Super Mario Advance is obviously an updated version of a gaming classic. Originally starting on the NES and SNES, it has now found its way to the Game Boy Advance. This version has two games on it. There is the classic multi platform Super Mario, which I will go into more detail for in a moment, and Mario Brothers Classic. The latter is a basic extra game set on 4 basic platforms. You have to kill little beasts with spiky backs by jump up on the platform below and flipping them over. Once on their backs you can nip up to the same level and knock them off. This is mildly addictive, but pails into significance when you start playing the game proper - Super Mario.

Super Mario consists of 7 worlds that must be conquered. Each world has 3 levels within it, apart from the final one, which only has two levels. Each stage has a variety of nasties to overcome with gold coins to collect and a boss to beat at the end. To complete the level all coins must be collected.

You can choose from four characters to play - Mario, Luigi, Princess or Toad. Each has special attributes that will assist you on certain levels. Mario is an all rounder who is fairly good at all aspects, but not the best at any. Luigi has the ability to jump higher than anyone else, Princess has the ability to hover and Toad is the fastest runner. Luckily you can change character each time you lose a life or start a new level. You soon get the feel of when to use each character. All characters have the ability to jump higher if you hold down the jump button until the character starts flashing.

On each level there are various creatures to jump over, onto or throw things at in order to continue. Jumping over them is straightforward and if you jump on certain creatures you can then pick them up and throw them without losing a life. As you progress, you can actually throw one creature at another to get rid of them both! The final option is to use the various plants that are littered around each level. These have different powers, but the main kind can be pulled up quickly and thrown at a creature to kill it. There are larger plants that take longer to pull up (careful if you are under attack) but will take out more creatures in one go. Watch out when you kill a creature, as some will release a heart. Jump up and collect the heart and your strength will improve. There are also other items to pick up, such as the POW, which when dropped kills all creatures currently visible on screen - cool!! Most levels also have short cuts using doors to pass between them. Careful as some doors don't work immediately.

This game has incredibly crisp graphics. Bearing in mind that the characters themselves are quite small, the detail is excellent. Screens scroll very fluidly and all the colours are really sharp. Another positive feature is the sound. This is a mix of the background music and vocal effects from each of the characters. The latter is the best bit with Luigi saying "Mama mia!" each time he dies and Princess with her high pitched girly "Oh my!" which sounds a bit like Penelope Pitstop. Likewise, the bosses shout discouraging words before you commence battle with them. Super Mario also has the capability to allow 1 to 4 players to play off one cartridge using the multiplay function.

For me, Super Mario Advance is a classic platform game. Each new level seems to bring some new challenge, but also recalls aspects of a previous level that you had to work out how to beat earlier on. With 20 levels in total to complete, including the requirement to collect all coins prior to completion of a level, this is no fly by night game that will be completed quickly. As Super Mario Advance 2 and Wario Land 4 are now available, some people may avoid this. However, as far as I'm concerned it is still worth investigating for sheer playability, novelty and enjoyment.

Reviewed by AceGamez (All Rights Reserved).