The funny thing about the latest in the Dr. Mario series, Miracle Cure, is that it’s pretty formulaic, ironically enough. The “miracle cures” that the game’s title refers to are in the form of new ways to clear viruses and capsules from the map. It’s something new, and honestly I did have a fun time with the game. It could be a bit more polished, but there’s enough to do here that makes it a worthwhile adventure.

The core gameplay hasn’t been changed much in Miracle Cure. Dr. Mario is tasked with getting rid of viruses by dropping pill-shaped puzzle blocks on these pesky villains; matching four in a row will get rid of them. The newest addition to the series, however, are the “Miracle Cures” that will arrive on the field once you fill up a meter by clearing four in a row of the same color. These cures, such as bombs, arrows, and capsule blocks and squares, will help you clear more viruses. This was a welcome addition to the series as it helped me plan out clearing the various challenge modes that the game provided using clever strategy.

There’s lots of things to do in Miracle Cure. There’s the challenge mode, which is split up in three parts. There are 20 basic levels, 30 advance levels, and 10 training levels that will help you get started if you’re unfamiliar with the series. The levels themselves are broken up are broken up over various gameplay methods. Some will have you playing under classic Dr. Mario rules. Others will have you playing as Dr. Luigi, which is mostly the same as Dr. Mario except he throws out “L” shaped capsules, meaning clearing viruses is a bit more difficult. Other stages will have you be either doctors as you pit it out against the other doctor is a versus style battle. These challenges are fun, but relatively easy once you get the hang of the gameplay. Versus mode is trickier, but these challenges were easily done in a weekend’s worth of gameplay. There’s also an endless mode, as well as online play, which gives you a variety of options to choose from. Online play was relatively lag free and I had no problems being beaten by better, stronger Dr. Mario (or Luigi) experts.

If there’s anything off with Dr. Mario’s latest adventure, it’s in the presentation. Those who have played any game in the series will find themselves at home with all the familiar tunes and sound bites that the previous games are known for. But while the game feels meaty for an eShop title, the presentation itself comes off as bare bones. For one, there isn’t even a title screen - the game just puts you right at the options. Mario and Luigi’s models look fine, but don’t do much other than swing their arms and act sad or happy when you win. The music is perfectly average, as well as everything else. Not that I expect a ton of bells and whistles from what is supposed to be presented as an eShop title, but I still couldn’t help but think this part of the presentation was a bit rushed.

Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure is what it is- it’s Dr. Mario. It’s a fine puzzle game that kept me busy for a good weekend that I might pick and and play every now and then, but won’t put too much thought to in the future. The new gameplay additions are a nice twist, and there’s plenty to do, with the various challenge modes and online play being key components of the game. I wish there was more in terms of presentation, but perhaps Dr. Mario doesn’t need the same kind of polish other eShop games need. If you’ve played a Dr. Mario game, you’re not missing a bunch here. But regardless, it’s a nice addition to the series.