Super Mario Bros 3 Card Game Review

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In the world of video games, few franchises are as iconic as Super Mario Bros. With a legacy spanning over three decades, the series has seen numerous spin-offs, merchandise, and even a board game. In 2017, USAopoly released the Super Mario Bros. 3 Card Game, a new take on the classic platformer. As a fan of both card games and Mario, I was excited to dive in and see how this game stacks up.

Super Mario Bros. 3 is widely regarded as one of the best games of all time, and its charm and appeal are still evident today. The card game attempts to capture the spirit of the original, with players taking on the role of Mario, Luigi, or Princess Peach as they navigate through various levels and worlds. But does it succeed in bringing the magic of the Mushroom Kingdom to the tabletop?

Gameplay Overview

The Super Mario Bros. 3 Card Game is designed for 2-4 players, and a typical game session lasts around 30-60 minutes. Players start by selecting their character and drawing a starting hand of five cards. The deck consists of various cards, including:

• Level cards, which represent different stages from the game, such as the Grass Land or Desert Land
• Power-up cards, like mushrooms, fire flowers, or stars, which grant special abilities and bonuses
• Enemy cards, which feature iconic foes like Goombas, Koopa Troopas, or Bowser's minions
• Item cards, which provide temporary benefits or penalties

Players take turns playing one card from their hand per turn, with the goal of navigating through the levels and collecting power stars. Each level card has a specific requirement, such as defeating a certain number of enemies or collecting a set amount of coins. Power-up cards can be used to aid in these challenges, while enemy cards can hinder progress.

Level Cards and World Navigation

The level cards are the heart of the game, and they do an excellent job of recreating the feel of navigating through the original game's worlds. Each level card has a unique challenge and requirement, which adds a layer of strategy to the game. Players must carefully plan their card plays to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies.

The game includes several world cards, which represent the different realms from the original game. These cards serve as a sort of "board" for the game, providing a visual representation of the players' progress. As players complete levels, they can move their character card to the next world, unlocking new challenges and opportunities.

Power-ups and Items

Power-up cards are a key component of the game, and they can greatly impact a player's chances of success. The game includes a variety of power-ups, such as mushrooms, fire flowers, and stars, each with its own unique ability. These cards can be used to defeat enemies, collect coins, or overcome obstacles.

Item cards, on the other hand, provide temporary benefits or penalties. These cards can be used to gain an advantage or hinder an opponent's progress. Items like the "Super Leaf" or "Tanooki Suit" can grant a player a significant boost, while others, like the "Poison Mushroom," can hinder their progress.

Enemy Cards and Challenges

Enemy cards represent the various foes that players must defeat to progress through the game. These cards can be challenging to overcome, especially when combined with other enemy cards or obstacles. Players must carefully plan their card plays to defeat these enemies and complete the level challenges.

The game includes several boss cards, which represent the iconic bosses from the original game. These cards have unique challenges and requirements, and defeating them can provide significant rewards.

Components and Production Quality

The Super Mario Bros. 3 Card Game comes with a variety of components, including:

• 200 cards, featuring level cards, power-up cards, enemy cards, and item cards
• 4 character cards, representing Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, and Toad
• 4 world cards, representing the different realms from the original game
• 1 rulebook
• 1 box insert

The production quality of the game is excellent, with high-quality cards and character tokens. The box art and insert are also well-designed, making it easy to store and transport the game.

Conclusion

The Super Mario Bros. 3 Card Game is a fun and challenging take on the classic platformer. The game does an excellent job of capturing the spirit of the original, with its unique level cards, power-up cards, and enemy cards. The game is well-suited for fans of the Mario series, as well as those who enjoy card games and strategy.

While the game has some minor flaws, such as the occasional feeling of luck over strategy, it is overall a well-designed and engaging game. If you're a fan of Mario or card games, I highly recommend checking out the Super Mario Bros. 3 Card Game.

Rating

• Gameplay: 8/10
• Components: 9/10
• Production Quality: 9/10
• Overall: 8.5/10