This Is What Classic Gaming Was About.

One of the things I noticed is that there is recent resurgence of retro games coming out. Atari Classics, Namco Classics, Joust and Defender, Moon Patrol and Spy Hunter all were beset by a new generation, and gave those of the older generation tears of nostalgia. One of the things that bothered me was, "Where were the classics I grew up with? Being a Nintendo kid, the others were okay, but I wanted games I could relate to. I must admit this is a good start.

Heroes Reborn

To those that weren't around during the hey-day of gaming, you missed the beginning of great games, Castlevania, Contra, and yes Mario. The sequel to the game Mario Bros. brought about the evolution the videogame industry. How appropiate that it be kicked off on the GBC. Super Mario Bros stars this little Italian plumber...nah, you already know who Mario and little bro Luigi is. I'm pretty sure you know Princess Peach Toadstool, and Toad, and maybe even King Koopa.

Deluxe Game

To call Mario deluxe would be almost an understatement. Sure the original 1985 version would be cool enough. Nintendo however decided that it wasn't. So they added a special versus mode, using the classic engine, in which you each have to get to the end of the course first. Did I mention that these courses are original levels? Yep. So in addition to the original 32, you can add 8 more to those. There's also a very appropiately titled "Challenge Mode." In this mode, you have a quota of points to earn. In addition, there's 5 red coins to be had and a hidden Yoshi egg. Based off the original levels, each challenge level is opened up by completing that level in the Classic 1985 mode. Playing around in the toy box reveals more cool, but useless, stuff. There's a calendar to turn your GBC into a psuedo PDA. A fortune teller also fortells you future...what can happen to an extremely lucky person? Playing through the game reveals more things. 100's of banners for use on your GB Printer. Beating the game enables you to find Peach, who can alter to game's boot up screen.

An NES in my GameBoy!

Amazingly, Mario DX looks good on the GBC. Although on something like the N64, this would look laughably archaic, on the GBC it looks almost miraculous. Every little pixel has made onto the system's tiny screen. Although Big N had to use a scrolling system to fit it all on there, it's better than miniaturizing the game. Nintendo also added effects for the water and lava, not much mind you, but enough to make veterans really appreciate the quality of the GBC. On a similar note, the game replicates the NES sound while adding more effects. Even the music is pratically straight dump NES, but with a new bassline that accentuates the tunes. New effects, like Mario skidding, and Cheap-Cheaps flying out of the water, never disturbs, and is more than welcome.

Keep It Tight

No matter how great the game looks or sounds, it means nothing if the control isn't tight and responsive. Thank goodness, in this case, it is, just like the original. Mario responds to you every whim and command. Never will you say: "Darn it! I got killed because that plumber didn't jump right!" Although he can't change directions in mid air it still feels au natural.

Is It Worth It?

There's no doubt, that this is one of those must have games. Sort of like fine wine, it aged graciously with time. But one has to wonder? If Nintendo made it seem this easy to convert this to the GBC, what other miracles can Nintendo work? Super Mario 3, Super Mario World? This lays the founding work for more NES to GBC conversions. One more thing, for one the coolest secrets ever in the game, beat the top score, and register your name of the score screen. Select Luigi's icon and...