Momma Mia!

Even though you've probably already played this Mario game on the Nintendo Entertainment System previously, aren't you at least little curious to wonder what the game is like now...especially, since the game is on handheld. It's a Mario game alright, and with enhanced graphics, animations, voices -- hell, even enemies, this Mario game has it all!

The story goes that one day, Mario dreams about an unbelievable world. In this strange new world, new enemies lurk, and a giant toad by the name of Wart is using a dream machine to make things unsafe for our hero. Unfortunately for him, that dream has now come true, and with the help of Luigi, Toad, and even Princess Toadstool, the gang will travel into a new adventure.

For the first time in a Mario game, the second one, you're able to play as the main cast of good guys. Each of your team has special abilities that can be used to your advantage. Whichever character you choose at the start screen, those powers are yours.

Princess has the ability to float the longest out of anyone. She'll lift her hells, squat down, and look like a regular Marry Poppins, she will. Luigi can jump the highest out of anyone. If you want a character that can go long distance far, and high, then he's your man. Toad...well, Toad is powerful. I don't know why Nintendo made it that this little guy was the strongest out of all the four characters, but he'll carry objects (like vegetables and enemies) like no other. And Mario has a rounded ability of all the three others. So if you want someone who's average in each area, you'll want the star of the game.

The gameplay is very easy. If you've never played a Mario game, you'll probably get right into it from the start. To jump, you'll press the A button. To jump higher, press down on the A button until your character glows. That way, you'll know that the seizure look is what makes them do that thing they do. The B button is for picking up enemies or vegetables and tossing them around. In the first game you had to jump on top of an enemies body to kill them. This time, it's all about skill in keeping in contact the long distance way.

Mario Advance hits the spot when you want perfect in sound or graphics. The life in this game is colorful. More so than in any previous of the series. The sound is also impressive, as Mario's voice, amongst many of the sounds heard in the game, is done quite perfectly.

If you're into the multiplayer business, then Nintendo with their improved thinking in the handheld area has for you the Link Cable for a Mario of a time in classic Mario Bros. mode. In this area, you can play with three friends bopping enemies...bopping friends...or just having fun exploring elsewhere in a weird little mini game.

I'm still disappointed that Nintendo made it difficult for game players to not be able to see their games bright and cheerful without having to tilt the screen around in the day time just to play the game. Think Nintendo, THINK!

Super Mario Bros. 2 on the NES was a great game, but this port just makes you want to forget that there ever was a NES. It's the same old Super Mario Bros. 2, with advancement in all areas. If you haven't played the original, or you're intrigued by buying this game for its new features, or even to use it on a trip somewhere, this is a MUST buy!