New Super Mario Bros.

 Review

Common Sense Media says

New Super Mario will woo old and new fans.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

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Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

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Parents say

Kids say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the main game doesn't take advantage of the Nintendo DS's touch screen or its microphone, but the 18 Mini games do. Several of the levels are challenging, so parents might want to encourage their kids to carefully plan how to get through all the obstacles. Parents should also note that Mario's modus operandi is to stomp on most enemies, but sometimes he must use other tricks, including throwing fireballs.


What's it about?

Mario, the world-famous Italian plumber who put Nintendo on the video gaming map, is back in mega-sized glory with NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. for the Nintendo DS. There are three main play areas: the single-player game, Mini games (single or up to four players) and a two-person wireless Mario vs. Luigi hunt-for-stars race. In the single-player games, as in previous versions, Princess Peach, the ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, has been kidnapped, and it's up to Mario to rescue her. Players run through grassy terrains, over tropical islands, inside volcanoes, on top of mountains, and much more, defeating a host of familiar bad guys, including Spinies, Koopas, Goombas, Hammer Brothers, Bowser Jr., and Bowser along the way.


Is it any good?

 

This newest version pays homage to its roots but extends the license in new, exciting ways. Our kid testers, both seasoned players and those new to the license, loved it. The game offers a variety of modes, a range of environments, and plenty of secrets to unlock.

Teen testers enjoyed the retro feel of the game and reveled in the unique play elements. New to this handheld version is a Mega Mushroom that makes Mario grow so big that he barely fits on the screen, and a Mini Mushroom that makes Mario so tiny and light that he can fit through pipes, walk on water, and do floating jumps. Players also liked exploring Mario's ability to jump off walls and his super bounce, which allows him to pound the ground from above to attack baddies or break through objects.


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What families can talk about

Families can talk about the lasting appeal of Mario. What makes him so likable? Why would Nintendo remake this game for a new system? Is it just to introduce a fun game to a new generation, or can you think of other reasons?


This review was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
Teen, 14 years old
April 10, 2011
 
basically i think this game a little hard for young kids i recomend that the parents play together theres nothing graaphic on this game the violence is like a normal mario game sexuality is impliced like mario is on love for peach thats why he is doing everything but again is not a graphic issue so i recommend for kids and parents

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Kid, 13 years old
December 9, 2010
 
Mario, deploy the huge mushrooms!
This game is awesome! The graphics are great, there are many mini-games, and it is addictive as trying to rescue helpless princesses! I traded it with a cousin once, and I regretted it. I bought it again, and I couldn't be happier. Another all around good Mario game!

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Kid, 11 years old
August 8, 2010
 
well it was cool i gess

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Parent of 8 year old
December 23, 2010
 

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Kid, 10 years old
August 8, 2010
 

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Kid, 13 years old
January 9, 2011
 
Good game and easy to play! :D
I really loved this game! :D It's probably one of my favorite DS games ever! It's very easy to play yet challenging, and it's not too long nor too short. The minigames were also simple and fun, as well as addictive. The only thing i didn't like was multiplayer mode. You can't play real levels but the first one with one other person, and all you do is go against each other. It's nothing special like the Wii version. I would recommend this version if you would like to play by yourself and you're on the go often. :) I hope this review helped! :D Overall this is a really good game! :D

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Kid, 11 years old
December 31, 2010
 
So fun!
It's a great game and E is a good rating. Although it has some violent stuff, none of it is severe. It gets harder as you get farther into the game, but easy to find out what's going on.

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Kid, 12 years old
August 19, 2010
 
good for all ages
the game is extremely easy and gets boring after a while. otherwise, its a great games

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Parent of 5 year old
April 28, 2011
 
Love it!
I love it. I haven't played all of the worlds yet, but have watched my dad play them. My favorite character is Luigi. I like what Mario says when I start and end a game..."Itsame, Mario!" and "Bye, bye!".

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Kid, 11 years old
February 25, 2011
 
Good for 7+
Princess Peach gives you a short kiss at the end of the game. Cartoon violence.

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This review was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
Platforms:Nintendo DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Action/Adventure
Developer:Nintendo
Release date:June 12, 2006
Price:$34.99
ESRB rating:E for Comic Mischief

This review was written by Jinny Gudmundsen

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About our rating system
ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
BEST: Really engaging, great learning approach.
GOOD: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
FAIR: Somewhat engaging, OK learning approach.
NOT FOR LEARNING: Not recommended for learning.

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