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Mario
Kids
So I gave Super Mario Bros Movie a go the other night, and honestly? I went in expecting something super basic - just another movie-themed browser game slapped together to ride the hype. But I was surprised in a good way. It's got that classic side-scrolling Mario feel, but with a visual upgrade that clearly pulls from the movie's colorful world. The levels are bright, the animations a bit smoother than you'd expect from a web game, and the soundtrack? Kinda catchy in a remixed, cinematic way. You play as Mario, of course, running and jumping through levels filled with familiar stuff - Goombas, mushrooms, coins, and all those floating bricks. The controls aren't perfect, but they're good enough to let you zip around and enjoy the ride. I wouldn't say it reinvents anything, but it brings a nice nostalgic hit if you've played the classics. The gameplay itself is super accessible. Levels are short, like really short, which makes it great if you're just taking a quick break or don't want to think too hard. There are a few hidden coins here and there, and you still get the usual power-ups like fire flowers and invincibility stars, which feel just as fun now as they did when I was a kid. I did notice the physics felt slightly floaty - like, Mario doesn't land with that satisfying thud I'm used to - but honestly, that just gave it this weird dreamlike vibe. And I don't know if it was intentional, but it kinda worked? The backgrounds are movie-inspired and look pretty cool, especially Peach's Castle and the lava sections. It's clear that someone put effort into tying the aesthetic back to the film, even if the gameplay itself stays super traditional. Nothing too wild, no puzzles or gimmicks - just clean, simple platforming. And sometimes, that's exactly what you need. All in all, Super Mario Bros Movie isn't some groundbreaking reinvention, but it doesn't try to be. It's a browser game with heart, and that's more than I can say for a lot of movie tie-ins out there. Sure, it's short, and yeah, there's the occasional weird jump or awkward collision, but it's fun. It reminded me of those old-school Flash games we all used to play back in the day - just with a bit more polish. I'd totally play it again when I'm bored or want something light. If you love Mario or just want to see what the movie fuss is about in game form, this is a sweet little tribute. Nothing too serious, nothing too messy - just good vibes, a few grins, and maybe a fire flower or two.
