What you have in this package is essentially two gaming experiences: the single-player game of Super Bros 2, and a option in a remake of the original Mario Bros. The single-player game is much the same as it was when available on the SNES, with a few alterations from the original for the GBA, all of which amount to a slightly easier experience, as objects (such as hearts) are more readily available. The greater proliferation of the bizarre and well-animated bad guys makes for a less haphazard approach to progressing through levels, taking away some of the pace of other versions, but all in all the game is a highly addictive (or is that frustrating?) one – if not to the taste of all.

It is in the crazed multiplayer mode however, that the game really comes to life, and it is in this that the best of Super Mario Advance can be found; with up to four linked Game Boy’s supported. This makes for an incredibly fast and original brand of play; coupled with some nice and varied graphics. Bit useless if your mates don’t have one I suppose, though.

In conclusion, then, fans of Mario will enjoy this, albeit uninspired new edition for the GBA. It is not however, among the best available for the fledgling hand-held, nor is it as good as some of Mario’s previous outings. Fun, as ever, but by no means perfect.

75%

By Keri Webster