New Super Mario Bros. 2

New Super Mario Bros. 2
Developer	Nintendo
Publisher	Nintendo
System	Nintendo 3DS
Release Date	JP July 28, 2012 EU August 17, 2012 AU August 18, 2012 US August 18, 2012
Rating	ESRB: E

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a handheld sidescrolling platformer that was released for the Nintendo 3DS in 2012. It is actually the third game within the Super Mario series to bear the New Super Mario Bros. game, following the original New Super Mario Bros. and New Super Mario Bros. Wii.

Story

Mario and Luigi had just set out on their own adventure with Super Leaves provided by Princess Peach. However, they do not make it far before they encounter the Koopa Clown Car, which is loaded with all eight of the original Koopalings. It quickly becomes apparent that they have already kidnapped Princess Peach, so Mario and Luigi set out to save her.

Gameplay

This game follows the traditional Mario gameplay style from the original Super Mario Bros. games, with the embellishments that had been added in New Super Mario Bros. (as well as a similar graphics style). Like New Super Mario Bros., it features an overworld map with hidden worlds that can be unlocked through finishing levels through alternate routes. It also includes power-ups from thar game such as the Mini and Mega Mushrooms. This game also brings back the Super Leaf from Super Mario Bros. 3, following its return appearance in Super Mario 3D Land.

New Super Mario Bros. 2 adds an emphasis on collecting coins, with a counter compiling the total amount that a player has amassed throughout the game. Records can be uploaded to the Nintendo Network through the Streetpass feature. There are also several new items reflecting the focus on coin-collecting, including a special version of the Fire Flower that produces fireballs which turn blocks into coins and a block that Mario can wear as a mask, which produces coins while Mario moves. The game also has an additonal mode (unlocked after completing the first world) called Coin Rush, where the player focuses on collecting as many coins as possible within a time limit.

A two-player co-op feature is also present, and players can choose who plays Mario and who plays Luigi. This game also received DLC in the form of packs containing new courses for the Coin Rush mode.

Legacy

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS features a stage based on New Super Mario Bros. 2.

Sequels

In terms of both New Super Mario Bros. games and mainstream Mario adventures in general, it was followed up by New Super Mario Bros. U for the Wii U in 2012.