Super Mario Advance (GBA)
The first, and worst of the 4 Mario Advance titles, but it's far from a complete disaster. After all, Super Mario Bros 2 was neve
r one of the most loved Mario titles from the start. I mean, throwing vegetables? Where did that come from? (It actually came from Doki Doki panic, but that is another story).
Despite the fact that it never feels like a Mario game it is a decent game, but age has not been kind to it. It was OK at the GBA's launch nearly six years ago, but now feels a bit laboured and lacks the effortless feel behind Marios best (See below).
So worth a punt? If you want to have the complete collection of Mario Advance titles or want to see one of Marios strangest games, then yes. Otherwise, no.
2 out of 5
What price? The (too) high price of £15
Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (GBA)
Hey, this is more like it. After the oddity of Super Mario Advance this sees Mario's return to form. It's a little simple now, but still has the capacity to excite.
It sees the introduction of Yoshi, and has many different standout moments, especially the Ghost House levels and the hidden worlds (Star World and Special Zone), resulting in a lengthy, challenging and satisfying adventure.
So this is where you should enter the Advance series. Ignore the first one and dive into arguably Marios finest escapade.
4 out of 5
What price? Around £20
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshis Island (GBA)
Declared by Edge magazine as 'not really' a Mario game, it still has many of the characteristics of Marios adventures- Superlative level design, memorable characters and a huge varied world to explore.
This time you control Yoshi, who's 'flutter jump' is an interesting new skill to master after Marios more strightforward jump. The health system is also changed, as you have to protect Baby Mario (So it is a 'Mario; game in that sense!), although his whining when floating away is one of the only faults of the game. These new mechanics create an interesting new challenge but is still reminiscent of the truly great Mario platformers.
Overall, this game is near irresistible. A great art style gives this a more edgy modern style that Mario Advance 2 lacks, and just overall feels a fresher less imitated game. I therefore give it my first perfect score.
5 out of 5
What price? Around £15
Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
The final Advance title is another classic, and if you wanted more of the same after playing Mario Advance 2 then this will be right up your alley (ie- you'll like it).
Deep, complex gameplay is hidden behind simplistic, colourful graphics, and anyone decrying it as a kids game will soon be crushed by its suprising difficulty near the end. This is one of the most challenging Mario titles, but still offers you enough even if you never see the end.
A variety of suits for Mario mixes the gameplay up well, and overall this title completes the trio of the best 2D Mario platformers ever with Mario Advance 2 and 3.
4 out of 5
What price? £20
The first, and worst of the 4 Mario Advance titles, but it's far from a complete disaster. After all, Super Mario Bros 2 was neve
r one of the most loved Mario titles from the start. I mean, throwing vegetables? Where did that come from? (It actually came from Doki Doki panic, but that is another story).Despite the fact that it never feels like a Mario game it is a decent game, but age has not been kind to it. It was OK at the GBA's launch nearly six years ago, but now feels a bit laboured and lacks the effortless feel behind Marios best (See below).
So worth a punt? If you want to have the complete collection of Mario Advance titles or want to see one of Marios strangest games, then yes. Otherwise, no.
2 out of 5
What price? The (too) high price of £15
Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (GBA)
Hey, this is more like it. After the oddity of Super Mario Advance this sees Mario's return to form. It's a little simple now, but still has the capacity to excite.
It sees the introduction of Yoshi, and has many different standout moments, especially the Ghost House levels and the hidden worlds (Star World and Special Zone), resulting in a lengthy, challenging and satisfying adventure.
So this is where you should enter the Advance series. Ignore the first one and dive into arguably Marios finest escapade.
4 out of 5
What price? Around £20
Super Mario Advance 3: Yoshis Island (GBA)
Declared by Edge magazine as 'not really' a Mario game, it still has many of the characteristics of Marios adventures- Superlative level design, memorable characters and a huge varied world to explore.
This time you control Yoshi, who's 'flutter jump' is an interesting new skill to master after Marios more strightforward jump. The health system is also changed, as you have to protect Baby Mario (So it is a 'Mario; game in that sense!), although his whining when floating away is one of the only faults of the game. These new mechanics create an interesting new challenge but is still reminiscent of the truly great Mario platformers.
Overall, this game is near irresistible. A great art style gives this a more edgy modern style that Mario Advance 2 lacks, and just overall feels a fresher less imitated game. I therefore give it my first perfect score.
5 out of 5
What price? Around £15
Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
The final Advance title is another classic, and if you wanted more of the same after playing Mario Advance 2 then this will be right up your alley (ie- you'll like it).
Deep, complex gameplay is hidden behind simplistic, colourful graphics, and anyone decrying it as a kids game will soon be crushed by its suprising difficulty near the end. This is one of the most challenging Mario titles, but still offers you enough even if you never see the end.
A variety of suits for Mario mixes the gameplay up well, and overall this title completes the trio of the best 2D Mario platformers ever with Mario Advance 2 and 3.
4 out of 5
What price? £20
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