Dr. Mario Online RX Review

I know, so soon.

Platform: WiiWare

Genre: Puzzle

Release: Today (5/26/08)

Dr. Mario was first released on the NES, then on the N64. This series hasn't changed a whole lot at all, but with this new WiiWare version, quite a bit is added. The whole Dr. Mario thing really is only half the game (more on that later).
You can use the new four-types-of-controlls scheme utilized in SSBB and Mario Kart, and play with one or two players. That's right, the four player mode was lost from the N64 - but that's OK, because it used to stretch the screen out, and it was really small. In fact, my family chose to play rounds of one-on-one instead of four players at a time. So anyway, 'didn't lose much here. There's also no story mode (which was some-what entertaining, but over-rated.), just classic mode. Classic mode is the same, with the same songs, same difficulties, etc. Good old Dr. Mario.

You can play online as well, and it follows the now standard NWFC rules - start with 5,000 points, choose Worldwide or local opponents, etc. You can even play with a friend over WiFi who doesn't have the game. A nice feature on WiFi is the ability to sellect messages to send. Though limited, it prevents profanity, and still adds some depth to the game. You can say things like "One more game," "good game," and even "neener neener."

Speaking of neener neener, I was up against a guy with more wins than I had (hey, he must have been playing all day), I beat him, said "neener neener" and left. I searched for a new opponent, and guess who it was? He defeated me and said "neener neener" right back at me. It made me laugh.

Unfortunately, I have to point out a few faults; the audio. The music can get a bit obnoxious and the sound effects so repetitive. Eventually you may be tempted to mute the game.
A bonus feature is Virus Buster, an up-to-four-player mode where you point-and-click on the vitamins to move and flip them. It's nice to play occasionally, but the graphics are much better on Dr. Mario, so I usually stick to that.

Overall, this game is a bargain for 1,000 Wii Points, it could probably even sell for 2,000. If you enjoy Dr. Mario and/or Puzzle games, I recommend this for download.

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I'll see you on Wifi, under the name "gamahwatch" (.com didn't fit >_<). Here's my pic below.