New Super Mario Bros

When I first played New Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo DS, it felt like a long-awaited return to classic 2D Mario platforming. For years, Mario had been primarily focused on 3D adventures like Super Mario 64 and Sunshine. Seeing him return to a side-scrolling format—with modern polish—was incredibly exciting. After completing the main campaign and revisiting several worlds to uncover secrets, I can confidently say this game successfully revived the 2D Mario formula for a new generation.

Right from World 1-1, the game feels instantly familiar. The side-scrolling structure, brick blocks, Goombas, pipes, and flagpoles all echo the spirit of the original Super Mario Bros. But this isn’t just nostalgia—it’s evolution. The physics feel tighter and more responsive than older entries, and Mario’s movement is smooth and precise. Wall jumps, ground pounds, and triple jumps—borrowed from 3D Mario titles—are seamlessly integrated into 2D gameplay.

One of the most memorable additions is the Mega Mushroom power-up. The first time I grabbed it and saw Mario grow to enormous size, smashing through pipes and enemies effortlessly, it felt both hilarious and empowering. It’s a temporary effect, but it adds spectacle and variety to the standard power-up formula. Classic power-ups like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower return, maintaining that traditional Mario balance.

Level design is where New Super Mario Bros. truly shines. Each world introduces new mechanics gradually, ensuring the game never feels repetitive. Desert levels feature shifting sand, ghost houses present puzzle-like layouts, and castle stages demand precision timing. Hidden exits and secret paths encourage exploration. I often replayed levels just to find alternate exits that unlock new routes on the world map.

The difficulty curve feels well-balanced. Early stages are accessible and welcoming, but later worlds introduce more challenging platforming sections. While the game isn’t brutally difficult, it demands attention and timing, especially in castle and airship levels. Boss battles, including encounters with Bowser and his son Bowser Jr., add variety to the pacing.

Visually, the game blends 3D character models with 2D level design. This hybrid approach gives the game a modern look while preserving classic structure. The environments are colorful and detailed, and animations are expressive. On the DS screen, everything feels clean and readable, which is essential for fast-paced platforming.

The soundtrack reinforces the upbeat tone. Classic Mario melodies are reimagined, and new themes add energy to each world. The music is catchy and fits perfectly with the playful aesthetic.

Multiplayer is another standout feature. The DS Download Play allows two players to compete in mini-games or race through selected stages using only one cartridge. This made quick competitive sessions with friends easy and fun. The mini-games themselves, many inspired by Super Mario 64 DS, add extra replay value.

If I had to mention a minor drawback, it would be that some players might wish for more innovation beyond the nostalgic structure. The game plays it relatively safe compared to more experimental Mario titles. However, that safety is also part of its strength—it focuses on refining what works.

Overall, playing New Super Mario Bros. felt like reconnecting with the roots of the franchise while enjoying modern improvements. It’s fast, polished, and full of charm. Even years later, it stands as one of the most important titles on the Nintendo DS—a successful revival of classic 2D Mario platforming that paved the way for future entries in the series.