I'm replaying some GB games for ranking, and this game isn't great. The physics and momentum feel off, and the platforming is some of the most stress enducing i've experienced. It doesnt have a good flow, as there are times where I had to play without run button held so i don't fall off. due to strange acceleration. Unlike Super Mario Bros. games on NES, where you can hold run and, well, run though the levels without any issues as they have great flow and the levels are mindful of the player's capabilities. For this game however, you're likely to die in a pit trying to land on a moving platform with stiff midair controls. Even the first Super Mario Bros. game has better physics. Sure, that one also has stiff controls, but at least the momentum and gravity are predictable, while in this game, you gain high speed the instant you hold a direction with run button held. I managed to accidentally fall into a pit a few times due to this. This game isn't bad, it's actually pretty short and has decent music, but I'd rather play any other Mario game over this.

Reviewed on Jan 24, 2022


2 Comments


Did you play on the original Gameboy or a younger incarnation? Cause last time I wheeled it out, after some years distance, I still knew any pattern and immediately finished the game under 15 minutes. It's possible my childhood conditioning took over on autopilot, but I did not have the feeling I can't control this. It's possible though it's different on a sharper screen like the follow up devices have, just as it works the other way round with Donkey Kong Land - old Game Boy a mushy mess but on the newer ones it looks better so you can actually see where you're going.

2 years ago

@Merkur_Schroeder emulated. the display is not an issue.