Review - New Super Mario Bros. 2
"I want something that's familiar, but feels new all at the same time."
Those words were said by Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime when they first unveiled New Super Mario Bros. 2 during E3 2012. It certainly looked familiar; it had Mario, raccoon tails, and a whole mess of coins. And it looked new, teasing new items and worlds to make it look fresh. But it doesn't feel fresh. In fact, New Super Mario Bros. 2 is too familiar.
New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a direct sequel to the Nintendo DS New Super Mario Bros. I don't feel I need to explain how Mario works. You get power-ups, coins, and run and jump to get to the flagpole at the end of the level. Sometimes you fight bosses.
The "new" feel in this game comes from a few new power-ups. For one, the Raccoon Leaf returns, giving Mario (or Luigi) his patented tail swipe and brief flight abilities. Some coin boxes turn into wearable ones, turning Mario's head into a golden boxhead. Moving quickly and running around nets more coins, although no matter how much you move, you'll always get 100. A new Golden Fire Flower has golden fireballs that turn all blocks into coins and enemies defeated into more coins. Sometimes, you'll find golden rings that temporarily turn all enemies into gold, netting more coins for defeating them and leaving trails of cash behind them.
That's sadly it for the "new". There is a huge emphasis on collecting coins, beginning with the game taunting you to collect one million coins (for the record, it absolutely is not worth getting one million). A running tally is kept throughout all of your play, and each stage has a coin-collected total high score. You will get hundreds of coins in each stage. It's practically ridiculous how many coins there are. By the end of the first world, I had accumulated 63 lives.
This practically ruins Mario. Coins are so plentiful, it trivializes a majority of Mario staples. There are so many coins it isn't worth the effort going for every one. You'll have so many lives that you'll lose any desire to grab them. Finding the once-precious hidden 1-up mushrooms in invisible blocks has become redundant. There were so many times that I willingly let a 1-up fall into a pit or lava, because I didn't want to waste my time with it. It's all about coins, and it's not a good enough motivator for anything. Getting the three Star Coins on each level is a better challenge, as they can once again be used to unlock power-up giving Toad Houses, and a few of the coins are hidden away in somewhat difficult to reach areas.
But really, the entire time playing the game, I could not shake the feeling of "I've done this before." Even the progression of the worlds is identical to previous New Mario games. You'll start at a standard world, then it's the desert world, then water, then ice, then sky, then lava. Two optional hidden worlds can be obtained by hidden warp cannons, and even those don't quite feel "special" enough.
Even the presentation is the same. The music is but a slight variation of the last game's theme, only with the addition of a rather annoying synthesized vocal going along with the melody. The graphics are 3DS worthy, but hardly worth mentioning. Turning up the 3D effect has background elements going further away and becoming out of focus. It seems neat, but the blur is almost distracting and eye-straining. This may be one of the few games that looks way better with the 3D effect turned completely off.
A two player co-op mode is included, although through local wireless only. It allows two players to go through the whole game with Mario and Luigi, but it isn't quite enough to add much fun factor. The coin rush modes are more intriguing. You're given a limited amount of time to get as many coins as possible on a stage, while collecting other items to add more to your timer. These high scores can be shared through StreetPass or manual code. Some of the levels are great for this, others a little too straight forward to be challenging.
I can honestly say that New Super Mario Bros. 2 is the least fun I've ever had playing a Mario game. That isn't to say the game isn't fun, because it's still a Mario game. The controls are great and the platforming is solid. There's still something whimsical travelling through the Mushroom Kingdom and taking out goombas. But it's all so uninspired.
It is not a bad purchase. There's enough here to keep you going on your 3DS for a while. You'll enjoy it, and it will be fun. But personally, for what may be the first time for me in Mario history, the magic is gone.
Good
(7s are very fun that has solid appeal. It has obvious issues that stick out, but can still be enjoyable by anyone.)
 |
Jared Knabenbauer is the ScrewAttack.com Reviews Editor, Hard News host, and a host of our weekly video podcast, "SideScrollers". He has also produced several notable ScrewAttack shows, including Newsroom, Nametags and Control Issues. He specializes in RPGs, and has a great fondness for Dungeons & Dragons. A comedian at heart, he is one serious gamer. |
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Brainsrust
For one, I think putting the word "New" in the title for these Mario games is a little bit rubbish considering that it won't be new in 10 years or so. I understand that they want to go back to their 2D roots but that doesn't mean that they have to be extremely similar to the old Mario games. The overworld could be better as well. That's what I loved about SMB3 and SMW. They were very atmospheric and it didn't feel linear to navigate through them unlike the NSMB games. There's oodles of new things that could of been added to make them feel more like a brand new experience like more playable characters, more items ( Seriously, SMB3 had like twice as many items.), more challenging levels, secrets that are actually secrets instead of just cruddy bonus rooms hidden in pipes that can be found going through walls, graphics that are similar to Yoshi's Island (I f**kin love cutesy looking graphics!!!) and for heaven sakes. BRING BACK WART!!!!!! He was an awesome villian.
CrazyDuck
If you are looking for some fun platforming on your 3DS, this is a good buy. I however do agree that since we already had new super mario bros and then new super mario bros wii which was so similar but with troll mode 4 player co-op I was hoping for a little more variety and "change" in this one. Was not there but it was still fun.
t_r_a_p
haters gone hate
Smoofy
I got the same impression playing NSMBW. That is, if you have no friends like me and you're playing single player, when 3 other persons are not there being a nuisance (let's face it you have to help eachother for it to be co-op) you quickly realise the redundancy.
LegendaryChozo
Yeah, NSMB 2 didn't really appeal to me that much, mostly because it felt uninspired and it did nothing new or original as a sequel. It's pretty much like taking the first game on the DS and slapping a coin gimmick on it.
joeshadowman
Oh... Its kind of disappointing to see the reviews for this game.
Nitroklop
If Nintendo really wants to start fresh with a new Mario formula to bring some fresh gameplay, I think they should make a New Doki Doki Panic style game, where you would play as a selection of Mario characters, and have the ability to throw objects, and do everything you could in Mario 2. Add some new gameplay elements, and we finally have a FRESH feeling new Mario sidescroller.
Make it happen Nintendo!
IzzY
Super Mario Bros. 2 - 2? I like it!
Ronin Colorist
hmm, its a shame that this game didn't impress but I dont thing people have to start freaking out that this is the begining of the end for Mario, the New Mario games for handheld and console are ment to be fun casual party type or easy to play on the go type games, the lack of challange is sad but you know the next serious mario game will do better, now if we get a mario gallexy 3......then I think its time to start worrying but for now, just enjoy the games and let nintendo know the lack of challange is sorely missed.
Alriik
He's not hating on the gameplay or at all guys. He's saying it's a good game. It deserves it's 7. It's a solid platformer. But remember when Mario... Y'know, was different for every game? Mario 3 on, it was always shifting, changing. Different power ups, different world progression, different worlds in general. After Mario 3 came Super Mario World, a game that introduced a completely different realm, a different design, new additions like Yoshi and worlds off the map, unless you could find them. Yoshi's Island was more linear, but changed the gameplay completely. After that was Mario 64, completely changing the world of platformers. Then Sunshine, then Galaxy, then New... Now it's Mario Galaxy 2, New Super Mario Bros Wii, then 2, now U. Mario's losing his touch. That's where the other 3 points went. To the failing sense of originality.
Ferret75
Nicely worded.
Ivan2294
The reason why it's a buy it is because it's fun and worth playing.
Rupture
Im confused, I read the article (agree with it).... and yet its a 7/10 with buy it? Whiskey Tango Foxtrot? For what I read it should had been below the 6's with a rent on it or even under the 5 area not a 7, its not "good" its mediocre and a obvious repackage and a cash in from miyamoto inc. Really, just label it Madde- er Mario 2012?
The_Silent_Protagonist
I got this game and I like it, but I feel that if they had switched Mario for Wario and make the gameplay Warioland 1, it would have been something special.
JxL
Sounds like an entry level Mario game. A lot of games are getting dumbed down these days Mega Man 10 for instance...they are wanting to get their hooks in those 4-6 year olds and get em "indoctrinated" early.
Chaos_f-15
Kinda expected this. Off topic, when is The Last Story review coming?
ShadowThePika96
I am absolutely sick of the New Super Mario Bros. games. I really enjoyed the first one; it felt new but familiar. NSMB Wii added some things, but by then i started to feel that was enough. Now we have 2 new ones coming out, and it's just excessive. this game is a metaphor for the NSMB franchise; all about being greedy and collecting as much money as possible for nintendo. I want NSMB to die, so we can play something else for a change. I wasn't planning on picking this up and i CERTAINLY am not getting NSMB U. Stop buying these games, and they will stop making them
TwistoFate
I'm honestly looking forward to NSMB U, it looks a lot better than this NSMB. Also good sir, you are no longer a gamer.
Brent Dennison
Of course he's still a gamer. Just because you might have a negative opinion of something game related, doesn't banish you of gamer status.
TwistoFate
Very true, forgive me for sounding serious; I was joking ^_^;
ShadowThePika96
We don't take kindly to jokes here... HAND IN YOUR GAMER CARD! And i dont really care if we disagree, i don't take offense. Whether or not NSMB U is better (by logic, it should be technically superior in every way), it isn't going to have the same charm and appeal as the previous marios. it feels too the same
TwistoFate
If it ain't broke, don't fix it :)
TwistoFate
If it ain't broke, don't fix it :)
ZigTheHunter
No longer a gamer just cause he doesn't like the new Mario formula? That seems harsh and really quick to take a label that's already asinine in the first place. I feel pretty much the same way as him. Am I no longer a "gamer" too, even though I play a large variety of games and hold them above all other forms of entertainment? You sir, are close-minded.
TwistoFate
Lol did you think I was serious? Sorry if I sounded serious, I was trying to do the joke Craig did in top10 SHMUPs. I wasn't referencing the Mario formula btw, bu the fact he asked people to stop buying Mario games.
ZigTheHunter
oh, ok.
MGS_Master
Ι on the other hand LOVE these games and can't get enough of them. You know how they add a few new things every time to keep it fresh? Even without those and just new levels I could still buy these games. Just like people buy call of duty and play the hell out of it every year I am the same with NSMB. Why the hell did people get bored of this franchise so quickly? There were only THREE damn games so far. Why should CoD keep selling but not this? You wanna play something new? Nintendo's got you covered. 3D Land. They always make new stuff.
ShadowThePika96
Meh... SM 3d land feels too similar and soulless as well, like NSMB. but atleast it has new gameplay. And I am no more in support of CoD making the same game over and over than i am Mario, but there's a difference; it's Activision. Activision's entire business model is making money in the cheapest way possible (peripherals, similar sequels, dlc). Nintendo always felt like a company that wouldn't do this to their fans and ruin their good name with uninspired mediocrity. and for god's sake, it's MARIO. THE MASCOT OF NINTENDO, and they are just whoring him out with the same gameplay engine over and over, just with new (and old) powers. Maybe if mario fucking tried to have a story, we would have a motivation to play.
ZigTheHunter
I'm sure a lot of people would have a bitch fit if Nintendo dare give Mario an actual story, I would love it however, its one of the major reasons why Thousand year door is my favorite Mario games and why I am not a huge fan of the Mario series overall.
OrangeGuy
Nintendo are lazy A-holes. After I finished 100%in'g and fully satisfied with Super Mario Galaxy 2 I said "It is about time this franchise takes a break now" then they bring out 3D land which is not to shabby but I prefer a new Fzero, or actual starfox sequal right about now.... Then they made NSMB2 a lazy designed game with adding a score attack mode with no leaderboards or tournament play so that game is complete crap also can nintendo please give mario a better motivation for his new adventures rather than saveing that stupid pink princess who prefers oral interaction with bowser.
Sorry to the Mods, members and admins who find my comment a lil rude. But us the audience/fans/customers deserve more sequals from other nintendo franchises, not mario and its repetitive dumb story.
I'm slightly interested in NSMB.U only just for a rental multiplayer to see who can outsmart the Wii U controler, kind of like the left4dead2 AI director.
This is why I prefer the newer sonic games now, sega now has learnt what their many fanbases want and even if they made a not well liked game (sonic unleashed) At least their games have something new constantly to each game and not repeating the same gimmick all the time except for speed.
I'm only buying the nintendo U only for the third party support especialy Batman arkham city port and rayman legends.
Nintendo doesn't give a crap about their fans.
This is why I search for hidden gems on different systems.
Nintendo sort your F*cking games out, I'm not buying a Wii U to play nintendo games its only for the third party games.
Sorry if this comment may sound ignorant to you, but alot of game companies need a good kick up the butt.
Btw if your looking for a new good nintendo game try, Dillon's Rolling Western for the 3DS. Its underated but pretty damn good also its cheap for $9 and £9.