According to Tendo Box, Mario Advance will feature voice samples. TB also notes that the shy guys have been reprogrammed to do back flips like they did in Yoshi's Island.

Last updated: 01/28/2001 by Michael "TYP" Cole

Recently, thanks to the “super” French site http://www.maxoegames.com/, 28 new Mario Advance screenshots are available. Although pretty themselves, the screenshots reveal many more aspects of this exciting game. First of all, in every new in-game shot, a 5-red-coin meter and point system can be found at the top of the screen, à la Super Mario Bros. DX’s “Challenge Mode”. Adding a lot of replay value, this is a welcome addition. In SMBDX, the Challenge mode was much more time-consuming and refreshing than the other parts of the game.

These screens also reveal some interesting twists among the familiar backdrop of SMB2. Zany new items can be found: a giant eggplant, a (portable) sphere-encased Starman, and a bubble holding a 1-up mushroom (reminiscent of Super Mario World’s “Forest of Illusion 3”). New obstacles also exist: the innards of a certain jug contain revolving platforms, which must be ridden in order to escape. Interestingly, there is a shot of Mario in a new airborne position—possibly after collecting a red coin. Another change is that of the post-level slot machine: as opposed to just winning lives, the player must now wager them. Also of note are the plentiful giant Shy Guys, which come in a colorful variety. Speaking of Shy Guys, both types jump just like in Yoshi’s Island. But that’s not all! Two rather interesting pictures are of a giant, mechanical Birdo. Situated in level 3-3, the Boss (?) is standing firm in the first, while crumpled into a ball in the second. A cliff is situated behind the evil monstrosity, which could be the key to the menace’s demise. Well…at least we don’t have to worry about its gender!

Gorgeous new menu screens are also available. The select-a-character shots show that each character has his or her own lives counter. This means that players will have to be more strategic with their character choice, as it would be quite unpleasant to be without the Princess or Luigi in world 4-3… Additionally, the selection screen’s design—a rotating spotlight (like DK64)—suggests hidden characters may replace the worthless medals found in SMBDX.

Although it is still SMB2, it is so different at the same time. Allusions to previous Mario games seem scattered throughout the game, and the new additions appear to be more than minimal. Veterans may get all too comfortable, only to be fried by an unexpected Sparky. These revelations will undoubtedly make the game more and more appealing to those who already own the original/All-Stars version. Come on, who can resist Robo-Birdo?! Hopefully, The Planet will have a review for this title in a few months. Until then, Mario and Luigi tell you to Do the Mario!

Last updated: 01/10/2001

In announcing a slew of new titles for Game Boy Advance, Nintendo let it be known that they are planning to make a “Mario Advance” game for the new handheld. Although the prospect of this game being made is exciting, no one really has any idea what it is exactly. Could it be an updated port of an older game, similar to Super Mario Bros. DX for Game Boy Color or will it be something new and original? Perhaps the biggest question is, will this game connect in any way to the Mario/Luigi title being developed for GameCube? For now, it’s all a mystery but whatever the case, many Nintendophiles are already hoping for a return to the classic gameplay of older Mario titles

Simultaneous with the announcement of Mario Advance was the news that Wario Land 4 would not be a platformer as planned, but an RPG. It’s possible this move was made to make room for Mario & Luigi to go on an all-new 2D platform adventure on Game Boy Advance!

The only concrete thing known about this game is that it will almost certainly not be a launch title for the GBA. What stage of development the game might be in or when it might appear is as uncertain as the game’s premise. Never fear though, we’re keeping our eyes on Mario Advance to see what develops…