New Super Mario Bros features huge vivid 2D worlds inspired by those from the classic Mario adventures, but combined with beautifully rendered 3D characters which almost seem to jump out of the screen. Each world has a different theme and features multiple levels, which must be completed before progressing to the next one. Players must also master each world’s mini fortress and beat a boss character before they can progress onto the next world. Only after defeating all of the bosses will a character be ready to take on the ultimate challenge of Bowser himself.

The Mario brothers have a few new tricks up their sleeves since their last side-scrolling adventure, utilising some all-new abilities to help them through this latest adventure. As well as the classic moves, they can add a spring to their step with three new jumps. To reach high ledges they can perform a triple jump or bounce off a nearby wall thanks to the handy wall jump ability. Our heroes can even get a small height boost by bouncing off the heads of conveniently placed enemies.

During the course of a level, our heroes can use a little artificial stimulation to really tip the balance in their favour. Some of the most popular power-ups from classic Mario are back, allowing players to use Mushrooms to grow, Fireflowers to fry their enemies and the elusive Starman to become invincible. However, the fun doesn’t stop there, with a host of all new power-ups available including a mushroom that makes the player as big as the screen and one that can shrink them to the size of a mouse!

All this fun is too good not to share. Thanks to a host of multiplayer options players can enjoy the adventures with up to four players. Two players can battle it out wirelessly as they compete to collect stars on specially designed stages. Up to four players can also take part in a selection of touch-screen mini-games with only one game cartridge thanks to DS Download Play.