Sure it's common knowledge that Mario is the world's the most famous plumber, but did you know he also has a medical degree? In one of the more addictive puzzle games since Tetris, Mario takes the roll of doctor as you try to cure some pesky viruses by aligning them with the proper medicine. In a bottle shaped playing field, the goal is to stack like-colored pills Dr. Mario flings in with their matching viruses. Once you've stacked four of the same color, they clear off the screen and the matching virus with 'em. This addictive game is so popular that it's available for the GBA in two different versions. The
Classic NES Series: Dr. Mario and the double pack
Dr. Mario & Puzzle League. Both versions are identical in gameplay but sport unique special features, the
Classic NES has two player capabilities via the
Wireless Link Adaptor, while
Dr. Mario & Puzzle League contains two classic NES puzzle games in one cartridge.
One of the amazing things about Mario games are the diverse styles of gameplay.
Superstar Saga is actually a mix of Mario style platformers, rolled into one of the most entertaining RPG games you'll ever play. The evil sorceress, Cackletta, has stolen Princess Peach's voice and replaced it with a dialogue that literally explodes when the Princess speaks. Not only does this spell disaster for the Mushroom Kingdom but also Bowser, who's afraid if he kidnaps her the dangerous voice will destroy his castle. To save the day, the Bros. must team up with Bowser and journey to the Beanbean Kingdom. Although most RPGs utilize a turn-base battle system, this one has a unique approach, allowing you to dodge attacks in real time with Mario style moves.
This GBA title is the long overdue follow up to the
Game Boy Classic Donkey Kong that put the classic arcade game on its ear. The original
Donkey Kong arcade game is simply the first two levels of the GBC version, which then expands into an elaborate series of puzzle platform.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong takes these elements and builds on them by adding even more elaborate levels and puzzles with the superior graphics of the GBA. Another difference is how Mario's tastes have changed over the years. Instead of trying to rescue a girl he's much more focused on merchandising, as Donkey Kong has stolen all of the Mario dolls from the Mario toy factory. Instead of just making more and risk taking a loss in profits, Mario sets out to collect the stolen dolls and stop that nutty gorilla.
The best of the Mario RPG Sports hybrids. You have the option of playing an innovative RPG game or your favorite Mario character in a quick Tennis match. In the RPG story mode you work your way to a top Tennis pro at a prestigious Tennis camp while unraveling the secrets behind some mysterious masked tennis players who have already beaten the best player at the camp. Turn based battles have been replaced with tennis matches. On top of it all you get special moves and boosts as you play some seriously outrageous tennis.
Another terrific title in the Mario sports RPG line. Again there are two game modes, the RPG where are among a group of students at the Marion Country Club, the ultimate training course for golfers. Battles have been replaced with Golf tournaments and experience points replaced with golfing skill, as you work your way up to competing against the ultimate golfer, Mario. Yes, here the plumber is a golf legend. If you don't want to deal with the RPG game you can simply play a quick game of golf as one of your favorite characters from the Mario gang. This is Mario Golf's second mention our top ten lists. It was number 6 in the
Top 10 Summer Games for the Game Boy Advance.
Welcome to Party World where mini-party games are the key to success. Built for community play both with and without a multi-link cable, this is the best Mario to share with your friends. In Party World, the dastardly King Koopa has disbursed all of the games and gadgets through out the world. You must journey through Shroom City while beating mini-games and missions. Each time you are victorious party games and gadgets unlock in Play Land, Party Land and Challenge Land. You can also hook up to your friends GBA via a multi-link cable and trade the unlocked mini-games and gadgets. My personal fav is 4-player pinball, where each player controls their paddle using the button on their respective sides (L, R, thumb pad and A/B Buttons). Speaking of pinball, on to #14…
The most creative, imaginative, and insane pinball game in history. At a fun park Mario and the gang test out a device that turns you into a giant pinball, then shoots you out of a cannon into a target. When Princess Peach gives it a spin the
Goombas point the cannon at Bowser's Castle, trapping the Princess inside (she really ought to get a restraining order against him by now). To rescue her Mario changes himself into a giant pinball and battles through level after level of pinball madness. Think of a traditional Mario platform adventure mixed with a 3D pinball game. Knock the Mario ball through 3-D levels, bonking through baddies, collecting coins and even boss battles.
Mario's very first video game appearance wasn't to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, but to get his (then) girlfriend Pauline back from the giant rampaging ape, Donkey Kong (also DK's first appearance). This isn't the original 1981 arcade version but the classic NES recreation and the closest to the arcade game released for the GBA. Although simple by today's standards this single screen
was quite innovative for its time.
