Mario Clash

Despite being labeled by Next Generation as "perhaps the most promising title" for the Virtual Boy before its release, it received mixed reception upon launch. Almost all of GameFan Magazines staff chose Mario Clash as their favourite Virtual Boy game during their test of the console pre-release due to its combination of platform gameplay with 3D effects. One reviewer praised the game's 3D effects, while both felt it became tedious over time. GamePros brief review praised the excellent use of the Virtual Boy's 3D feature but hinted that the Virtual Boy hardware did not do the game justice, expressing hope that the game would be released for the Super NES. Electronic Gaming Monthlys four reviewers were divided: Andrew Baran and Mike Desmond complained of loose control which makes it difficult to jump on a target, and felt the game is "okay" but becomes dull after a short while, whereas Mark Lefebvre and Sushi-X argued that the simple gameplay is addictive and that the game makes perfect use of the Virtual Boy hardware. Next Generation commented, "In the end, Mario Smash doesn't deliver the next generation of gaming, it's not addictive, exciting, or even nice looking, but it's a darn good distraction in an interesting new format." Retrospective reviews were similarly mixed. During a retrospective feature by Australian video game talk show Good Game. the presenters said that Mario Clash tried to revive the series' arcade roots but "wasn't very good. Nintendo Life found its sprites "boring" and "flat," and criticized its lack of a save function. However, they did feel that players would find it challenging if they stuck with it for long enough. Nintendojo felt that it was a "worthwhile romp" and an "innovative departure" from Mario Bros. GamesRadar praised the game, stating: "It actually made brilliant use of 3D... The level designs featured a huge amount of variety, and figuring each one out was enormously fun." Official Nintendo Magazine called it a "fun little game", but criticized the Virtual Boy hardware for causing headaches during gameplay. UGO Networks Marissa Meli felt that the game's font made it look rushed. UGO Networks later called Mario Clash the low point of the Mario series. Allgames Scott Alan Marriott said the 3D design gives the game more depth than the original Mario Bros., but that the gameplay is repetitive and has no long-term appeal due to the lack of a save system for high scores. IGN likewise called it a "mildly clever" game held back by the lack of a save feature for high scores, the Virtual Boy's "awkward" controller, and the console's red-and-black display. They also felt it "underrated". PALGN's Luke called it one of the hardest Mario games ever made. Mario Clash has been a popular suggestion for a 3DS remake by critics. They also named it one of the five 3D games of Nintendo's past that were most deserving of a rerelease on the Nintendo 3DS, 1UP.com staff called it a good game that would be given new life on the 3DS. In an interview with Nintendo 3DS hardware director Hideki Konno, IGNs Craig Harris said he was surprised a Mario Clash tech demo was not among those created to show off the 3DS console at its premiere event. Game mechanics of Mario Clash were also used as a microgame in WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! for the Game Boy Advance and its remake WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Party Games! for the GameCube.