New Super Mario Bros.

New Super Mario Bros. reaches back to the 8 and 16 bit eras with a fun sidescrolling action game. Both Mario and Luigi star in this game through eight levels of fun. Graphics look like a 2D/3D hybrid of Super Mario World with beautiful backgrounds and player characters. The world maps are diverse but comprise the usual pattern of video game worlds desert, fire, ice, water, etc. Sound effects and music are also excellent and do not get dull.

The gameplay really reaches back to the older Mario years. The game is similar to Super Mario World except instead of a cape there are mini mushrooms which let you explore small areas, mega-mushrooms which let you stomp through the level, and a turtle shell which protects you from damage and lets you roll around. All of the powers are a lot of fun, especially the giant form.

Single player is a lot of fun and the competitive multiplayer is great. Players compete for stars on a looping level while using powerups to hurt their opponent. Both modes are great for travel and are a lot of fun for all ages.