Classic Mario Fun

I bought this game for my Game Boy Advance, because I've long been a fan of Mario Games and had recently upgraded from the Game Boy Color.

This game (I believe) was originally out for the SNES system years ago. When I first started playing, it seemed very familiar (but with better graphics). I finally realized it was indeed a "recycled" game when one of the hint boxes popped up, telling me to hit the "R" key to spin. (The R key was on the SNES system control pad).

Outside of this, it's really a fun game. Classic Mario fun with all the characters and features you love. Mario begins the game as "small," requiring a red mushroom to increase his size (and therefor his ability to jump higher). You can find mushrooms by hitting the "?" boxes. Some ? contain coins, others mushrooms or bonus items. Once Mario is larger, you can find other power-ups, such as fireballs (you can shoot these as enemies), or a feather (if you take a running start, you can temporarily float/fly in the air). Sometimes you'll find a Yoshi dinosaur and you can climb on his back. Yoshi will "eat" enemies with his long tonque--very cute.

The game is more of a 2D platform, meaning that you work your way to the right of the screen. You're able to go up or down in certain areas, but there's no 3D elements like some of the newer game systems. You work your way through the map, conquering each level. At the end of the level is the castle, where you must defeat an enemy.

A cute bonus is that this game also contains the original Super Mario Brothers on the cartridge. This is the simple game with pipes and levels, requiring you to stun and kick several of the various critters before you can advance to the next level. It's a nice addition, but the levels don't change very much, so you tire of it quickly. Don't buy it because of this bonus.

Overall, it's a good game. I will have hours of fun playing it, but I'm glad I bought it used.I think I would have been a little disappointed to pay full price, only to learn it's a recycled game.