Dr. Mario (GBA) (Dr. Mario (GBA))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Dr. Mario (GBA)
Date:	07/05/09 (19 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Accurate to original NES release

Disadvantages: Audio

"Dr. Mario" is a video game released for the Gameboy Advance console in 2005 by Nintendo. It is a part of the "Classic NES Series" which ported earlier Nintendo releases to a more modern platform. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

Dr. Mario was a puzzle game which originally saw success on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990. It capitalized on the emerging popularity of Tetris by adding a new spin on its gameplay. Each stage is shaped like a medicine bottle and contains a set amount of virus bugs within it. Dr. Mario, or Super Mario in a white pharmaceutical robe, will throw capsules which are divided into two coloured blocks. The player must match the same colours together with three identical and connected blocks being removed from play. To successfully progress in the game, the player must connect the same coloured capsules to the identical virus bug and remove all from the bottle which effectively "finds a cure" for whatever Dr. Mario was attempting to solve. The game was originally designated as a single player game but is equally enjoyable as a multiplayer venture. The cartridge is capable of using the optional Gameboy Wireless Adapter instead of the traditional game link cable, but is also functional when linked through the cable.

The graphics are presented from a top down perspective which centres the medicine bottle. In being an early release the graphical technology is low but is visually pleasing. The game is dark, featuring numerous black and purple tones, which can ease the eyes for periods of more tense gameplay as the title progresses. This also allows for clear identification of the capsule colours as they are red, yellow and light blue. The soundtrack is also quite primitive and features one musical score looping throughout play.

Overall, I would recommend Dr. Mario to prospective buyers. It is a good puzzle title and, in building on the Tetris phenomenon, allows for a longer gameplay experience. It is still a title I enjoy on a regular basis and find the portability to be beneficial to my play.

Summary: Thumbs up