New Super Mario Bros.

New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling game exclusive to the Nintendo DS, starring Mario and Luigi. It is very much like the original Super Mario Bros. games, but the characters look more 3-D, and it takes place in a whole new world. Almost every Super Mario Bros. enemy and character has made an appearence, such as Bullet Bill, Goomba, Lakitu, Koopa, etc., as well as brand new ones. As usual, 100 coins still gains you an extra life.

One thing that's new is that this game brings a 3-D move into the 2-D world&mdash; the Wall Kick! This technique lets you reach new areas for more exploring! You will also have the ability to ground-pound once again, so you can smash blocks downward. Also, there are more power-ups, like the Blue Koopa Shell that Mario can use as a shield, and the Mega Mushroom and Mini Mushroom. It still has the old ones, too, like the Super Mushroom and the Fire Flower.

The game also features a world map, different and secret paths (like Super Mario World), and a multiplayer mode where you and another friend can have a friendly battle between Mario and Luigi, or you can work together. You also have the ability to store a power-up on the touch-screen after Mario or Luigi already have a power-up.

One odd thing about the game is that there are eight worlds, but you only have to go through six of them&mdash;the game jumps you from World 3 to 5 and World 6 to 8 automatically. Mario or Luigi must defeat the World 2 and/or 5 bosses in Mini mode to instead reach Worlds 4 and 7, respectively.

Also new are Star Coins. There are three to a level, usually adding an extra challenge to each level. Some are in clear sight while others are hidden in warp pipes and other unconspicious places. On the world map, signs block paths that require five Star Coins to open.

Story
Princess Peach has been kidnapped (once again) by Bowser and Bowser Jr. As we all know, Mario goes to save the day.