New Super Mario Bros. 2: A Nostalgic Trip Back To 2012

Hey everyone! Let's dive into the world of New Super Mario Bros. 2, released back in 2012. This game is an absolute gem for anyone who loves classic platforming action with a twist. It's like a warm hug of nostalgia mixed with some fresh, innovative ideas. So, grab your 3DS, and let’s jump right in!

What Makes New Super Mario Bros. 2 Special?

New Super Mario Bros. 2 isn't just another Mario game; it's a celebration of coins! Seriously, this game is obsessed with gold. From the moment you start playing, you'll be bombarded with opportunities to collect coins, making it a unique experience in the Mario universe. The sheer abundance of coins might seem a bit much at first, but it quickly becomes a central part of the game’s charm. Collecting a million coins is the main hook, giving players a clear and achievable goal that keeps them engaged. It's a different kind of challenge compared to simply rescuing Princess Peach, and it adds a fun, almost addictive layer to the gameplay. Beyond the coin collecting, the game features classic side-scrolling action that we all know and love. Mario and Luigi control perfectly, and the level design is top-notch, offering a delightful mix of challenges and secrets to discover. The power-ups are also fantastic, with the Gold Flower being a particular highlight. Turning everything into gold is incredibly satisfying, and it adds a strategic element to coin collecting. The game also includes a cooperative mode, allowing you and a friend to team up and tackle the levels together. Playing with a buddy enhances the fun, as you can coordinate your movements and share the joy of discovering hidden areas. The level of replayability is high, thanks to the numerous secrets, challenges, and the constant pursuit of more coins. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or a newcomer to the series, New Super Mario Bros. 2 offers something for everyone. It's a delightful and engaging adventure that will keep you coming back for more, making it a standout title in the New Super Mario Bros. series.

Gameplay and Features

The gameplay in New Super Mario Bros. 2 is classic Mario through and through, but with a heavy emphasis on collecting coins. Seriously, coins are everywhere! You'll be swimming in them, which is part of the fun. Mario and Luigi control just as you'd expect – tight, responsive, and perfect for navigating the varied landscapes. The platforming feels great, and the level design is excellent, offering a mix of straightforward paths and hidden secrets.

One of the standout features is the Gold Flower. This power-up turns Mario into Gold Mario, allowing him to turn almost anything into coins. It's incredibly satisfying to see enemies and blocks explode into a shower of gold. This power-up not only makes coin collecting easier but also adds a fun twist to combat and exploration.

Another cool feature is the Coin Rush mode. In this mode, you play through a series of levels, trying to collect as many coins as possible. It’s a fast-paced and challenging mode that’s perfect for short bursts of gameplay. You can even share your scores with friends via StreetPass, adding a competitive element to the coin-collecting frenzy. The cooperative mode is a blast, too. Playing with a friend locally allows you to tackle the game's levels together, combining your skills and strategies to find even more secrets and coins. It's a great way to experience the game, especially if you enjoy playing with others. The level design is diverse and engaging, ranging from traditional grasslands and deserts to underwater worlds and spooky mansions. Each world introduces new challenges and enemies, keeping the gameplay fresh and exciting. The boss battles are also well-designed, requiring you to use your skills and power-ups to defeat the unique adversaries. Whether you're jumping, running, or flying, New Super Mario Bros. 2 offers a polished and enjoyable experience that stays true to the core of what makes Mario games so beloved.

Graphics and Sound

Visually, New Super Mario Bros. 2 is bright and colorful, taking full advantage of the 3DS's capabilities. The environments are well-detailed, and the character models are crisp and clean. While it might not be the most graphically advanced game on the system, it has a certain charm that fits perfectly with the lighthearted nature of the gameplay.

The sound design is classic Mario as well, with familiar tunes and sound effects that will bring a smile to any long-time fan's face. The music is catchy and upbeat, perfectly complementing the on-screen action. Hearing those familiar jingles as you collect coins and power-ups is just pure joy. The sound effects are also spot-on, adding to the overall immersive experience. From the iconic boing of Mario jumping to the satisfying clink of collecting coins, every sound contributes to the game's nostalgic charm. The audio design is carefully crafted to enhance the gameplay, providing auditory cues that help you time your jumps and react to enemies. Whether you're wearing headphones or playing through the system's speakers, the sound in New Super Mario Bros. 2 is sure to delight your ears. The combination of vibrant visuals and cheerful audio creates an atmosphere that is both inviting and exciting, making it a joy to play from start to finish.

Why It's Still Worth Playing Today

Even though it was released in 2012, New Super Mario Bros. 2 is still absolutely worth playing today. Its timeless gameplay, combined with the unique coin-collecting focus, makes it a standout title in the Mario franchise. If you missed it the first time around, now is the perfect opportunity to jump in and experience the fun.

The game's replayability is incredibly high. The million-coin challenge alone can keep you busy for hours, and there are plenty of hidden secrets and challenges to discover along the way. Plus, the cooperative mode is always a blast with a friend. New Super Mario Bros. 2 is also a great game for younger players. Its simple controls and forgiving difficulty make it accessible to newcomers, while still offering enough challenge to keep them engaged. The vibrant visuals and cheerful music are sure to capture their attention, and the coin-collecting aspect adds an extra layer of fun. For those who grew up playing classic Mario games, New Super Mario Bros. 2 offers a healthy dose of nostalgia. The familiar characters, enemies, and environments will bring back fond memories, while the new features and challenges will keep you on your toes. It's a perfect blend of old and new, making it a must-have for any Mario fan. Whether you're a seasoned gamer or a casual player, New Super Mario Bros. 2 offers an enjoyable and rewarding experience that will keep you coming back for more. So, dust off your 3DS, grab a copy of the game, and get ready to embark on a coin-collecting adventure that is both timeless and endlessly fun.

Final Thoughts

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a fantastic addition to the Mario series. Its focus on coin collecting sets it apart from other entries, and the classic platforming action is as solid as ever. Whether you're a long-time Mario fan or new to the series, this game is sure to provide hours of entertainment. So go on, grab your 3DS and get ready to collect a million coins! You won't regret it!