Sorry to drag this thread up over 12 months since the last post but it seemed relevant. I've just completed SMS and wanted to talk about it.
I got this game on US launch (middle of 2002 IIRC), but stopped playing for ages because I got stuck and wasn't enjoying it that much.
Well having got back into a few days ago I like it more. Just beat Bowser with 85 shines, going back it's a nice game. I forgot how bright and vibrant the colours are, they really are a breath of fresh air. What I really liked was all the levels were interconnected as part of one island, on parts of certain levels you can see others, it helps the continuity and makes it all feel part of the same island. Personally didn't have any problems with the camera either, any time it say got stuck behind an object you get a block black Mario overlayed on the object so you can still carry on without any major mishaps.
FLUDD was nice as was the retro levels, even if they did make me scream on numerous occasions. The red coin challenges that occur on the classic levels are suitably rock too.
The jet pack FLUDD was top on 2 levels in particular. Racing around Wave Race style on the airport and the Harbour are two of my stand out moments.
One thing I am a little unclear on is who was the shadow Mario and where did the FLUDD thingy come from? It was probably all explained in game, but the seperation in the time I played it has meant I've forgot.
Also why does Yoshi not like water in SMS? In Mario World he could swim. I might be wrong as I've not played them for ages but I think he could swim in Yoshi Story and Yoshi Island too.
I quite like the blue coins. They can be collected or left, doing either still allows you to complete the game. It adds an extra challenge should you want it. Some of the placing of them are a bit odd, but by in large they're cool. Just wish it showed a little table with them numbered 1-30 and the ones you've collected ticked. Would have made it easier, and fairer, to collect the last few as you know what level to look for them on and if needed a FAQ can be consulted.
I was disappointed with the Bowser fight though. After I'd smashed the switches I thought, cool, let the fight commence. I was expecting a 3D fight like Mario 64 Bowser surrounded by lava. But it never came. Very weak boss IMO. It played nice and looked cool but there should have been more to the battle. The rubbber ducky was sweet though.
Few things I didn't like:
The conclusion to the Moma Peach story. I was expecting big things, bit of a kop out.
Bowsers voice.
The voice actor was ****e.
Having to catch Shadow Mario on every level. Sure include it a few times, but on every level? Needed more innovation than every 7th level of the world having to catch him.
Mario's swimming. For me one of the best things of M64 was swimming. Exploring the 64 worlds underwater was theraputic and fun, the music suitably soothing. You didn't get any of this in SMS with the exception of the red coin challenge where you had to capture that fish that split up on Noki Bay.
Overall, very nice game. Not as good as M64 but still enjoyable despite a few frustrating bits.
I got this game on US launch (middle of 2002 IIRC), but stopped playing for ages because I got stuck and wasn't enjoying it that much.
Well having got back into a few days ago I like it more. Just beat Bowser with 85 shines, going back it's a nice game. I forgot how bright and vibrant the colours are, they really are a breath of fresh air. What I really liked was all the levels were interconnected as part of one island, on parts of certain levels you can see others, it helps the continuity and makes it all feel part of the same island. Personally didn't have any problems with the camera either, any time it say got stuck behind an object you get a block black Mario overlayed on the object so you can still carry on without any major mishaps.
FLUDD was nice as was the retro levels, even if they did make me scream on numerous occasions. The red coin challenges that occur on the classic levels are suitably rock too.
The jet pack FLUDD was top on 2 levels in particular. Racing around Wave Race style on the airport and the Harbour are two of my stand out moments.
One thing I am a little unclear on is who was the shadow Mario and where did the FLUDD thingy come from? It was probably all explained in game, but the seperation in the time I played it has meant I've forgot.
Also why does Yoshi not like water in SMS? In Mario World he could swim. I might be wrong as I've not played them for ages but I think he could swim in Yoshi Story and Yoshi Island too.
I quite like the blue coins. They can be collected or left, doing either still allows you to complete the game. It adds an extra challenge should you want it. Some of the placing of them are a bit odd, but by in large they're cool. Just wish it showed a little table with them numbered 1-30 and the ones you've collected ticked. Would have made it easier, and fairer, to collect the last few as you know what level to look for them on and if needed a FAQ can be consulted.
I was disappointed with the Bowser fight though. After I'd smashed the switches I thought, cool, let the fight commence. I was expecting a 3D fight like Mario 64 Bowser surrounded by lava. But it never came. Very weak boss IMO. It played nice and looked cool but there should have been more to the battle. The rubbber ducky was sweet though.
Few things I didn't like:
The conclusion to the Moma Peach story. I was expecting big things, bit of a kop out.
Bowsers voice.
The voice actor was ****e.Having to catch Shadow Mario on every level. Sure include it a few times, but on every level? Needed more innovation than every 7th level of the world having to catch him.
Mario's swimming. For me one of the best things of M64 was swimming. Exploring the 64 worlds underwater was theraputic and fun, the music suitably soothing. You didn't get any of this in SMS with the exception of the red coin challenge where you had to capture that fish that split up on Noki Bay.
Overall, very nice game. Not as good as M64 but still enjoyable despite a few frustrating bits.
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