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Mario
Kids
Adventure
There's something oddly comforting about going back to a game that looks and plays like the classics. Mario Bros Deluxe doesn't pretend to reinvent the wheel - it proudly leans into that retro aesthetic, and honestly? That's exactly what makes it so fun. From the pixel-style sprites to the cheerful background music that immediately triggers nostalgia, this game feels like a love letter to the early days of platforming. The first time I booted it up, I kind of just smiled. It felt like being handed an old Game Boy Color, except this time I didn't have to worry about AA batteries. After spending a bit more time with it, I realized that the simplicity is what truly pulls you in. You're not dealing with complicated mechanics, lengthy cutscenes, or overloaded menus - just pure, responsive platforming. The gameplay flows really naturally, almost like your hands remember what to do before your brain does. Run, hop, dodge, repeat. There's a rhythm to it that's genuinely satisfying. I noticed how well the level layout gradually increases in difficulty without being frustrating. Some moments gave me flashbacks to those old-school "just-one-more-try" sessions. And while I wouldn't say the game throws any major surprises at you, it does a great job keeping things fresh through varied environments and pacing. There were even a couple stages where I found myself grinning at a particularly clever pipe placement or enemy combo - it's those small touches that show the developers really cared. But even if you're not a diehard fan of retro games, Mario Bros Deluxe still has something to offer. It's a great little break from the chaos of modern, overcomplicated platformers. There's something really satisfying about a game that doesn't waste time with tutorials or menus - you press start, and you're in. That pick-up-and-play quality is kind of rare nowadays. Personally, I found myself playing a couple levels in between work just to de-stress. It's not perfect - some of the level pacing feels a bit uneven, and a few enemy placements made me groan more than smile - but in the end, it delivers on what it promises. So if you're looking for a short, sweet platforming experience that feels like it came straight out of your childhood, this one's got you covered.
