Review Information
Game Reviewed Mario vs the Koopas Remix, by Castor
Review Author Cap'n Coconuts
Created Jun 9 2014, 2:52 AM

General Commentary and Game Overview
Mario vs the Koopas Remix is a sequel to Mario vs the Koopas, made by the same author. How is it different from its predecessor? What does it have to offer that its predecessor doesn't? And, most importantly, does it meet or raise the bar of quality once set by MvsK?
 
Pros + Custom graphics, which is always nice
+ Not a Hello Engine clone
+ Good level design
+ Has interesting levels, power-ups, and bosses
+ Good difficulty curve
 
Cons - Generic "save the princess" plot
- Lack of polish
- No replay value
 
Impressions
Gameplay
7 / 10
The physics and gameplay are similar to that of its predecessor, though the game has a different map, different levels, and a somewhat different scenario (though it still has the "saving the princess" cliche). The physics are kind of floaty, which might throw off some people, but I don't mind them too much.

Unfortunately, the game feels rough around the edges, as if it didn't get ample bug testing. I think one good early example of this is how the fireball trajectory works. Try jumping around all over stage 2 with a Fire Flower and you might see fireballs collide with walls when they shouldn't--or even phasing through the wall and accelerating upward. Castor, you ought to find a few bug testers before you release a game. Generally speaking, no one likes buggy games.
 
Graphics
7 / 10
The game features custom-made graphics, which is pretty great. Alas, the graphics are a bit rough around the edges themselves. One particular example that stands out is Kamek's speech in the beginning, where the message box prints out every word at a time rather than printing out letters. I've not seen any other game do that before, and I can see why: it looks just plain ugly. And alas, there are a few animations that are less than satisfactory.

Overall, it's great that you're using your own graphics, Castor, but the matter of HOW you are using that graphics needs some adjustments.
 
Sound
8 / 10
I don't have any major issues with the music or sounds, as they all seem to work well. I don't really mind the fact that the game uses both MIDIs and MP3s, although some people might not be too fond of mixing them.

The only problem I have is that there's no innovation as far as sound goes. What I would really like to see (er, hear) is some original piece, or perhaps an arrangement of a piece that is great but isn't too well known. Generic Mario music fits the setting but isn't amazing enough to score a 10.
 
Replay
1 / 10
This game has no apparent replay value to speak of as far as I can tell, unless you want to play through the whole game again. How about some hard-to-get collectibles, or a difficulty setting, or some bonus levels?

Sorry, but no replay value means a minimal replay score in my book.
 
Final Words
7 / 10
Don't get me wrong--it's fun, but a lack of polish makes it feel inferior to its predecessor.

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