Super Mario Land (GB) (Super Mario Land (GB))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Super Mario Land (GB)
Date:	25/04/09 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay

Disadvantages: Audio

"Super Mario Land" is a video game released for the Gameboy console in 1990 by Nintendo. It is based on the then emerging Super Mario series and is the first release for the Gameboy. In the United States, the game received a rating of "E" by the ESRB panel which deemed it suitable for all ages.

The plot surrounding Mario is a typical fantasy where Super Mario is on a quest to eliminate the evil minions of King Bowser, and ultimately deal with Bowser himself, in aims of securing the release of a kidnapped Princess Toadstool. Super Mario Land changes the plot somewhat to replace King Bowser with an unnamed villain and Princess Toadstool to another character in "Daisy". The mechanics of the game are nonetheless identical to early Super Mario titles. The player will guide Mario through a platform adventure game in an average "point A to point B" game. Mario also has access to various powerups including the fire plant and growth mushrooms to further enhance his capabilities. He will also encounter enemies which can be eliminated with a simple jump on the head.

While the game was originally marketed as a monochrome Gameboy release, I have found it to be working on the later Gameboy Color console with the display showing a slightly greenish tinge. The graphics feature acceptable detailing for a more primitive release. A typical complaint shared about this game is the appearance of Super Mario is exceptionally small. It is difficult to follow the fast moving character even in "larger" mushroom mode. The audio is also of an early standard and features various screeching compositions in comparison to later standards, but when comparing it to other releases at the time sounded great. Musical scores are simple and repeated and effects are no more than simple "beeps" and "bops"

Overall, Super Mario Land is an excellent Mario release and set the stage for much of what was to follow. It is a quick game to complete and only offers 12 stages of play but is an enjoyable experience for the short duration it lasts.

Summary: Thumbs up