Gamer Square

Amazon.com Review
The world’s favorite plumber makes his first appearance (along with playable characters Luigi, Peach, and Toad) on the Game Boy Advance, and, for the most part, Mario’s arrival is welcome indeed.

Super Mario Advance is primarily a slightly tweaked port of Super Mario Bros. 2, the (still) very popular side scroller from the days of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). So expect plenty of running, jumping, and hurling of items at many a foe.

The game’s graphics and sound have been a given a nice overhaul from the original game, and are clear and bright enough to please old-school and new fans alike. While Nintendo did a good job shrinking the visuals down to handheld size, the tiny GBA screen can get very busy at times, making accidental death due to sometimes less-than-precise controls frustratingly frequent–at least in the beginning. Most gamers should overcome such mishaps with a little patience.

Also included is the still fun, if forgettable, original Mario Bros. game from many eons ago. Up to four players can engage in a coin-collecting battle mode or the classic mode. Super Mario Advance isn’t the game to show off the power of the GBA, but it is a long, fun title that will satisfy today’s gamers with a taste from the best of Mario’s past. –Mark Brooks

Pros:

• One of the best NES games is faithfully ported
• Upgraded sound and graphics
• Gameplay is easy to get into

Cons:

• Somewhat loose controls
• Neither fresh nor original for those who’ve played the NES version

Product Description
Super Mario Advance brings back the fun of Super Mario Bros. in the new game!

Product Description
This brilliant survival guide was available only for a short time from Bethesda Softworks to promote their hit video game Fallout 3. Written in the style of a 1950s pamphlet, profusely illustrated with cartoons, diagrams, and do-it-yourself projects, this is one of the most brilliant video game collectibles you’re likely to find. Filled with all the dry wit and 1950s advertising kitsch of one of 2008′s most popular games, this booklet is perfect for any fan of the post-Apocolypse. From the introduction: “So…you’re thinking about going aboveground? As responsible American citizens, we implore you to remain underground in the safety of your vault until the all-clear signal is given. There’s no need to be impatient. The authorities will contact your Overseer the moment it is safe to return to the surface. On the other hand — and ths is the important part — should you leave the vault, there is a slim chance of your survival. Beyond one-half mile away from the vault, only one in ten will survive. The others will die a frightening, unspeakable death. If you still feel it necessary to venture out of the cocoon of safety provided to you by Vault-Tec, make sure you have completely read the following material. After several readings, we are confident you will understand why staying underground is the best option.”