Overview
Super Mario TGF II delivers a nostalgic trip through the Mushroom Kingdom with its faithful recreation of classic Mario elements, but stumbles with inconsistent mechanics that frustrate players. This fan-made homage captures the charm of the original with bright visuals and familiar enemies, yet critical flaws in its core platforming prevent it from becoming more than a fleeting curiosity. It's a game that promises simple fun but leaves players wrestling with unpredictable challenges instead of enjoying the adventure.
A Familiar Yet Flawed Journey
Super Mario TGF II nails the aesthetic essence of Nintendo’s iconic series. Vibrant, blocky landscapes mirror the 8-bit origins, complete with coins, item blocks, and enemies like Koopa Troopas and spiky monsters. Levels feel suspiciously reminiscent of early Mario stages, offering straightforward platforming challenges across five distinct worlds. The nostalgic presentation works hard to win over fans, with colourful backdrops and sprite work that, while unoriginal, successfully channels retro appeal.
This game was so close to being a good Super Mario clone but one thing went wrong.
Acidic
Where the experience unravels is in its unreliable physics. Jumping—the cornerstone of Mario gameplay—behaves erratically, particularly when landing on enemies. Sometimes a stomp defeats foes as expected; other times, it inexplicably kills Mario instead. This inconsistency transforms basic platforming into a gamble, draining fun from every encounter. Gravity glitches further disrupt flow, making precise landings feel accidental rather than skillful. While movement feels smooth overall, these critical flaws overshadow the polish, turning what should be joyful retro action into a test of patience.
Presentation & Longevity
Audio design emerges as another weak point. The game loops a single, strangely remixed rendition of the classic Super Mario Bros. overworld theme, which grows grating over short play sessions. Sound effects fare better but remain merely functional, lacking the punchy feedback that defines Nintendo’s originals. With only five levels, content feels sparse even for a free fan project. The brief runtime might suit casual players, but the lack of variety or meaningful twists prevents it from leaving a lasting impression.
Basiclly this is your average Mario remake. The sprites are acceptable and the level design is suspiciously similar... nevertheless the game is still fun to play.
C.C.
Despite its shortcomings, TGF II captures fleeting moments of charm. Power-ups and boss fights adhere closely to the beloved formula, and coin-collecting delivers that familiar dopamine hit. It’s a functional tribute that offers cheap thrills for die-hard Mario enthusiasts craving a quick nostalgia fix—but only if they can tolerate its janky foundation.
Verdict
Nostalgic Mario clone with frustratingly inconsistent mechanics
