Super Mario Bros. Deluxe

"This NES classic is the best game on Gameboy Color"

A few years ago, I decided to pick up this game. I hadn't played it in ages, but I wanted to try it again , since I liked the Mario games. I didn't expect it to be amazing, but I must say that it was. You get the 1985 classic, Super Mario Bros. and a lot of bonus stuff.

Graphics - 8/10
The graphics were good for the time, but not so good for a Game Boy Color game. Everything looks the same as it did in the NES version, which is great for nostalgia. The character sprites are back, and you can even play as Luigi in the single player game. The levels are also back, and they look the same. This is nearly a perfect port of the NES version. The only thing different is the fact that the GBC screen is small, and the game had to be fitted into it.

Sound and Music - 10/10
Do do do do-do do! The music is still rules, and all the classic jingles are here. I really enjoy the music. It's catchy and it has a nice beat. The castle music is gloomy, while the outdoor music is upbeat. It's very well done. The sounds are good, too. There's not a lot of them, but they get the job done well.

Story - 5/10
The classic story, that's been repeated many times, began in this game. As Mario, you must save Princess Toadstool from the evil Koopa King, Bowser. You travel through levels and save the Princess's attendants, until you beat the game. Not a great story, but it's good for the time.

Control - 9/10
This game has easy and simple to learn controls. You press "A" to jump, "B" to run fast, and you use the control pad to move. It's that easy. Mario moves well, and he is easy to handle. There are also levels that require swimming. To swim up, you press "A" repeatedly. You can also change the camera's view by pressing Select.

Gameplay - 10/10
This is an outstanding game with brilliant levels, creative enemies, and just plain great gameplay. The levels filled with enemies. Most enemies require you to jump on them to be defeated. Others need a different strategy to defeat them. You can even use a cloud, that a certain enemy uses, and fly around with it. The main boss is Bowser. You face him at the end of the 4th level of each world.

In this game you must avoid taking damage, or you will lose a life. You can pick up a Super Mushroom or Fire Flower, and allow yourself to take more damage. Instead of dying, you lose a form (If you are Super Mario, you will turn back to Mario). The Fire Flower is a unique item that allows Mario to throw fireballs. It's effective and essential for defeating certain enemies. It can even defeat Bowser. You also can pick up coins. 100 coins gives you an extra life.

The levels are challenging, creative, and fun. You basically run and jump your way through levels, until you reach the flag. If you grab the flag near the top, you get lots of points. You also gain points by finishing the level quickly, breaking bricks, and defeating enemies. The levels have obstacle and jumping puzzles. Nintendo keeps the gameplay fresh by adding swimming levels and levels where you must rush to avoid enemies.

Replay Value - 10/10
Nintendo threw in tons of extras. After you beat the game once, you can try the Star levels, which are more difficult. You can go to challenge mode, where you can select a level and collect the red coins, find Yoshi eggs, and set high scores. There's also a Vs. Mode for 2 players. One person can do Vs. Mode alone by taking the Boo Challenge. Boo acts as your ghost and mimics your times on the levels. You can compete against Boo to set new records. Nintendo also added the elusive Lost Levels (the Japanese version of Super Mario Bros. 2). There's a scrapbook that shows all the awards you earned, too.

Overall - 10/10
This is better that all the other GBC games. Get it, and have a great time.

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 07/28/04