Racketboy

There is a lot of excitement around the upcoming Super Mario Bros game (only known as the New Super Mario Bros.) for the Nintendo DS. Instead of continuing the fashion of 3D platformers such as Mario 64 and Mario Sunshine for the Gamecube, The New Super Mario Bros. goes back to its 2D roots. (see People Actually Want 2D)

However instead of charming sprites, 3D models and backgrounds are used. I’m told that polygons are easier to manage and do neat trick with than sprites, so I guess I won’t complain too much if Nintendo can deliver on this promising title.

Personally, I would have opted for cel-shading for the more cartoony look. The 3D models that we have seen so far look like a lower-quality Mario 64 on a 2D playing field. I think that if they had a style more like Paper Mario, it would look so much more attractive and old-school.

Either way, the title still seems to have the gameplay down to a science. It even offers little tricks and quirks that no previous 2D Mario game has offered. Even though I’m more of a Sonic man than a Mario fan, I’m still looking forward to how this one turns out. While my lack of Mario fanboy-ism may hold me back from purchasing this one, I hope it sets the stage for more 2D games (polygon-driven or not) on both handhelds and consoles.

See more coverage of New Super Mario Bros. at PressTheButtons

New Super Mario Bros. Media:
Video Clip
Screenshots
Update: New Scans From Magazines

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Nintendo, DS, Portable Gaming, Platformers