3DS
Super Mario Land - I never played this when it first came out (I was more of a Game Gear aficionado), but have since corrected the error of my ways. It was a fun game, but the controls were touchy, even compared to other Mario games. I had a hell of a time on the first play through, but nowhere near as bad a time the second play through. I think I expected it to play like any other Mario, in which I can keep my finger on the run button at all times. Doing that in this game caused me to die countless times. Once my small, pea-sized brain, figured that out, it was pretty smooth sailing.
The various level themes were different, real different. While there is nothing really new to themed levels in a Mario game the moai, Asian, plane and submarine levels had to take Mario a little out of his comfort zone.
The new 'super shot' flower upgrade added some strategy to the play, too. No longer could I simply spam the fire button and expect to kill enemies, but I had to actually aim for my targets and hope it hit within the 50+ bounces it got before it ran out and I could shoot again. The trade off for this (if you want to call it that) is that now I could pick up coins with it. A nice bonus, I suppose, but I did miss being able to spam the fireballs.
I appreciate the save state-esque 'Restore Point' that Nintendo has given us with the VC, but can't understand why I can't assign buttons how I would like. This isn't the early ninety's anymore Big N, it's not gonna ruin your game if I change the layout for run and jump so that it's more enjoyable. B+
3D Classic Remakes: Excite Bike
Find Mii
PSP
Final Fantasy IV Complete Collection