Super Mario Advance 4

Developed by Nintendo for their Game Boy Advance console, Super Mario Advance 4 is a remake of the much popular Super Mario Bros. 3. The game has significant enhancements to the previous title.

Graphics 4/5

Retaining the original aspects of Mario 3, Mario Advance 4 offers power-ups like the Super Mushroom, Super Leaf, Starman and Fireflower and others like a Whistle, a Cloud, and a Hammer. Graphics are based on the Super Mario 3 All-Star original release. E-reader cards allow users to add certain features to the game including the ability to control power-ups and create their own videos, which goes beyond the PAL-based releases of previous versions.

Gameplay 5/5

Similar to Mario 3, the next instalment of Super Mario Bros for GBA has players control the titular character through the 8-kingdom adventure of the mushroom world, challenging the Koopalings and climaxing with an epic battle with the boss, Bowser. Through following maps and using different techniques like swimming, running and jumping, players have to beat objectives and save Princess Toadstool. The game has different levels such as an airship level and a dungeon level. Players cannot replay a level until they complete the game. The game uses 2D side-scrolling which is an inherent feature of the beloved Mario series. A player has to recover seven magical rods. The most notable addition to this series is the use of Nintendo e-readers which, when utilized with an e-card, add content to the game and unlocks 32 extra levels.

Controls 4/5

Direction – Moving players in corresponding directions.

Start – Pausing, resuming.

R – Run

B – Run

A – Jump

Gap-Dashing: Press R button and pass over single space.

Flying-Crouch: Start building your running meter by holding down B/R and when you hit the take-off speed press down to crouch, flying through small spaces.

Slope-Sliding: On a slope, press down and slide to take out any enemies in the way.

Tail-Attacking: Swing your racoon tail at enemy shells, fireballs, etc. by hitting B

Replay Value 4/5

The e-Reader functionality which unlocks extra abilities and levels definitely adds to the appeal of the game which tries to retain original aspects of Mario 3. These e-Readers also allow players to record themselves while playing, saving every level when ‘save’ is hit. It also stands out because Mario and Luigi now have voices, although this may be slightly unappealing to die-hard, original fans. Hitting enemies and transforming them into coins is also a welcome addition to the game.

In-Game Purchases

If you want to include any extra additions, you can do so through multiple e-cards. These unlock levels, special abilities, and other maneuvers. You’ll, however, need a GBP and a GBA to access these features initially.

Bottom Line

This great game evokes nostalgia from old fans and wins new ones.