It's been a while, but we're finally getting a new 2D Mario game--and if you think it's merely capitalizing on nostalgia, you're wrong! The E3 demo is short, but very promising, bringing back the old-school magic with modern twists.

New Super Mario Bros. handles just as well as Super Mario Bros. 3 or Super Mario World, and the game is one big homage to the past. While the game may be rendered in three dimensions, it's the same run-and-jump, grab-the-flower, stomp-the-koopa goodness we all know and love. There are only three levels playable for both single player and the 2-player racing mode in the demo, but they prove this game will be a must-have. The field level features basic left-to-right mechanics with moving toadstool platforms, the desert level includes Pokeys and whirlwinds, and the more vertical fortress level is haunted by Thwomps and Dry Bones. The DS game retrofits some of Mario's 3D moves as well: Mario (and Luigi) can perform wall jumps and U-turn jumps.

The demo also hints at new mechanics. In versus mode there are blocks scattered throughout the level that summon the player's rival to the current location, dragging them back or pushing them forward. The player can also use mushrooms on reserve by tapping them on the touch screen. As in Super Mario World, the mushroom will fall from the sky, though, so the player will have to stand and wait for it to fall, and a quick rival can steal it. Some pipes also spit Mario or Luigi out when entered.