While this new iteration of the classic side-scrolling Mario platformer has been updated, it certainly does not abandon what made it great originally. The levels are rather familiar, which is a good thing - grass lands, water stages, castles, ice worlds, desserts, forests, and the fire and brimstone of Bowser's world. The levels are beautifully detailed and really showcase the capabilities for the DS. It practically looks like what a side-scroller would be if it were made for the Nintendo 64 - needless to say, these handheld systems really have come a long way from the days of the 8-bit monochrome Gameboy.

     This game harkens back to the days of the original Super Mario Bros. (1985) for the NES. It has a lot of the same controls, which are impeccable, and some of the same powerups - like fire power for instance. However, there are also many new innovations like the Tiny Mushroom that transforms Mario into an itty-bitty version of himself and can run across water and go into equally small pipes. The coolest power up is the Mega Mushroom which transforms Mario into a giant, encompassing almost half of the entire screen, and he can mash anything in his path until the power wears off, but it is a thrilling few moments while it does last. It is definitely one of most refreshing innovations in recent years - indeed, a welcome one.

     Of course, with all DS games, there is the use of the dual screens, and in New Super Mario Bros., the bottom touch-screen is not heavily implemented, but is functional enough. It is primarily used for selecting worlds, and it shows a basic map while playing in any given level, and you are also able to store a backup powerup down there, and when necessary, give it a tap and use that stored power. It comes in rather handy, and the bottom screen isn't over-used by any stretch - the focus of the action is the top screen.

     A quick word about the bottom-screen once again: there are also a number of mini-games packaged within the cartridge that are fun little diversions that are very stylus friendly! They are definitely worth checking out as well.

     The challenge level in this game is similar to any other Mario game, where it gradually builds as the game progresses, but never becomes insurmountable. I will say that Level 8 is fairly challenging though, and while the concensus seems that the Wii iteration of New Super Mario Bros. is very hard, I have found it to be quite the contrary - the DS game poses more of a challenge.

     What I wasn't too fond of was that two of the games eight worlds are only attainable through secret paths in each of their respective preceding levels. Level 4 is only reachable through a secret in Level 3, and Level 7 is found by way of a secret in Level 6. This is the first time, in my recollection, that two of any Mario games worlds are so secretive. Through my first playthrough of the game, I never knew of the secret paths and ended up playing a game that was only six worlds long - still a lengthy adventure - but I was missing out on some signficiant Mario time without Levels 4 and 7. Fortunately, I was able to find out the way to get those levels, and they were great, but that shouldn't have been done in the first place. I felt it was an odd choice, though, I suppose it provides incentive for further playthroughs - which it clearly did. In any case, the game has tremendous replayability anyway because it is such a fine example of great Mario gaming.

     In the end, New Super Mario Bros. is one of the best games for the Nintendo DS. It has essentially all of the winning elements of a classic Mario game, and indeed deserves a place among the immensely popular and successful franchise. It brings many new things to the table, and also serves up many classic concepts as well. What I like is that this game marked the triumphant return of the side-scrolling Mario platformer to the 21st century, and set the stage with its new 2D/3Dish format that recalls and embraces the past while confidently beckoning the future. This is a game to be played and played again.

-Kurt L.

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