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Introduction:
With the launch
of the Game Boy System, Nintendo needed to have a Super Mario
Platform title to ensure its success. So they turned to the
man behind the whole Game Boy System, Gunpei Yokoi; instead of
Shigeru Miyamoto, who created Mario and has made most of his
platform titles. So, how was the game? Well that is what this
review is for.
Gameplay:
You'll notice right
away that this is a different Super Mario Platformer. Levels
are different, some enemies are different, even the simple
gameplay mechanics seem a bit different.
But it still stays
true to the Super Mario Bros. formula, go across levels, get
around and defeat various enemies, some flying, some hopping,
some just walking toward you. Jump from various platforms,
some still, and abunch moving vertically and horizontally. You
get classic Mario items, Mushroom for a Bigger Mario, Star for
a brief period of invincibility, and the fire flower. Now is
one of the ways the gameplay mechanics are a bit different,
the fireballs you shoot will bounce, hit the ground and go up.
This is sort of weird at first, very different. But it is
quite a nice little addition, considering there are many
flying enemies, and you can bounce a fireball off the ground
and hit them. Mario's jump just seems a bit different also,
compared to other Super Mario Games. It's the gravity, he
jumps a bit higher, and comes down a bit slower. So if your
used to always playing Mario in the SMB series, and Super
Mario World, it will get a little bit to get used to his
jump.
There is also these fun ship levels, where Mario just
goes forced across a level, moving up and down, and shooting
forward. He has to shoot and avoid enemies, and shoot blocks
to continue on sometimes. This is a different approach to
Mario, but I love it. It breaks up the classic gameplay, and
gets you to play something a bit different for a level.
The
game is a different approach to the Mario Series, but its
still a very fun game. I love going across these levels, using
this different jumping mechanic, getting by these unique
enemies, its a fun time.
Gameplay
7.5/10
Graphics:
Well, they're not
amazing. But this was a launch title for the black and white
8-bit handheld Game Boy in '89.
All that considered,
they're ok. They do the job quite well actually. There is a
surprising variety of level environments, many different
enemies with a unique look. Mario is a small sprite on screen,
much smaller here than in Super Mario Land 2, but I like that
better. Its a small screen, and by making Mario smaller, the
levels can appear bigger. For the time this was released, they
did a great job.
Graphics
7/10
Sound:
Some fun music in here.
I really do enjoy the background music, and it does change a
bit depending on what level you're in. It made a lasting
impression on me, even though its simple, it goes perfect with
the game. The Soundfx are ok, some could be better I guess,
but they're alright.
Sound
6.5/10
Challenge:
The very first time
you play this game, it may give you a bit of a challenge.
Getting used to the different mechanics of jumping, and the
different enemies, does make it a bit harder. Also, after you
beat the game, you can replay and the game gets even more
challenging, its a perfect challenge.
Replayability:
One of the most
replayable Game Boy Games out there. You can replay this game
over and over for years. Turn it on and play for a few
minutes, or replay and replay for hours if you want. Since its
such a simple, fun sidescrolling game, you really can replay
it for years.
Replayability
8.5/10
Value:
Great value, its a must
have for any Game Boy Owner, and I'm including Game Boy Colour
and Game Boy Advance owners in this. I would suggest picking
it up if you don't have it for $10 or less. Of course you can
get it for much cheaper, but $10 is still a good amount for
this fun little title.
Overall:
Overall this is a
great little Super Mario Game, that should be tried by
everyone. It is different, but I think that's something that
makes it so fun and memorable, that it is a bit different, but
not too different.
Super Mario Land
7.5/10
Conclusion:
Super Mario Land is a
very fun Super Mario Game that anyone can pick up, start
playing, and have some fun.
It's a great game that I think
even GBC and GBA owners should get, its always fun to play
wherever, and it takes the place of an original handheld
platform Mario Game, which the GBC and GBA seem to be
missing.
Written by: Joey
Date
Written: June 1st, 2007 |
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