The best platforming game since Super Mario World.
User Rating: 9.6 | New Super Mario Bros. DS
Most of my favorite gaming memories revolve around the Mario universe. The first game I played on a Nintendo system was the original Super Mario Bros. and I've played almost every iteration that has come out. Without reservation, I can say that New. Super Mario Bros. ranks with the best platformers in the Mario series, including SMW and SMB3. Both SMB3 and SMW are such greats games not only because of the quality of the gameplay but also the replay value, and NSMB is just as good as previous games. I've already played through the game several times in order to get all the unlockables. The frenetic pace of each of the levels is balanced out by a moderate level of difficulty; challenging enough to the veteran gamer, but easy enough for new and younger player to pick up and play instantly. The plot is a throw away, but aren't all plots for platform games?
I always enjoy a great soundtrack and NSMB has a great one. I found myself replaying levels, not because of the enjoyable gameplay, but because of the great background tune (the calypso-like tune for several of the waterside levels).
This game is a must for anyone who owns a DS and is a great reason to purchase the system (although there are enough other games that give reason enough to buy a DS). I hope that a sequel to this game is in the pipeline; there will never be enough Mario platformers to satisfy me.
