An old-school classic that still lives up to its name.
This game defined the side-scrolling genre, as stated on the back of the box. It really is a good side-scroller, and it launched Nintendo to Success. You can play as Mario or Luigi (in 2 player mode) and go through 8 worlds as you try to defeat the evil King Koopa (Bowser as we now know him) and rescue Princess Toadstool.
You can get the same classic power-ups, the Super Mushroom, Fire-Flower, and Starman. Super Mushrooms make you big, givng you the ability to take an extra hit and crush blocks. Fire Flowers let you shoot fireballs at enemies, and he Starman lets you run them straight through by becoming invincible for a limited time.
The same catchy music is still here, from the Overworld to the underworld. It's still recognizable, after all, this is a direct port, and you'll find yourself humming them as you play.
There's multiplayer in the Game Pak, too. You can use Link Cables or Wireless Adapters to play with your friend. There are 3 ways to play:
* Share the same system. When you die, pass the GBA to your friend.
*Single Pak Multiplayer. Use Cables or Wi-Fi adapters to play with a friend. While you play, your game is transmitted to the other player's GBA so he sees what you're doing, and vice-versa.
*Multi-Pak Multiplayer-Same as Above, but both players have their own Pak.
If you've played the NES original, there's not much change here. You can play it on the go, or use a Game Boy Player with the GBA as a controller to make it like you're really playing it on an NES. This game is worth the money, and if you want the original that started it all, go for Classic NES Series: Super Mario Bros.