While it was not a part of the demo build I received, a major feature of Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis is the level designer. Not only can you create your own levels, a feature new to the series, but you can trade these custom-made levels online via the Nintendo WiFi Connection. This should greatly extend the game’s replayability once you’ve beaten the game, as you can just keep downloading new levels until the cows come home.



For this sequel, Nintendo has chosen to forgo the original Mario vs. DK’s pre-rendered 3D sprites for a cartoonier look that is much more aesthetically pleasing. The vibrant graphics are bursting with color and brimming with cheerfulness. The same can be said for the music, which is the standard upbeat Mario fare.

While I would have preferred a sequel that built upon the original Mario vs. Donkey Kong’s platforming elements, Mario vs. DK 2: March of the Minis looks like it should be a great DS title to pick up for those looking for a bright and cheery puzzle game with lots of longevity.

Preview by Michael Walker.