New SUPER MARIO BROS. 2

You know the drill when it comes to the classic Super Mario Bros. set-up. If not, this legendary console and arcade game involves the never-ending mission to save the constantly kidnapped Princess Peach (this time by Bowser, again!) who needs to be rescued by Mario and Luigi.

But this is just the throw-away impetus for the charge through a side scrolling platform world with loads of coins to collect and minions to dodge or squash. Pipe ducts take you to different locations, mushrooms make you grow and special leaves give you raccoon additions for extra abilities like tail whipping and gliding.
Following on the previous installment, this one has the added 3D effect.

You can play co-operatively with two consoles and cartridges. A bunch of new additions include a spooky castle location, conveyor belt segments that can either help or stifle your progress, special gold blocks and rare star coins to unlock new areas.
The focus on coin collection is stronger than ever, with many ways to increase this task, including a post level Coin Rush mode (with a time limit). Hardcore capitalists will love it. A gold flower even turns our heroes into a near indestructible golden Mario and silver Luigi (with the ability to shoot fireballs)!
Your coin collection is accumulated with the aim to reach a million.

Activating SpotPass keeps you posted on all the players' coin collection worldwide. So, best you get cracking!

5 / B
- Paul Blom