“NES Remix 2” Review

When the original NES Remix came out last year, people expected a really enjoyable title that could be recommended to anybody that enjoyed retro video gaming at any point in their lives.  Unfortunately, despite its entertainment value, it was marred by…

When the original NES Remix came out last year, people expected a really enjoyable title that could be recommended to anybody that enjoyed retro video gaming at any point in their lives.  Unfortunately, despite its entertainment value, it was marred by irresponsive controls that almost made the game unplayable. Thankfully, those issues have become an afterthought with NES Remix 2.

What Is It?

Obvious improvement in controls aside, NES Remix 2 is not unlike its predecessor.

The game breaks up several NES classics into microgames that players will finish in just seconds, after which they’ll be rated using a 3-star system that’s gauged based on how fast the player completes a microgame.

Completing a microgame unlocks even more levels, and the game meant to be played in small doses ends up being a title quite easy to binge.

Why Should I Care?

NES Remix 2 packs a whole lot more than the original did.  While it doesn’t include any of the NES games from its predecessor, the library featuring titles such as Super Mario Bros 2 and 3, Kirby Adventure, Dr. Mario, Punch-Out!!, Metroid, and a slew of others demonstrates a necessary variety to keep the microgames fresh.

Like NES Remix before it, at first the game starts out with simple tasks such as kicking a shell in Super Mario Bros. 3 to eradicating a virus in Dr. Mario and then they eventually get a tad more challenging.  Now, instead of just kicking a shell in Super Mario Bros. 3, you have to kick it at an item block to collect a power leaf, or eradicate two viruses at once in Dr. Mario.

Yes, it’s all pretty standard stuff, but what really makes NES Remix 2 worth playing is its remixed stages.  Some stages flatout make a lot of the games more interesting.  For example, there’s one Dr. Mario-themed stage that forces you to pop a moving virus–definitely a far cry from simply popping two stationary ones.

Then you have the remixed stages that really change the game by throwing aspects from one game into another.  For example, one of the remixed stages requires you to use the floating Peach from Super Mario Bros. 2 to clear a stage in Super Mario Bros. 3.  Another one forces you to beat the the Wispy Woods tree in Kirby Adventure while Boos from Super Mario Bros. 3 try to sneak up on Kirby.

So while the game definitely does start off slow, it does a good job of doing just enough to keep players motivated to play all the more standard games before making everything more interesting and appealing.

What Makes It Worth My Time And Money?

Also included with NES Remix 2 is Super Luigi Bros., which is essentially the original Super Mario Bros. except flipped horizontally.  So instead of side–scrolling your way from left to right, it’s right to left.

As stated, the original NES Remix really could’ve been a good game had the controls been just up to Nintendo’s usual standard.  This is no longer a problem in NES Remix 2, and it comes with a compilation of even more fun games to play.  The only issue is it doesn’t include anything from the previous game. Still, those interested won’t do themselves a disservice by picking this game up at the eShop.