
Super Mario Advance for Game Boy Advance Videos >>
Super Mario Advance for Game Boy Advance
View Screen Shots >>
Upload Screen Shots >>

Super Mario Advance for Game Boy Advance
16 reviews   3.44 of 5

Product Description

Featured Merchants
$12.99
More Prices >>
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

tenchu returns for a second outing, and in my opinion its a good one indeed.the first game was cool and it changed the way we played adventure games.the game it self was very violent, but it was fab that you could sneak up behind your enemy and make ribbons of his throat, and for some weird reason it felt good,the first thought that came to mind when i played this game first was ,you sneaky little son of a bitch, and i think it fit the description very well in those couple of words.the sequel is actually better and this time round you can pick from three different characters.each ninja has his or her own story to tell.and there are 29 levels in all to slice and dice your way through.its no easy task, cause the levels are tough and the battling system still needs some improvement.the grappling hook also needs some tuneing, but other than that the game is excillent
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

Super Mario Advance is a fun and addictive game, there's no denying it, but unfortunately, there isn't anything new here. What you get when you buy this game pak is this: An updated version of the old arcade game Mario Bros. and the FOURTH version of Super Mario Bros. 2. As some of you know, Super Mario Bros. 2 was originally a game called "Doki Doki Panic". It had nothing to do with Mario. Nintendo released "Super Mario Bros. 2" in Japan, which was nothing more than an updated version of the original Super Mario Bros. with an INSANE difficulty level. It didn't fare too well with gamers so from what I heard Nintendo used Doki Doki Panic, which was a very popular game in Japan, and got rid of the original characters, slapped Mario and Co. into it, and released it in America as "Super Mario Bros. 2". It then re-released it with updated graphics in Super Mario All-stars for the SNES.

Sound

Once again...the sound is the same as the Super Nintendo All-Stars version. The only difference is that the characters can now speak a few lines. For example, Mario will say "Just what I needed" or "Here I go", among other things. It guess somewhat annoying hearing the characters repeat the same thing over and over, but not by much. Although I must say, Toad's voice was so annoying I was reluctant to use him, but that's just a personal opinion.

Gameplay

Ok...the highlight of this game pak is Super Mario Bros. 2, so I'll focus on that game. Since this isn't really a Mario "game", it is unlike any other Super Mario Bros. game ever released. There are a total of seven worlds, and each world (except world 7 I think) has 3 levels. Basically what you do is a lot of jumping and dodging enemies...you toss veggies, blocks and other objects at them to kill them. You can play as one of four characters for every level: you can choose among Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad. Each character has its own special ability and are better on certain levels than any of the others: for example, Mario is the most balanced character, while Luigi can jump higher but is slower, Toad is faster than anybody else but can't jump too high and the Princess Peach can levitate for a long time when she jumps but she's the slowest of all the characters.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

I think there's a law somewhere in Washington that says that a Nintendo console cannot launch without a Mario game. OK, OK, so the original Gameboy launched with Tetris instead, but every other Nintendo console has launched with a Mario game of some sort. Well, enter Super Mario Advance, the Gameboy Advance's requisite Mario game. However, rather than take the time to create an all-new, original game, Nintendo decided it was better to port an older Mario title over to the 32-bit handheld. Which isn't really a problem (I loved Super Mario All-Stars on the Super NES); what bugs me is the game they chose to port. Mario Advance is essentially a port of Super Mario Bros. 2, which is regarded by many to be the weakest game in the series.

Now don't get me wrong; I thoroughly enjoyed Mario 2; I just don't think it's the venerable classic that the others (most notably Mario 1 and Mario 3) were. Personally I would've liked to see the original Mario Bros. ported over, or maybe even Mario 3, but somehow this port of Mario 2 comes across as flat.

That doesn't mean it doesn't try. In fact, Nintendo did a great deal to try and inject some personality into this title. The graphics have received a significant facelift (a la Super Mario All-Stars) in order to take full advantage of the GBA's hardware, and digitized voices have been added to try and bring Mario and company to life. Everything is rendered nicely and each world is a faithful recreation of its 8-bit counterpart. Problem is, with the screen being as small as it is and with the lack of back-lighting, the game can be kind of hard to see at times. Also, the digitized voices were definitely a nice idea, but they are annoying beyond belief. Trust me, after about fifteen minutes you'll be reaching for the volume control.

As for the game itself, it's almost an exact recreation of the 8-bit original. There are some minor changes (in terms of power-ups and the like) and generally, the GBA version of Mario 2 is a good deal easier than the original. This may not phase the younger and more novice among us, but those gamers looking for a good challenge on their GBA would be wasting their time with this title.

On the plus side, the game controls well, despite the minute size of the GBA's buttons. They're quick, responsive, and everything you'd expect from a Mario game.I don't like the idea of the Start button being on the left side under the D-pad, but that's a complaint about the GBA, not this game.

So yes, Super Mario Advance plays almost exactly like Super Mario Bros. 2; that's a good thing, right? Well, yes and no. If you loved Mario 2, this game will be a must-have for you. I enjoyed it, but I don't think Nintendo made the right decision by porting this game over. I tend to think Mario 2 is the weakest of the series as well, and this game is not about to change my mind. Of course, there's a nice link version of the arcade original Mario Bros, which adds a good deal of replay value, but all in all, this is a pretty pointless port of what many saw as a pretty pointless game. Note to Nintendo: port over Mario 3 or Mario World next time.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary

I can summarize this game in a few words: Redundant and a complete waste of time. Seriously, Nintendo is only out to make a quick buck here. Those of us who have played the original Super Mario Bros. 2 on the NES will feel cheated when we pop Super Mario Advance into our new Game Boy Advances.

Super Mario Advance(SMA) is basically Super Mario Bros. 2(SMB2), with a few very minor graphical upgrades, multiplayer, and improved sound. It basically adds up to a very disappointing game. At least its only $30, $15 less than all of the others.

It’s a shame, too. I really wanted to enjoy this game.

I remember playing SMB2 way back when it was released on the NES. It was a good game, much better than anything I’d ever played before. It’s still good, but the idea of Nintendo rehashing an old idea to sell a game is inexcusable. I hope they’re making an entirely new game, because I desparately want to play an entirely NEW Mario game.

The only things saving SMA are the sound and the link up mode. I wouldn’t recommend this game for anything other than that.

Overall, don’t buy it. It’s not worth your time or money.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.

Summary


Can you say "Blast from the past"? I hope so because that's just exactly what this game is. Never have I been overcome with such a feeling of nostalgia until I popped this game into the system and started rocking the giant enemies. The atmosphere is full of giant green platforms and the menus are filled with lots of digital voice-overs absent from the original game this takes after. Fortunately, all of the additions made to this GBA title are a serious plus and a definite compliment to the original.

The menus are easy to navigate and the save anywhere option is quite nice. The bright and fluffy colors and light-hearted catchy music add loads to the atmosphere entrapping you into the wonderfully silly, albeit cleverly intriguing, imagination of Miyamoto San. Easy to start, easy to save, and easy to navigate menus... what more could you want for a game?


Complementing a tried and true graphics engine and digitally remastered voice work is the classic tunes of the Mario levels of past. These songs will instantly pull you back into the 1980's and quickly remain in the deep recesses of your mind for all the days. You'll be walking down a hallway with your co-workers or your classmates and suddenly begin busting out in full force with Mario level tunes. Of course that will make you look like a complete buffoon, but that's just how catchy those damn tunes are.



Lasting Appeal:

Fortunately, since the game has been touched up in the difficulty department, people will have no trouble at all spending hours just beating the assortment of levels. Plus, the ability to play each area differently with another character is quite refreshing, as each level becomes a new challenge. For example, Toad can't make certain jumps without the assistance of a "step ladder" of sorts so you must be careful when entering certain areas. With all these additions and this "classic" style of gaming returning to the palm of your hand, you're going to be hard-pressed finding yourself hating this title even after hours of consistent play.

Lets also not forget about the 4-player Mario Bros. game included in this concoction. I'm sure all of you will take full advantage of the single cart performance of the GBA's link cable while smashing your friends heads in with a some blunt object. I know I will and that's why it's worth playing over and over again.

Bottom Line:

It's incredibly easy to get lost in the splendor of just about every Mario title, especially one with as much originality as any Mario title released. I'm sure this was the game that coined the phrase "veg-out" in the first place and it's a phrase that this game is definitely deserving of. You'll enjoy it every second you play it from it's frustratingly outlandish enemies to its upside-down log rides on the waterfalls.

Sound

Sound:

This is where the GBA truly improves upon this classic title. The characters now have digital voices for each of their actions when they get hit, pick up a vegetable or enemy, or strain to pick up a large enemy. Even some bosses have introductory voices showcasing the GBA's new sound system. Some sounds are even redone to include those used in Super Mario World. All in all, the sound effects package is truly amazing. Complementing a tried and true graphics engine and digitally remastered voice work is the classic tunes of the Mario levels of past. These songs will instantly pull you back into the 1980's and quickly remain in the deep recesses of your mind for all the days. You'll be walking down a hallway with your co-workers or your classmates and suddenly begin busting out in full force with Mario level tunes. Of course that will make you look like a complete buffoon, but that's just how catchy those damn tunes are.

I'd like to make one personal comment about the voices before I complete this section: You're either going to love them or hate them. Personally, I enjoyed them enough to continue listening to them constantly while playing through the levels, but others will find them so intolerable that tossing the game into a bottomless pit will not be enough to rear them from the deep recesses of your brain. Let this be your only cautionary tale when picking up the game and listening to its newfound sound library.

Gameplay

Gameplay:

I'm sure if I say the word 'classic' one more time, you will all raise your giant vegetables above your heads and rain down harsh, yet fresh, carnage upon my being, but for the sake of all you would-be gamers out there, that's just what it is, classic. I use that word as sparingly as I can, honest.

Seriously though, this game is a classic to all those who have played it before, but to those new to the whole Mario in 2D thing, you will never find another game where you can pick up a snake, throw it at another snake, then toss a giant vegetable at the third snake. That's right, giant vegetables. In addition to those vegetables are also giant bombs and acorns for stacking. Let's also not forget about the GIANT vegetables as well.

So, pick up a giant vegetable, toss it at an enemy; is that all there is to it? Hell no. As I said before, there are four characters in the game and each one has different attributes for the player to master. Mario is of course the most well balanced character. Luigi is a proverbial springboard wuss while Toad is a powerfully fast wussy jumper, but Lets also not forget about the floating Princess Toadstool. Each character’s attributes can greatly benefit in certain levels. For example, large vertical areas benefit best from Luigi's jumping ability and super gaps to be leaped over are definitely a job for Princess Toadstool. The list just goes on and on, but it's up to you to use each character to their fullest potential.

With an incredibly simple gameplay style and a simple story coupled with a much increased difficulty level, which grabs a bit from previous Zelda games, it's easy to see why Mario Advance is as great as it was to the older generation while remaining a great fresh new experience for the next generation.


Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
Would you like to Comment?
Join VideoGameReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.
User ReviewsSpecificationsCompare Price