New Super Mario power-up preview
by James Ransom-Wiley 
{ Apr 25th 2006 at 1:27PM }
A video of some of the new power-ups featured in
New Super Mario Bros. has been posted on the official website —
additional videos will be posted on 5/1, 5/8, and 5/15. The current video features the exciting new Mega Mushroom
power-up (pictured) and its counterpart, the Mini Mushroom. The new blue Koopa shell also makes an appearance,
transforming the plumber into Shell Mario, as seen in the underwater scene. And of course, what preview would be
complete with a Fire Mario sighting?The video also gives us a look at some of Mario's moves, including the ground pound (or 'butt bounce'), double jump, and wall jumping ability. We may have picked up on Infendo's skepticism a few weeks ago, but this new footage had us on that nostalagia tip, hard. You know, all warm and gooey inside. New Super Mario Bros. is set to drop on May 15.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Artimus @ Apr 25th 2006 1:34PM
Gasp, a whole video devoted to NEW powerups? 2 minutes of NEW powerups? You'd almost think it was a NEW game.
Insert eye roll at Infendo's stupidity.
isuma @ Apr 25th 2006 1:45PM
Very cool. They kept the same sound when you collect a coin. That water stage reminds me more of DK Country than Mario Bros. ... what happened to the Cheap Cheaps and Squid things.
rockinrobbie @ Apr 25th 2006 1:50PM
oh man, oh maN, oh mAN, oh MAN, oH MAN, OH MAN!
Gotta have, gotta havE, gotta haVE, gotta hAVE, gotta HAVE . . . .
Matt @ Apr 25th 2006 2:10PM
I was going to get it anyway but this video makes waiting for the release a little harder. Looks like the second screen was just an after thought but maybe there's more to it on different levels.
push2flush @ Apr 25th 2006 2:12PM
no matter what is says on the box, this sure looks like super mario bros. 4 to me, and i'm lovin it. about 20 more days...
scott @ Apr 25th 2006 2:16PM
"hard...all warm and gooey inside."
joystiq indeed.
Lee @ Apr 25th 2006 2:21PM
I still wish that they'd just have kept with sprites. Is 2D not very good on the DS or something? Because the charm is just lost. Keep thinking how good it could have looked...
I perfectly understand Infendo though, they're right to say not that much has changed, what they don't realise is that it doesn't need to have, it's not new, groundbreaking, or anything, despite how many times that website tried to tell us it was.
If they'd not stopped making 2D Mario's, we might have seen a little more progression than this by now, as it stands, it's got all it needs, Mario's classic excellent gameplay, "now with minor quirks!".
SP @ Apr 25th 2006 2:23PM
I think the Nintendo DS is shaping up to be one of the greatest video game systems to ever be released. I haven't had as much fun with a system since Mario 64 and Goldeneye ruled the video game landscape on the N64.
funkonaut @ Apr 25th 2006 2:27PM
I wasn't too interested in this game before I saw the video. Now I'm actually looking forward to it. Looks like Nintendo's done a good job revitalizing the platformer.
Prof-KOS @ Apr 25th 2006 2:31PM
Looks great. I can't wait. I'm already having a hard time dividing my time between Mario Kart, Animal Crossing, Metroid, and Tetris. Guess I'll just have to make it an even 6.
jay @ Apr 25th 2006 2:35PM
Hear hear SP. I've never liked a system as much as a DS. It's just pushing all the right buttons. I whole heartedly agree that it's certain to become one of the defining moments in gaming history. Along with the NES.
MosquitoControl @ Apr 25th 2006 2:40PM
I hate to say I'm unimpressed, but I'm unimpressed.
For some reason it looks a bit too cheesy, like an aunauthorized Mario copy.
And while I still hold Super Mario World as one of my top video games of all time, this doesn't look as fast or involved as that game was. That game was very, very deep.
I'm hoping these videos are holding back, but it didn't seem deep. The puzzled they showed were obvious, not thoughtful, and gameplay seemed very straightforward - marching forward and occasionally jumping.
I hope the puzzles are still there, and I really hope the levels are as big and capable of exploring via flight.
CheekyLee @ Apr 25th 2006 2:51PM
The Mega Mushroom is genius, and is sure to replace Starman as everybody's favourite power-up. But, that Mini Mushroom could definitely be the thing that opens up the most gameplay potential.
This is what Nintendo need to do with Mario, instead of pimping him around in all manner of ghastly guises. Platforming games are what made him, and platforming games are at their best with the plumber in them.
I also have to agree with everyone above who is commenting on how the DS is fast becoming the best console of all time. Too many games, too few of me!
ChrisDam @ Apr 25th 2006 3:05PM
This game looks freaking awesome!! MosquitoControl this game isn't suppose to be like SMW, its suppose to be more like the NES versions, 1 & 3. As push2flush said, this is like Super Mario Bros 4, NOT Super Mario World 3. I can't wait and like everyone else keeps saying, DS freakin rocks my socks off and it is by far the most fun game console since N64 with Mario 64, LoZ and Goldeneye! I can't wait for Nintendo to keep on pushing the word FUN with DS and NRev! W00t!
ger @ Apr 25th 2006 3:08PM
seriously, i thought i was the only one thinking "geez another great game is out and i haven't even finished the last one".
csokn @ Apr 25th 2006 3:23PM
It looks like they took the best of Donkey Kong Country and added it into Mario (the big coins being one). Hopefully, they will add all those hidden bonuses that gave DKC replay value.
Spoon @ Apr 25th 2006 3:40PM
I'm officially really excited =D
don_sf @ Apr 25th 2006 3:49PM
u r a fool.
go on the internet and search for the best selling game ever and then u will realise what super mario is.
i dont understand y ppl knock super mario. ur probably a sony fan boy. u probably say that ps1 and ps2 games compatible, but hey aint they old games? there is 1 word 4 ppl like u, hippocrit. actualy thers more words such as idiot and clown.
the sales for this game wil do the talking, how often can u say that a game has potential to be the best selling game ever?
Joel @ Apr 25th 2006 3:56PM
don_sf.... Nintendo, Mario and myself thank you for your efforts in supporting this great game. Now please go learn to freaking talk before you make us look bad again. Geez.
J
Prof-KOS @ Apr 25th 2006 4:11PM
don_sf.
Thanks, but no thanks. Please stop and take a close look at you keyboard. On the left just above the 'CTRL' key and to the immediate left of the 'Z' key is a key labeled 'SHIFT'. Please use it at least at the start of each sentence. If it's too far out of the way, it has a partner on the right hand side, just under the 'ENTER' key.
Now please go sit in the corner and try not to think too much.
Tashi @ Apr 25th 2006 4:23PM
I gotta say, this game is nice, It looks like mad fun. Who wouldn't like to run through the level crushing everything in sight. I can't wait for it to come out. It would be too much if it was bundled with the ds lite. I already have three games for the thing and it's yet to hit the US.
Neko Tsukimi @ Apr 25th 2006 4:25PM
Wow, I was never really that excited about this game until I saw this video. Now I know that I really do want this game. I hope I'll be able to manage myself a copy :D
Alex @ Apr 25th 2006 4:31PM
I played this game LAST YEAR at E3... and it was F'n great!!! but honestly, just like Zelda, by this time... Who Cares... I've had so many damn pictures waved in my face for a year now that I feel like i've already played through it and have almost no interest in purchasing it when it comes out... Nintendo needs to learn not to show something unless they're going to do soemthing with it in a 6 month time frame.
32_footsteps @ Apr 25th 2006 4:37PM
It does seem intriguing... though I wouldn't jump to conclusions about it being deeper or more shallow than Super Mario World - that wasn't particularly deep, either (I think SMB3 did much more in terms of gameplay than SMW).
The power-ups shown off do look interesting, but let's see how they play, first (as well as how easy it is to get them). Between the the frustrating attempts at using the Frog suit and the pining for more potential uses of the Hammer Bros. suit, Super Mario 3 taught me that you can't judge a power-up until after you see how much use you can get out of it.
Marc @ Apr 25th 2006 5:31PM
O.K. this is basically the first Mario platformer I'll ever play. The reason, my first gaming system was the gamecube (sad, I know), that's only cuz my family wasn't too keen on spending money for "entertainment" (we could never afford the "nice" toys, hence the reason i don't have a ps2).
But after they saw a system that was reletivly cheap, I could buy it. But I didn't get Mario Sunshine cuz I heard bad reviews (come on, a game about cleaning?). So I waited for their next system, the DS. And it took off from there. Although now I have to wait for a game I may not like.....
Thanks for letting me waste your time.
jay @ Apr 25th 2006 5:42PM
I, for one, cannot wait for this game. I don't read into new games. If something is coming out that looks nice, or has a few people excited then I'll wait.
Alex, if a few pictures make you not want a game then stop looking at the pictures?
I never read spoilers or guides, I never read too much into a game unless it's been ordered.
Anywho, a Mario with 2D gameplay. All over that.
striderhayasa @ Apr 25th 2006 6:00PM
Classic 2D Mario platforming on DS with a two player co-op and competitive mode? Sign meeeeeee UP!
Imadogg99 @ Apr 25th 2006 6:09PM
Omfg damn I'm missing Mario badly again... I remember the good old days of Mario on the NES, then the SNES, then the Game Boy and N64... then I went on to Xbox and Xbox360... I'm craving for some Mario. Maybe I could save up some dough for the Revolution and it's version of Super Duper Mario
bobeotm @ Apr 25th 2006 7:41PM
Nintendo fans will like it, because there nintendo fans. It's kinda impossible to be a nintendo fan and not like Mario, since he is in a third of all the games they release. Personally, it looks good, but is it a DS game? I mean, im sure there are some use of the ds functions eventually, but at this point it seems like a game with very little need for two screens (the switch it back and forth to make you notice that there two of em i guess).
The biggest thing I have had an issue with on the DS is the dual screens. The vast majority of games pretty much ignore one screen or the other, slapping a map, or some stats on it. Other games don't even go that far, and you just see sky in the top screen. There are only a handful of games that actually justify the system having two screens instead of one. They could have easiy made a single screen system with touch screen capabilities, but as it stands, most choose to use it way to much, or to ignore it altogether.
Lee @ Apr 25th 2006 7:43PM
I still wish that they'd just have kept with sprites. Is 2D not very good on the DS or something? Because the charm is just lost. Keep thinking how good it could have looked...
I perfectly understand Infendo though, they're right to say not that much has changed, what they don't realise is that it doesn't need to have, it's not new, groundbreaking, or anything, despite how many times that website tried to tell us it was.
If they'd not stopped making 2D Mario's, we might have seen a little more progression than this by now, as it stands, it's got all it needs, Mario's classic excellent gameplay, "now with minor quirks!".
Lee @ Apr 25th 2006 7:44PM
Huh, double post, sorry about that.
Chowweekly @ Apr 25th 2006 8:27PM
@ bobeotm
If the DS only had one screen it would be really annoying trying to play games that had touch screen functionality because your hand would get in the way.
I don't know why you're annoyed that lots of games don't use both screens or have touch functionality. I'm glad people don't tack on awful alternate control schemes or views that utilize the second screen when the normal ones work fine. As it stands I can't think of any games that have "used it way too much." What does that mean? Could you give examples?
bobeotm @ Apr 25th 2006 8:43PM
@ Chowweekly
The DS Sonic game has sonic going back and forth across the two screens all the time, and it just get annoying, especially since there is a gap between the two screens.
There are also quite a few games that tack on some token feature that requires you to pull out the stylus to trace some pattern to pick a lock or some other menial task, only to not use it for another 5 hours. It's pointless to be in there and doesnt add anything to the gameplay experience.
Ryuukuro @ Apr 25th 2006 10:03PM
How can anyone not want this game? It looks like so much fun!
idioteraser @ Apr 25th 2006 10:58PM
AH Super Mario Sunshine got consistently good reviews and it wasn't all about cleaning. It was about removing pollution using a water cannon. Funny things is sony fanboys are going gaga over daxter psp using the same gameplay mechanics.
You use the water cannon to do more then clean btw.
Having a consistently displayed map can be quite handy for a number of games. There is a thumpstrap attachement you can use when needed instead of the stylus.
Dawn of Sorrow it was an easy matter to quickly pull out the stylus and trace the mystic symbol.
Advance Wars DS uses the second screen for stats, terrain info most of the time and you don't really need to use the stylus. I can get the units going a lot faster just using the d-pad and buttons.
There will be more videos. Also the powerup video was meant to be quick and simple. It's showing a breif few seconds of powerup after all. Complex areas would have made the video clip a lot longer and nintendo wants to maximixe the bandwidth.
The frogsuit was pretty funny to use and the hammerbros suit I didn't really mind at all.
Leto @ Apr 26th 2006 1:17AM
What did they do to the water stage tune? They completely butchered it up...
Sloopydrew @ Apr 26th 2006 2:36AM
It nearly puts tears of joy into the eyes of this aging gamer. This is the game I have been waiting for for so long. Unless it isn't as super-magnificient as it looks to be, I say this will jump (get it? "Jump") over Oblivion as Game of the Year.
don_sf @ Apr 26th 2006 3:04AM
the dual screen is rubbish yeh?
u ever played metroid prime? u cannot find a psp fps that gives u amazng controls like that. i like psp and ds equally so i prefer both.
by the way, i don repsrsnt u nintendo fans. i prefa sony ps2 and ps3. i jus see a great game and i tink yeh das a gr8 game.
2d gaming is prooven to be the most succesful over the last 20 years. this is simply bcoz u c som1 playing it and u think thats so simple i can play it and it looks like fun. u see a 3d fps n u dont get da same reaction from all ppl.
and dont even use 'us' with me again bcoz i don wana b a nintendo fan boy jus a fan.
joseph @ Apr 26th 2006 5:38AM
This game looks OKAY, but not anything super special like previous Mario games. There was always something unique and exciting in terms of gameplay that made a new Mario game feel fresh and intriguing, and it looks as if this game fails to bring that to the table. Sure we haven't seen a whole lot of the game, but if there was something like that they'd be showing it off.
That new huge mushroom power-up looks like it takes absolutely ALL skill out of the game and gives you a free pass through that part of the level. Other power-ups from previous games gave you benefits but still forced you to play the game. Also, I've yet to see any stage footage that captures any part of my imagination. What is the big draw here? I love the nostalgia feeling this game tries to create, but it feels so watered-down compared to past Mario games. I wouldn't doubt if this game was incredibly easy. Like another poster stated, they should've stuck with sprites only for this type of Mario side-scroller.