


Ideas and moves from the 3D games transitioned across, too, such as butt stomping and wall jumping, while level design had greater freedom and capabilities compared to what had been possible way back in the early '90s. In that context, the 'New' branding made sense, and there was huge buzz when Nintendo unveiled the look of the game on DS - adopting 3D modelling and polygons for a 2.5D impression, it was a major change in 2D Mario platforming. Classic 2D Mario platforming just fell off the radar for multiple generations. In previous entries in this series we've written about Nintendo experimenting with new ideas and characters and bolting on the Super Mario brand, and then focusing years of effort and resources into 3D Mario gaming. Almost unbelievable to consider now, but it was actually the first new 2D Mario game in around 14 years when it arrived, with its predecessor - excluding spin-offs featuring Wario or Yoshi and remakes - being on the Game Boy. In 2006, however, the arrival of on DS was hugely significant. For some, there was just too much 2D Mario at one time.

Those debates and points were particularly voluble in 2012, which brought us both on 3DS and as a Wii U launch title. Assessing 2D Mario games in the 'New' series in 2015 naturally features arguments of repetition, frequency of releases and some calls for fresh ideas. 2006 Nintendo Life The 'New' new by Share: In this series of articles we'll write about one or more Mario games per day, each representing a different year as part of our Super Mario 30th Anniversary celebrations.
