When you think of battle royal games, Mario would not be the first choice that comes to mind. Developed by Arika, Super Mario Bros 35 puts the famous plumber back in his first game. This time, the player will have to deal with 34 other players who are trying to survive and send bad things . The result is a remix of the first game that might just cause some anxiety.
In the middle screen, you control Mario as he goes through the levels of the first game. Do not waste time, as the timer has become much shorter. On you right or left, the other players are playing the same level. As enemies are destroyed, the appear in another player’s screen. Ever wonder what the Hammer Bros would do underwater? It can be random or you can pick which player will have their run disrupted. Collecting coins allows you to get a powerup, a must when it gets down to the finish.
Mario 35 owes a lot to Tetris 99. Some of the same mechanics are in play here. The difference is that while you are worrying about other players, you still have to play a game that was not a walk in the park to begin with. The levels do not go in order, so you can not get a rhythm going. Players can vote on what level to play and you might find yourself in an unforgiving world.
If you played the original Super Mario, you will have a slight advantage here. I say slight because things can change in a hurry. Think Mario Maker, but in hell. Luck plays a big factor to. Dodging the enemies sent by the other players, sometimes your only hope is a special item. I cam across quite a few games where the only way to survive is a Invincibility Star. It’s fun, but also sweat inducing.
Mario 35 should be played by fans of battle royal or fans of the original game. It easy to learn, hard to master. It also might be a fun game to think about what could have happened. Different players means you get a different experience every time. And if it gets some of the younger kids to play the original, all the better.
8/10
Available on Switch.
https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/super-mario-bros-35-switch/