Super Marios Bros. X Review

Playing Super Mario Bros. X (SMBX) is like playing several classic Mario games at once. Combining elements from SMB 1, 2, 3 and SMB World, SMBX provides a truly unique side scrolling Mario experience. Play as Mario or Luigi in any of the three adventures offered. With all of your favorite power-ups and characters (including Yoshi) this game brings it all in one completely free package.

Basic Game Idea

If you have ever played a Mario game then you know exactly how the story goes; if you haven't played any Mario games the story is pretty simple. You will play as Mario or Luigi , the plumber brothers, on an adventure to stop Bowser, a fire breathing turtle with a spiked shell. Most commonly you will be attempting to locate and save Princess Peach. You will have to navigate your way through several different worlds all with their own unique theme. At the end of each world you will have to complete a castle with a boss. The end of the game comes when you reach Bowser's castle and defeat him.

Simple Controls

The controls are simple and customizable so you can set them to whatever works best for you. You will need movement keys for left, right, down and up. You will also need a control for jumping and a key that will serve multiple purposes such as shooting your fire balls or sprinting. Each level will be a series of obstacles that you must overcome.

Powerups and Coins From the Console Mario Games

Strewn about in the levels are coins. Collecting 100 coins will give you an extra life to help you make it farther in the game. You will also be able to find power-ups that give you special abilities. A feather will let you fly, the fire flower gives you the ability to throw balls of fire, and so on. A host of enemies will be in each level. Some can be dispatched by jumping on their head while others require other methods. In SMBX you can also play multiplayer. Unlike many other Mario games you can play two players simultaneously instead of alternating turns. The screen splits and merges back together as you move away from the other player making this a great two player game.

Create Your Own Levels

SMBX also comes with a level editor. The editor gives you the ability to create your own worlds and levels. You can use any of the elements from all four SMB's games this represents. The editor is quite large and complicated, but there is an in-depth manual that will guide you through the process. If you are willing to put in the time to learn the editor software you can create entire worlds of levels.

Old School Graphics

The graphics come straight out of the various SMB game they originated from. All the levels are in the 2D side scrolling format that the original SMB was in. The sound has been changed slightly. The songs you recognize are all still there just remixed to sound a little different. The creators did a great job making this game.

Controls Aren't As Precise As They Should Be

The only real issue with this game is the controls. When you push a button it does not always respond immediately. In a game that relies on precision jumps to navigate levels sloppy controls can be frustrating. From time to time you can also get stuck when your character continues to try to run forward even when you are not controlling that.

Conclusion - A Must Download For Any Mario Fan

SMBX is a great addition to the side scrolling adventure genre and another great chapter in the Mario series. Once you overcome the sloppy controls gameplay is just like any Mario game so anyone can play. The family friendly atmosphere makes this a great game for kids and adults alike. Whether you played Mario in the past and want to see what this has to offer or you just want to see what Mario is all about this is the game for you.