But wait! I thought everyone hated it?
I can hear it already.
"New Super Mario Bros. Poo? You have got to be kidding me. Poo Super Mario Bros. Poo?! Did I mistake this list for worst games ever made? Congratulations for rewarding Nintendo with the Sin Upon Humanity trophy. You should all be fired."
Pretty intense, right? But that kind of fervor is rampant across this vast Internet of ours. Nintendo certainly didn't help matters by acknowledging the fact that the title's developers were fresh faces to the Mario series, employees forced through a Mario School of sorts to get them acclimated to what's expected from the series. When brought up alongside its (at the time) upcoming Wii U brethren, it certainly came off as the lesser of the two. Whiz bang HD edition, or direct sequel to the rather ho-hum DS original... hmm, what to choose...
Thankfully, the game refuses to be a victim of circumstance. New Super Mario Bros. 2's merit as a contender for the best of the 3DS comes from what it delivered: a noteworthy experience that added more to the Mario formula than it was given credit for.
First and foremost, it's a side-scrolling Mario game, so right off the bat the thing is in good shape. Mario's physics and controls have been so fine tuned it should be illegal to overlook them. But this is expected; it's in other areas that New Super Mario Bros. 2 needs to make its impression, a challenge the title doesn't take lightly.
While the settings are typical fare, NSMB2's level design is top-notch. Secrets are tucked away as deviously as ever, but the beaten path is packed with just as many thrills. The game just screams fun, and contrary to popular belief, it being the third entry in six years doesn't mean it's a simple retread of what's come before. While the pipes remain green and the Goombas have yet to address their underbites, nothing takes away from the fact that this remains an excellent game. While there's certainly been an abundance of 2D platformers as of late, no one does it like Mario. Admittedly, the "Coins, coins, coins!" hook adds little to the main portion of the game, but it certainly proves itself elsewhere.
Coin Rush Mode is, frankly, where it's at. While it appears to be pushed off to the side of the primary adventure, it's what has kept me coming back. A refreshing addition to the series, it forces players to think on their feet, affording them only 99 seconds to reach the awaiting flagpole. Time isn't the only goal; collecting a small fortune of golden coins is just as important. Do I dare check the skies for treasure, or stick to the road ahead? The player only has one life to live, so there's no time to dilly dally.
Not that you are able to, as many levels keep the threats coming as you barrel through the stage. There's rarely time to breathe, let alone consider your options. The fun comes from plotting out the best route and reaping the rewards. If you crave high-score challenges, this is where your bread is buttered. Coin Rush Mode is where the greed introduced in the main adventure is best exploited, and is an interesting risk to infuse the Super Mario Bros. series with a dose of danger. The high stake moments of any other entry can barely hold a candle to an all-time high score that can be lost at any moment.
Those looking for further punishment can delve into the for-pay DLC, which offers up new and infuriating ways to dispose of Mario's life. But there's plenty of challenges available for those weak of heart, most notably the Gold Classics Pack, which throws players into stages that bring to mind classic entries of the Super Mario Bros. series.
At first glance, NSMB2 looks to be more of the same. While I would certainly argue the pleasure in such a fact, others may not be so accepting. However, it's not until you dig in that you see how fun and refreshing the game can be. The staples are all there; nine wonderful worlds, Goombas, question blocks, Koopalings, and the triumphant return of the Tanooki Suit. But it also packs in Coin Rush Mode, an interesting and challenging take on the Mario Bros. formula. If this game is a sign of Nintendo going stale, someone's been drinking from the cup of nonsense.