Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Mario Gets Advanced Again, Parties On

Posted by simoniker on from the koopa-poopa-scoopa dept.

Thanks to Game Informer for their hands-on impressions of Super Mario Advance 4 for GameBoy Advance, as the 20th October U.S. release nears for this handheld remake of Super Mario Bros 3, which GI suggest is "...probably the best platformer of the 8-bit generation, and also the best-selling video game in the United States of all time, across any platform." The game features e-Reader compatibility, "...where you can add new levels, power-ups, and level demonstrations by scanning in e-Cards", but unfortunately, "you will need two GBA devices" to use the e-Reader capabilities properly. IGN has an enthusiastic review of the game, mentioning Nintendo "will reportedly even create [e-Reader] cards featuring levels from the original Super Mario Bros. game", and elsewhere in the Mario franchise, French site GameKult has many new screenshots from the GameCube title Mario Party 5, due out Stateside on the 11th November.

37 comments

  1. Me no likey the e-reader by Txiasaeia · · Score: 1
    I like the fact that SMB3 is back. I love the conversions of the games so far. However, this e-reader crap and connectivity requiring to GBA's just ticks me off (not to mention that an e-reader costs more than SMB3!) In Final Fantasy TA, for example, if you want to get certain special items, you need to frequently link up with another GBA (and another copy of FFTA). No biggie if you don't, of course, but you're still missing out on cool stuff. Same with SMB3 -- the e-reader adds new levels and such, but you need two GBA's.

    Why couldn't they have added these extra features onto the original GBA cartridge? This game has already made Nintendo rich! The more and more I think about it, the harder it is to justify paying $30USD for a 10-year old game.

    --
    Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
    1. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by Sancho · · Score: 1

      This is a disturbing trend, to be sure. Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles requires a GBA for each player unless you are in 1 player mode (which I've heard sucks). The Four Swords (Zelda spinoff?) for the Gamecube is similar. Zelda: The Four Swords (A Link to the Past) requires a second gameboy and a second copy of the game in order to unlock any of the new features.
      Now the cheapskate in me has a problem paying for content I'm certainly not going to use (very few of my friends have GBAs). But even when it /is/ content I am going to use, I probably won't be able to re-use it later. I still play old Green-And-Black Gameboy games to this day. Many of them were quite fun. And Nintendo is relying on nostalgia like this in their GBA line of games (ever notice how many games they put out that are just ports of older games?) But in 5 years, when I break out the old GBA to play some games, it's going to be even harder to find someone to help unlock this content.

      This could have all been easily solved by having a passthrough on the e-reader, but I suppose that would have hindered the marketing department. At least you can save the levels, so if you have the e-reader and can borrow someone's GBA, you can save the new levels to the cartridge.

    2. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by elite+lamer · · Score: 1

      Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles requires a GBA for each player unless you are in 1 player mode (which I've heard sucks).

      The reason that FF:CC requires a GBA for each player is that due to the four-person cooperative play, each player needs his or her own screen to view the map, use items, equip armor, etc. without disrupting the entire game. If it were all done without GBAs, then in the middle of an intense battle when one person needs to change weaponry, the whole team would have to wait as that person flips through menus on the TV screen. That's why it's necessary to have a GBA for each player.

      Of course, Nintendo will benefit from this as there may be some people who buy a GBA to play FF:CC with friends. However, I don't think that's why they set up connectivity this way. Game Boy Advances have been selling in record numbers since their release date. Nintendo is not worried about pushing more GBAs.

      --
      Oops!
    3. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by gl4ss · · Score: 1

      it's called milking out the money, create products that create the 'need' to buy other _your_ products.

      1. sell cool thing a.
      2. sell cool thing b that needs a to work.
      3. profits from both a & b.

      i for one welcome our money milking masters!

      but you could get a beowulf cluster of them, and have a beo-cluster in your pocket...

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
    4. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by Gothic_Walrus · · Score: 1
      If you're really determined to use the E-Reader, it shouldn't be too terribly difficult to track down everything. The actual e-Reader can be bought used for $15. If you don't have any friends with a GBA, get a used one - they're $50.

      Admittedly, it's not going to be cheap to use the e-Reader feature. Nintendo should be applauded, though, for making use of an otherwise useless accessory - the only other games I can think of that use it are Animal Crossing and Pokemon.

      Being able to infinitely expand the game's content is always a plus...isn't it?

      --
      Goo goo g'joob.
    5. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by Guppy06 · · Score: 0, Redundant

      "In Final Fantasy TA, for example, if you want to get certain special items, you need to frequently link up with another GBA (and another copy of FFTA). No biggie if you don't, of course, but you're still missing out on cool stuff."

      Solution: Don't buy it. Nobody is holding a gun to your head, making you buy and play FFTA.

      "Why couldn't they have added these extra features onto the original GBA cartridge?"

      Because the whole poing of using the eReader is to be able to allow the programmers to add new features to the game that they haven't thought of yet. And since I haven't heard of Nintendo developing time-travel technology...

      "The more and more I think about it, the harder it is to justify paying $30USD for a 10-year old game."

      Again, you can simply not buy it.

      You're starting to sound familiar...

    6. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by wanderers_id · · Score: 0

      1. Make or remake awesome thing
      2. ??? (Consumer wants it)
      3. Profit.

      That's it. I'm going to buy this game, and an e reader and a used gba (if I have to) and im going to love it.

      Nintendo hasn't got a dollar of mine since the SNES era. This is the "new SNES era" for me. Now they are selling me my childhood back at retail. No complaints here.

      I'm sick of people complaining "I don't have friends to play with WAHHHHH!" Get some friends and spend the money for the games or don't. Just stop complaining, it's not nintendo's fault you can't use the special 2-player features because you have no friends. (or your friends don't have/won't buy the games)

    7. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles requires a GBA for each player unless you are in 1 player mode

      Wrong. Wrong wrong wrong.

      I've heard this parroted a dozen different ways, but it just ain't so.

      You *can* play FF:CC multiplayer without a GBA as your controller, you just can't manage inventory on the fly, instead having to deal with such things between battles.

      I have to wonder how many of the people who complain about this even have a Gamecube, and how many are just jumping on the bitching bandwagon.

      Find three friends to play it with first. Then worry about controllers.

    8. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by aliens · · Score: 1

      I totally agree.

      It's called incentive. It's not like they're selling you a crippled game and requiring that you have a friend to make it work.

      Amazing the amount of bitching that goes on here. Heck I could wander into a nerd gallery like a comic book store and find someone to play with in no time.

      Goto a slashdot meetup I'm sure you'll find even more people to play with too.

      --
      -- taking over the world, we are.
    9. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by Txiasaeia · · Score: 1
      You're completely missing the point. Instead of adding all these features to the original cart for free, you hafta have another GBA, a reader, and e-cards. If I only have access to one GBA, then why should I bother paying for SMB3 again? The bottom line is that I won't. I'm not complaining that Nintendo is a horrible company, bo ho ho; rather, I think that they're going to lose money on this decision from older gamers.

      Gaming on a GBA is not a social event. If I wanted to party with friends, I would get a Gamecube.

      --
      Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
    10. Re:Me no likey the e-reader by StocDred · · Score: 1

      Whoa there. Even if you do not own the eReader, a 2nd GBA, and the cards, you're still getting the complete SMB3. That is plenty game right there. The card functionality is a bonus for those who have all the gear, not a punishment for those who won't buy it.

  2. i think mario has a problem by pizza_milkshake · · Score: 1

    i think mario parties a liiittle too much. all the hardcore partiers have to slow down eventually... anyone ever see the Behind the Music on Megadeth? ah, but i've already gone way too Offtopic -1...

  3. Mario Advance 4 by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I beat it a few months ago. It has a neat 8 world overview level select with all the levels unlocked so you can play whatever level you want whenever (after you beat the game).

  4. FFCC GBA requirement by neostorm · · Score: 1

    "The reason that FF:CC requires a GBA for each player is that due to the four-person cooperative play, each player needs his or her own screen to view the map, use items, equip armor, etc. without disrupting the entire game."

    I'm sorry, but a good designer can effectively design around the limitation of a single screen GUI for a four player game. You can easily represent all spells, armor and weapons using very little of the gaming screen, and still without interrupting gameplay.
    There's also something to be said for forcing the player to look away from the main screen to modify items and inventory. A poor strategic choice along the lines of viewing a map while driving your car at the same time.

    As much as I'm looking forward to Crystal Chronicles, it's a really poor choice for Nintendo to require such a thing. It IS innovative, sure, whatever, but it's an *unnecesary* innovation. True innovation is something that benefits the player. Myself, and most of my friends, are inhibited by this requirement.

    1. Re:FFCC GBA requirement by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You've obviously never played Secret of Mana.

    2. Re:FFCC GBA requirement by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Bzzt, wrong.

    3. Re:FFCC GBA requirement by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Have you played the game? You have no idea how it affects gameplay good or bad.

      I think you should stop bitching. You don't like it don't buy it.

      And somehow I really really doubt that it's a really poor choice for Nintendo to require such a thing.

    4. Re:FFCC GBA requirement by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      As much as I'm looking forward to Crystal Chronicles, it's a really poor choice for Nintendo to require such a thing.

      Last time I checked, The FF series of games were not developed by Nintendo.

    5. Re:FFCC GBA requirement by Funk_dat69 · · Score: 1

      That certainly sucks for you, but that doesn't mean that it's a crappy innovation.

      Most of my friends happen to have GBAs and lots of them have 'cubes too. I absolutely can't wait for FFCC, Double Dash, and WarioWare GC as I think it'll be great way to spend a night kicking back, drinking some beers and playing some kick -ass games in an etirely new and innovative way.

      I'd pick LAN/GBA connectivity over any brainless, endless, socially devoid online game thats out there right now. (No, I don't think its fun to be a virtual seemstress or tell my sims guy when to go poo)

      Zing!

      --
      FUNK!
    6. Re:FFCC GBA requirement by neostorm · · Score: 1

      No, Secret of Mana is one of my favorite games ever. Great times with friends.

      There are plenty of other ways to handle an onscreen inventory without interrupting action.

    7. Re:FFCC GBA requirement by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      But Nintendo pushes all their developers to incorporate more features for GBA to GC linkups.

    8. Re:FFCC GBA requirement by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Actually I do have a very good idea how it affects gameplay, the concept is rather easy to grasp for people of average intelligence.

      "You don't like it don't buy it."
      My point exactly. Nintendo would be wise to incorporate a more singular interface and reach a wider audience rather than require external peripheral.

  5. PG-13 Mario? by AtariAmarok · · Score: 1

    I misread this one as "Mario Gets Advanced Again, Panties On". I supposed that if he were advanced with his panties off, then it would be R-Rated. My mistake.

    --
    Don't blame Durga. I voted for Centauri.
  6. No by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    You and your friends are not inhibitted. You don't have to buy the game.

    I for one welcome FF:CC with my 2 GBAs (1 SP and one old one).

    Done.

  7. From the article: by vslashg · · Score: 1
    Unless you've been trapped in your parents' basement for the last 20 years eating paint chips, and you've never played Super Mario Bros. 3, you shouldn't call yourself a true gamer.
    Wow, he's set the bar for being a true gamer way up there.

    Oh, well, one out of two isn't bad.
  8. Wow... another Super Mario re-release... by borg1238 · · Score: 1

    Who the hell cares? I played this game 10 years ago... and *again* (with new graphics and sound) on the Super Nintendo. Did Nintendo just release the GBA as a dumping ground for all their old games? Lazy bastards. I want something original damn it!

    1. Re:Wow... another Super Mario re-release... by DaBj · · Score: 1

      Actually I don't.
      I *love* the fact that I can play the olden goldies on my GBA.
      No more hassle with settin up my old NES just to play some SMB3 (or Defender of the Crown etc), just pop the cart in the GBA and away I go, and I can play it on the train.

      In fact, I wish they ported MORE old games (preferably Amiga games) to the GBA. All of Koei's titles would be sweet on the GBA for instance. Plus, some of those old games are hard to come by for the original platform (when was the last time I saw someone selling Bandit kings of ancient China for instance?).

      Granted, they shouldn't be "full price" if they where "just" ports since all the design and such is already done for them...

      --
      "GNU's not Unix....it's Linux" / Kami "kokamomi" Petersen
    2. Re:Wow... another Super Mario re-release... by borg1238 · · Score: 1

      I guess the difference between me and you is I have my NES set up, and I can play the game anytime I want. Plus, I don't care about the game being portable. Every time I take my gameboy with me, I never seem to play it. I agree with you on the price. If they want to do re-releases, fine, but they should be budget titles. When all you do is take the SNES version and port it over (with minor tweaks to the aspect ratio, etc), I don't think you need to recoup quite as much as an "original" game. I'm just tired of Nintendo getting away with re-releasing old games in lieu of putting out original games (not counting the original Advance Wars).

    3. Re:Wow... another Super Mario re-release... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Sony should have dumped GTA at GTA2. I mean GTA3 was just more of the same crap and GTA4 was ad nauseum. Why can't Sony release ORIGINAL games and not this GTA crap...

    4. Re:Wow... another Super Mario re-release... by Spleener12 · · Score: 1
      Yeah, the GBA is being used for a lot of SNES ports, just like the GBC was used for NES ports (The problem with both of these, of course, is that they both don't have the same screen aspect ratio as the SNES and NES.)

      Personally, I want to see Square port some of their SNES games to the GBA. There wouldn't be problems with slowdowns like with the PSX ports (since that was mostly due to load times.) Portable Chrono Trigger? Hell yeah.

  9. Not quite the best-selling by Ondo · · Score: 1

    and also the best-selling video game in the United States of all time

    No, Super Mario Bros. and Tetris outsold it, IIRC. It's the best-selling video game that was never bundled with a console.

    1. Re:Not quite the best-selling by Acidic_Diarrhea · · Score: 1
      Arguing semantics can be fun, can't it? For instance, when the NES was packaged with Super Mario Brothers, was this a video game sale? No, because the majority of the cost was associated with the hardware - thus it was a console sale with a free game. In fact, when you look at advertising in EB for the X-Box, you will see signs that say "X-Box: Now with 2 free games!" What this tells us is that the games that are packaged with consoles are in fact, free when you purchase the console. Furthermore, since you don't have a choice in receiving the game or not receiving the game, the sales numbers cannot be easily compared to that of SMB3, which was sold as a single product without any additional packaging. So SMB3 is the best-selling video game in the United States of all time BECAUSE all of those Tetris and SMB carts were, in fact, free additions to the sale of a related product.

      It's rather petty to argue these types of semantics, isn't it?

      --
      I hate liberals. If you are a liberal, do not reply.
  10. Whiners... by scot4875 · · Score: 1

    To everyone bitching about Nintendo 'milking' money out of them by 'forcing' them to buy a 2nd GBA and an e-Reader:

    Do you bitch when Blizzard releases expansions to their games? That's what e-Reader cards are. Expansions. The e-Reader is the only mechanism the GBA has for expansion. If you don't have one, you can't magically get more stuff onto your cart.

    Good god ... It's a f'ing optional bonus feature and people are complaining about it.

    --Jeremy

    --
    Jesus was a liberal
  11. Woohoo! by acxr+is+wasted · · Score: 1

    Yay! I just found my copy of Super Mario All-Stars in my closet! No SMA4 for me!

    --
    "Come on, let's go drink till we can't feel feelings anymore."
  12. Linking up is supposed to encorage socializing by UltimaL337Star · · Score: 0

    Next they might require you to talk to people to play multiplayer

  13. An education in critical thinking and discussion by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Not one of you took this conversation in a mature direction and only replied with whining insults when someone offered an alternative idea.

    Why don't you stop and think about the concept first, before jumping to the defense of your beloved system. "Wah! Someone doesn't like my pretty games! I'll kill you!"

    Obviously there are nothing but underaged fanboys reading this post. It's good to know the youth america is still so easily brainwashed. Maybe you should go read your Nintendo Power Magazines instead of the grown-up converstions like these.

  14. great, now bring on "Mario 32" by raindog2 · · Score: 1

    I left the NES behind without ever playing SMB3, and never had a SNES, so I look forward to playing SMA4. I might even pick up a used e-reader for the whole experience. The previous Mario Advance games (also based on NES/SNES games I never played) have been good enough that I know I'll get hooked.

    And yet...

    I bought a Gamecube a couple months ago and got Super Mario Sunshine with it. After playing the "just OK" Sonic 3D games I never had any idea how much fun a 3D platformer could be, but Sunshine hooked me. I think it might be my favorite game, on any system, ever. I've also played games like Super Monkey Ball and Mario Kart Super Circuit on the GBA, and think that while it couldn't ever approach the power and depth of Mario Sunshine, something like Mario 64 cut down a bit to use the "mode 7 like" GBA texture tricks to full effect - "Mario 32", if you want - might be just what the gamer ordered. Think of it as being to the GBA what Donkey Kong Country was to the SNES - prerender a lot of it, use a lot of ROM space for sprite animation, and people will be impressed.

    Sure, it'd still be recycling older games, at least broadly (assuming they decided to imitate Mario 64 at all) but it'd be a much more recent older game, a more technically impressive one (now that the GBA is getting 3 competitors, whether successful ones or not) and by the nature of the GBA, would have to be different enough that it'd have its own flavor.

    I bet we see something like this happen, maybe with a coprocessor on the cart, maybe not, right around the time the PSP ships.