Super Mario Lands On The Game Boy (Super Mario Land (GB))

Member Name: scream4bruce

Product:	Super Mario Land (GB)
Date:	18/07/07 (159 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cool shooting sections, the level themes, nice music

Disadvantages: Slightly sensitive controls, short, easy

Out of the skies of Sarasaland suddenly there emerged Tatanga. This unknown space monster came to conquer this peaceful world, taking their people under his control and now, he wants to marry Princess Daisy. Yes, Mario has to save another Princess (but also Sarasaland) in what is the first Super Mario game for the Game Boy. To do so Mario must journey through the 4 kingdoms of Sarasaland.

A platform game similar to Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Land never did recreate the same level of control as in the NES game. Here he feels a tad sensitive; precision can be a problem as the sprites in the game are small - though this does gives the player (more than) a fair view of the obstacles which lie immediately ahead.

Controlling Mario is perhaps tricky to begin with but there are not too many demanding platform sections. What is neat about this game is that when Super Mario picks up the flower he is able to throw superballs which are not just fireballs for defeating enemies as they can also bounce as well as collect coins. Now, at the end of most of the levels there are two exits - I like how there is a quick bonus stage for those who attempt to get to the trickier one at the top.

As I pointed out, everything looks small but Mario's sprite is (just about) recognisable. All the enemy designs are neat as are the themes for some of the levels: the hieroglyphics on the walls mark an ancient Egyptian influence; bamboo shoots and hopping Pionpi (Jiang Shi alike for sure) show that of Chinese; and there are even Moai-like statues in this game. Fitting to some of the themes are their tunes - the music and sound effects here are well done. Listen out for the star theme, it's familiar (I can't place a name) but it's not the one found in other Super Mario games!

Super Mario Land also has (automatic scroll) shooting sections which could have been the basis for a separate game - they are fun to play and simple to get to grips with, a shame that there are only 2 of these levels. Super Mario Land is too short a game. Each of the 4 kingdoms consists of 3 levels and the game can be completed within half an hour. Replaying the game after completion sees the difficulty go up a notch - Super Mario Land should perhaps have provided difficulty settings.

Despite the lack of challenge Super Mario Land is a game which I still like to play now and then even if I have completed it numerous times. The similarities with the Super Mario Bros. games make it as accessible, but there are enough differences for it to be unique, making this a decent landing on the Game Boy for Super Mario.

Summary: Super Mario Land for Game Boy