GatorDeb

Since it hasn't come out, we can start by listing the reasons this will be GOTY for the GBA. And also list the reasons SMB3 in general is the pinnacle of gaming.

PixyJunket

First of all.. I will say that this is the dumbest title for a game: Super Mario Bros. 3: Super Mario Advance 4.

But it is possibly the greatest 2D platformer of all time.. and I've heard they are FINALLY going to add something worth a second look this time around (SMA2 and SMA3 were almost straight ports). I fiddled around with a Japanese copy and it appears there is an entire new world added to the game called "e-World" where you can download levels and new powers using the e-cards. From screenshots we know that we'll be able to download powers and enemies from others game into SMB3, but I'm mostly excited to see new levels or modes of play, or NEW items (not stuff from older games).

Seeing as this is one of the best selling console games of all time, I really hope they put some heart into giving fans of the game something special.. I mean, we've already bought the game twice!!

(BTW.. GBA GOTY will probably be Mario & Luigi.. wahahaha!)

trigun

I bought this when it was called SMB3. I bought this when it was called Super Mario All-Stars.

I'll save my money for something new, and will load up All-Stars if I want to enjoy Mario goodness.

PixyJunket

Yes, but can you play your SNES while you're taking a dump? Hmm..?

trigun

Yes. Yes I can.

Gizmo

I have a japanese copy of the game, and can't wait for the American version. I know the japanese version has the E-World, but I'll be darned if I can understand it.

My store is starting to get some promo materials for this game (including an awesome Raccoon Mario window sticker), so I am hoping Nintendo really does something different with this title then the other mario titles.

PixyJunket

The e-World requires scanning of e-Cards.. so obviously without cards it's pretty useless. I am hoping Nintendo releases cards close to the release date, and not waiting half a year like they have with Pokemon.

GatorDeb

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/238318.asp
http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/product/238320.asp

Nintendo turns paper trading cards into electronic fun, with the introduction of the innovative e-Reader. Simply swipe these Super Mario Advance 4 e-Reader cards through your e-Reader for a totally new gaming experience. Scan the Dot Codes on e-Reader cards to get games, animation, stats, music and more.

SHIPS 10/20/03 !!!!!!!!!!

Decker

I'm sorry, why should I be excited about a direct port of a 15 year old video game (with a single re-re-recycled minigame included)? I mean, I'm sure it's a great game and I really liked SMA 2 and Yoshi's Island, but I do have them both and I'm getting a little annoyed that with 10 zillion GBAs sold, nobody at the big N has yet made it a priority to come out with an original Mario platformer. Maybe I'm just a graphics whore, maybe I don't fully appreciate classic gaming (though I love playing my Namco Museum and Pac-Man collection), but this "new" game doesn't really get me all that excited. I'm more looking forward to Mario & Luigi, to be honest.

CreatureX

This game was awarded GOTM status in the newest issue of EGM. They gave it a 9.5, 9.0, 9.5!

PixyJunket

Of course it gets GOTM, I couldn't imagine what would beat it.. "Oooh!! A new sports game!! Oooh!! A new FPS!!"..

PixyJunket

Hmm.. I wonder if these are set packs or are they going to be like trading cards..

wildcatlh

PixyJunket

Now how come that's not on DVD.

sdcrym

I personally think that Yoshi's island is a much better game than mario bros. 3. Yoshi's island appeals to pretty much every type of gamer (except for those turned off by the playful style or the 2D platform stuff). What I mean is, the game starts off terribly easy, and the novice game player can just run through the levels having fun, while the expert (such as myself ) can struggle to get 100 points in every level. The final few worlds, especially the bonus levels added for the GBA are very difficult compared to a lot of games out now. It was very satisfying to finally get 100 in all the levels.

PixyJunket

Yoshi's Island is a HIGHLY underrated game, I don't know if I'd say it was better than SMB3 but I can't believe this game fell under the radar when it was released for the SNES.

BTW.. did you say bonus levels for the GBA?! I skipped on this one when it came out because a friend of mine told me "Direct port, even more direct than Super Mario World 1".. so I moved it from my "Must Buy" to "Maybe Buy" list.. care to fill me in? I too managed a 100 on all levels back in my days and it was quite an accomplishment. Baby Bowser rules all, btw.

sdcrym

Yep, there's one extra bonus level for every world. I can't remember exactly how many points are required to be unlocked, but there's the bonus level and mini game that are present in the SNES version, plus another level exclusive to the GBA

Josh H

I actually liked SMW and Yoshi's Island slightly better than SMB3.

Not that there's anything wrong with SMB3. It's one of my all-time faves.

zero

Yeah it looks better on my bedroom wall though

PixyJunket

I want a Raccoom Mario.

Gizmo

Zero, Thats exactly where mine is! Did you get the awesome standee in as well? Man I am SO taking that in 3 weeks!

zero

The standee is in the window but it has a certain employee name on it

Gizmo

Hehe.

I had a question about the cards. Does Series 1 and 2 come out at the same time?

zero

I believe so, but I could be wrong.

nickdawgy

lol the Wizard owns

I remember seeing that movie. Everyone was so excited about SMB3 (including me). One of the best games ever, IMO.