When it comes to console classics the Super Mario Brothers series is, without a doubt, one of the most prestigious. With that in mind, and considering the success of Super Mario Brothers DX for the Gameboy Color, it was a no-brainer that Nintendo would want one of their classics converted for the spanking new Gameboy Advance. There appears to be some controversy though concerning the choice of a conversion of Super Mario Brothers 2 (SMB2), the universally regarded black sheep of the Mario family, as the initial offering for the new handheld in the form of Mario Advance. Is this title truly a must-have hidden in the crowded GBA launch line-up?

In terms of both graphics and sound Mario Advance brings some quality to the stage but at the same time, in neither area does there appear to be much strain on the hardware. Everything is bright and colorful from the characters and scenery to the converted classic Mario tunes. Again, in the area of control as well there isn’t much to be said. Mario’s moves in both SMB2 and Mario Brothers Classic are crisp and clean. As a note the Mario Classic control isn’t completely faithful to the arcade classic (Mario skidded more when you changed directions in the original) but for most people this will be an improvement.

Moving into the more critical areas of fun and long-term thrills there are a few things to note. In the end SMB2 is simply a far departure from the rest of the series. Some may like the variety, but others will undoubtedly be bothered by the deviation from the norm. Additionally, until tromping through the game once more I’d forgotten how much more difficult this title is than the others in the 2D series. This, again, could be a good or bad thing. Oddly enough, the younger gamers who the Mario games are supposed to be geared towards may find Mario Advance a bit too challenging for them… but at the same time people who haven’t felt challenged in a while may find a good match here. The addition of the classic Mario Brothers conversion does certainly sweeten the package, and it remains a testament to how a simple game concept can make for some terrific frantic fun.

All things considered Mario Advance does offer a worthwhile package, but in some regards it is an acquired taste as well. For people who have played the classic before I think there is a surprise in the level of difficulty offered. In comparison to the original Super Mario Brothers this is definitely a kick in the pants that will have you sweating. For the uninitiated, don’t take the criticisms of how different the game is to heart too much… there is still some great gameplay here even if it doesn’t fit the traditional mold. It may not be a game you must have at launch considering the fresher stuff out there but it is still a classic worth enjoying.