G4TV

Mario has had more jobs than Barbie, but we've been able to suspend disbelief for the last 20 years: We bought him as a racecar driver, a star athlete, and even a doctor. However, trying him to pass him off as a CEO of a toy company is just going too far. Even if we did believe it, the fact that he hired the loose-canon Donkey Kong, tie or not, as a trusted employee shows he's in over his head. The big ape proves this by going nuts for Pauline, the original Donkey Kong damsel in distress (and a much more Italian-looking lady, making us wonder if Mario chose the wrong "steady").

Here's The Windup

Mario doesn't go in to save Pauline himself -- perhaps for fear of pissing off Princess Peach. The stars here are little windup miniatures. These mini Marios are like little stunt double plumbers, and will do what you tell them to do through stylus swipes. Levels feature a plethora of new and Mario-inspired obstacles and enemies, with the goal being guiding as many minis as possible through the exit gate.

Similarities to the classic puzzle game Lemmings are no coincidence, but Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 updates the genre for the masses: It's bright, colorful, and not so difficult that you'll rip out your moustache. New gameplay elements are revealed constantly during the game's 80-plus level affair, but each one is clever and inspires you to continue. Minis cling to walls; rotate green pipes; and swing on poles to reach the goal. Most of these mechanics work expertly with the stylus, and the only problem comes from the fact that two minis touching will cause them to turn around and go in the opposite direction.

Replay is extensive thanks to unlockable mini-games and the irresistible urge to score better medals. Saving mini Marios is encouraged, too, as they act as ammo in end-of-world boss battles against Donkey Kong. These boss battles are far from the game's best moments and you'll rip through the levels faster than you thought possible, but it's still an addictive, engaging single-player title.

Tinker Toy

Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2 has one of the best level creators we've seen to date. Because of its 2D layout and various themes, crafting your own stage is both exciting and user-friendly. Show them off to friends wirelessly, or upload them via Nintendo Wi-Fi. You can also download user-made levels, meaning there's no end to the number of stages you can play (the game card saves 32 downloaded levels). 

Mario vs. Donkey Kong: March of the Minis is an extremely refreshing puzzler that should find a huge audience on Nintendo DS. It may not have the legacy of Lemmings or the multiplayer gaming of Worms, but its stages are brilliantly crafted and the creator can't be beat. Just don't let us catch you phoning in another performance, Mario; it's our game-buying dollars that pay your salary.

Article by: Justin Leeper
Video produced by: Eric Acasio