There are many things in the world that are just good, but what happens when something good becomes something great?
Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
Platform: Game Boy Advance
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
What words do you use to describe such a phenomenon? Sure, staunch linguists would probably bring up the words "improvement," "enhancement," "upgrade," "advance," "innovation," "development" and "progress" - but I don't need all those fancy words.
The only words I need in my vocabulary to describe the "good to great" metamorphosis: Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 for Gameboy Advance. I admit that such a modifier could weigh down everyday-conversation, but I am willing to take that risk in order to pay homage to this new ... development (OK, so I guess I need the fancy words more than I thought).
I did not go bananas for the GBA release of Donkey Kong Country, but for some reason, I can't stop raving about Mario. Perhaps growing up with the pasta-loving hero has created a soft spot in my heart for him.
In elementary school, I remember zooming through my spelling words and long division so I could unravel my Nintendo controller and play Super Mario Bros. 3 on the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System until it was bedtime. Mario's sexy raccoon costume was such an innovation for the third Mario Bros. game, and my eyes would become paralyzed with concentration as I flew through desert, water, sky, and turtle worlds to save the pretty, pretty princess.
The GBA version is just as exciting and brews up some nice ah-the-good-ol'-days vibes. The graphics are much improved, with more realistic looking fake clouds and misty blue sky. The sound effects add an extra whimsy, the original lacked. Sure, anyone can just fall to the ground and die when they run into a Goomba, but the GBA Mario gives off a squeaky, Italian-accented "Mama mia!" when you lose a guy - somehow making me smile even though I know I have to start a level all over again.
While playing until bedtime was all well and good for me when I just wanted to practice or have some laughs, I wouldn't be able to beat the whole game unless I could stick it out for the long haul, sometimes devoting an entire day or often a weekend to finally get to Bowser's ship. Not so with the GBA version of Super Mario Bros. 3. The fabulous "save" function means you can turn off the system and pick up where you left off, unlike the NES version where you might have had to leave the game on pause for an hour to rest your eyes or experience natural sunlight.
The only thing I miss with the GBA release is my buddy. My pasta pal. My brother. My sidekick - Luigi. Unless you have a link and a friend with a copy of the game to play with you, your quest to save the princess will be solo. Without a link, There aren't any tag team options like the original or share guys.
Despite Luigi's MIA status, Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 for GBA is a quality endeavor. If you haven't played the game before, you will certainly be charmed. And if you have played the game for the NES, then get ready to be charmed all over again.
Reach the reporter at lynh.bui@asu.edu.
