manicsounds

The graphics and music are almost a rehash of the Wii version, so don't expect it to be drastically different. There are some changes, like the Propeller powerup is gone, and the focus on coin collecting is new. Like how "Super Mario 3D Land" had stage clearing times, the number of coins collected in each level is now shown on the level menus.

starseed1981

Already got my Amazon preorder in. I'm always down for new Mario platforming.

lamphorn

Wait a sec.. is this a new ported version of "Super Mario Bros. 2" or a whole new game entirely?

Brent L

A new game.

The IGN review was just released and they gave it a respectable 8.5. In short, it's a great Mario game that doesn't do anything to advance the formula. If you want more 2D Mario, then buy the game for sure (as if that needs saying)...

http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/08/...-bros-2-review

Decker

Basically the same sentiment, but lower, identical 7.0 scores from both Joystiq and Destructoid.

Brent L

I'll pick it up the same day I get my 3DS XL...although I still can't decide which color to go with.

Guru Askew

It's a new game entirely.

Re: the admittedly-confusing title: it's "(New Super Mario Bros.) 2" not "New (Super Mario Bros. 2)" if that makes any sense.

manicsounds

Although a really fun game, it's way too easy, and way too short...

starseed1981

Playtime estimate?

manicsounds

I've played 14 hours 7 minutes so far. But I probably beat the game 1 hour or so prior.

slop101

I'm conflicted; I want this game, but I don't want a 3DS. Will there be another one of these for the Wii - the last one was it's biggest selling game.

Decker

I think the sequel is a launch or near-launch Wii-U title. We're done with first-party Wii titles now.

manicsounds

When you try the coin collecting challenge, my current high score is 19,016

dom56

The Cruz sisters commercial for the game. I want to hit them both

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hWSu3Al2uhs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

mhg83

"let's play together"

Brent L

I just broke down and canceled my newegg order and downloaded it instead. I couldn't wait, not even if I was saving $10. I can wait on the XL system since I already have a 3DS, but I couldn't wait on this game. It took 15 minutes to download and I have now played it that long as well. God I loves Mario games. I'll always buy them up, no matter what, as long as the basic ingredients are there.

I'm gonna take it very slow so I can play the majority of it on the XL though.

Liver&Onions

damn this is downloadable on the estore? That might make me charge the 3DS.

Supermallet

How big of a file is it?

Brent L

Yep, the complete game is on the eStore. It takes up 2,727 blocks, and you get double Club Nintendo points buying it that way if that matters to you.

Supermallet

I'm wary about spending $40 on a digital-only game that isn't on a PC.

starseed1981

I ended up grabbing it at Frys for $29.99. I'm liking it thus far...even though it is the exact same game as last time

Gizmo

More of the same. Nothing really special going on...guess I'll beat it and sell it in a few days.

UncleGramps

Yeah, it doesn't really add anything substantial to the NSMB formula, but it's still pretty fun IMO.

big e

Despite both girls being incredibly hot, I thought that was a very dry and somewhat awkward advertisement.

Decker

Agreed. I admit I just started playing this game yesterday. I don't know what I was expecting, but somehow, I think it was more than this. The game feels very, very "same-y". It's like The Hangover 2, without even the location change. It just feels, well, lazy. If a single guy without even a programming background can make a game as brilliant and original as Dust An Elysian Tale, why can't the folks at Nintendo come up with something at least remotely new and compelling in what should be a system-seller like NSMB2? I get the focus on "coins", but seriously : Is that all you've got?

The game has other, bigger issues, but seriously, for a 3DS game, it's really easy to forget you're playing a game in 3D at all here.