Why does New Super Mario Bros. 2 look so bland?

"When the first screenshots for New Super Mario Bros. 2 were revealed last month, I had this crazy notion that Nintendo discovered a way to add DLC to NSMB on the DS. It wasn't until I saw that big "2" that I realized it was a full-blown sequel.

A new Mario game -- not some odd spinoff but a true Mario platformer -- ought to be cause for celebration. Instead, I was deeply concerned that I had trouble distinguishing this sequel from its predecessor. Why should I be? Isn't it typical for a new game in a series to look similar to the ones prior? Well, not when we're talking about Mario.", writes Destructoid.

[dark-hollow]

i never really liked new super mario bros on the ds.
it felt bland, uninspired compared to mario galaxy and even new super mario bros for the wii.

[HammadTheBeast]

There's only so much you can do with Mario after what, 25-30 years?

Anyways, I hope it's something fresh and new.

[dark-hollow]

not true, galaxy games proved that mario series can be as fresh as ever but yet maintain the same charm of the older games.

[Hisiru]

To be fair, the "new" series looks bland (and the games are extremely easy) but I still have fun, in the end I play games for fun so I will buy NSMB2.

Also, it has tanooki suit + P meter.

[Kamikaze135]

Because it's a Mario platforming game that offers nothing new. It's using a LOT of old assets and just feels too familiar.

[PopRocks359]

I fail to see how familiarity also means lack of quality.

[PirateThom]

There was no mention of quality.

I totally understand the complaint though. Mario games are continually playable and they're always fun, but it's hard to take a formula that works so well and change it to any degree.

I haven't played a lot of the more recent Mario games, Glaxy/Super Paper/New Super on DS are as up to date as I am but I feel I could wait another few years and play the next batch and they'll still feel the same.

It's a valid complain that seems to be used against a lot of franchises that aren't Mario.

[Uncharted2Vet]

cause its the same crap its been for over 30 yrs, it took you this long to realize that?

[BiggCMan]

So we're still climbing ladders and avoiding barrels to get to Donkey Kong? Interesting!

[Hicken]

Weren't those actually Donkey Kong games?

[interrergator]

had mario in there lol

[Y_5150]

GOLD is the theme of the game! I will pick up New Super Mario Bros. 2 regardless. Do I really need to say my reasons?

[christheredhead]

Definitely still buying it regardless of how bland it looks. The gameplay is way to satisfying as a platformer to pass up.

I have yet to play a Mario game that wasn't fun though.

[eagle21]

BS, wait till you see the game in motion first. There are screenshots and BULLshots these days. Gimme the gameplay. I definitely want it to be more on par with NSMBW. I love that one best in the "New" series. I'm buying it regardless of screenshots.

[Shok]

The art style is rather lazy and dull. Especially for a Nintendo game.

[ChickeyCantor]

HOY DERrr YU.
MIrieo ish the Bist Gem RRvrrr.

It looked fine to be honest.
I just wish they would go full 2D and do their art completely magical.

However, looking at the remake of the Yoshis Island game on the DS. I think they completely botched the art. Dunno what Nintendo will do if they went completely 2D.

[mike1up]

Doubting Mario?

Haven't we learned anything yet?

[iNFAMOUZ1]

its called growing up youll never have the same fun as before, kinda how you never meet someone as before but totally different

[thebudgetgamer]

Still waiting for a new Mario Bros. game.

[Khordchange]

nintendo puts all its effort in the 3d mario games because they have too, they don't try on the 2d ones as much because they sell anyway. Would I love them to go all out with the graphics and creativity? Of course, but Im not sure nintendo will do that. They could easily surprise me

[chrispen9]

Because Nintendo is lazy and people are finally figuring that out.

[Qrphe]

Meh, I think we just outgrew Mario. Wii and DS Marios were entertaining for a few minutes for me but then I couldn't go on lol, my little cousins love them though

[MySwordIsHeavenly]

Because Miyamoto isn't personally making it. That is the trend with Mario games. If he makes them, they are good. If he doesn't, they are usually just mediocre. (For Mario games, anyway. Most of them are at least solid games.)

[interrergator]

mario is missing is one of them he didnt make and that made me sad :(

[Sucitta]

same formula for 30 years and it still packs more fun then most of the AAA titles.

do this day nothing compares to mariokart or smash bros for multi player fun factor.

[DwightOwen]

Super Mario Bros. 3 still plays great to this day.

[Darukain]

Imagine this, Map editors...

[lizard81288]

I wish they would go outside the normal. Use some Super Mario World characters, Land characters, Yoshi's island, Sunshine, ect. Mix it up, but keep the Koopas and Goombas in.

[Jagsrock]

I dunno about it being bland, NSMB wii's early stages were a bit less exciting but I thought things definitely livened up later in the game, not to mention the final level was pretty fantastic. Overall NSMB was a great game, could they have pushed the envelope a bit? sure would have loved for them to do something similar to DKC returns in terms out art style but the fact that the game is still a blast to play kind of makes it a non issue for me.

Also I do believe people are forgetting that although Mario games the NSMB games are almost like a side series for mario anymore and the NSMB 2 is being made simply in response to the tremendous sales of the 1st one. Miyamoto is more concerned with pushing the envelope with 3d mario. Despite this they have rolled out some very beautiful side scrolling games in the recent past, they're just not mario games. (ie, kirbys epic yarn, wario land shake it, DKC returns,)