Up to four players can engage in a coin-collecting battle mode or the classic mode. Super Mario Advance isn't the game to show off the power of the GBA, but it is a long, fun title that will satisfy today's gamers with a taste from the best of Mario's past. -Mark Brooks Pros: One of the best NES games is faithfully ported Upgraded sound and graphics Gameplay is easy to get into Cons: Somewhat loose controls Neither fresh nor original for those who've played the NES version In Mario's debut on the Game Boy Advance platform, the swashbuckling plumber goes back to what he knows best: side-scrolling adventure. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad wander this richly colored fantasyland to fight new and original enemies by collecting items to throw at them (alas, the famous jump attack isn't enough to dissuade these foes). Players are allowed to choose which character they'll play as-you can even switch between levels-and each in the cast has different strengths. For example, Luigi can jump higher than his brother, Mario, but the plumber is faster. Super Mario Advance also has a multiplayer game where up to four Game Boy Advance units can be linked together via the separately sold communication cable, allowing you to wage friendly battles for collectible coins using Koopa shells.

A lot of precision jumping is required, but the controls are so tight that directing Mario (or even Luigi, who wasn't playable in the original) becomes as natural as breathing within a few minutes of playing. As if packing the entire original game onto the tiny cartridge wasn't enough, Nintendo also put two multiplayer versions of the original Mario Brothers in there, which are playable solo or with up to three other people using Game Link cables to connect all your Game Boy Advance systems. Both variants are a blast, but the single-player adventure is what kept us coming back for more. If you missed it 10 years ago when Super Mario World appeared on the Super Nintendo, don't make the same mistake twice. -T. Byrl Baker Pros: The game is very replayable thanks to multiple level exits Surgically precise controls Outstanding level designs that never get old Cons: Speech effects that were added for Mario and Luigi get old fast Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 boasts all 96 levels from the original Super NES game, from cheery Yoshi's Island through the sprawling Vanilla Dome to the grueling Star Road. While some levels emphasize pure action, others require you to puzzle your way out of the mazes and illusions. If you find the hidden key in Star World, you'll gain access to the extremely challenging Special World, which has its own hidden secrets. Mario and Luigi can jump up and down pipes, climb vines, swim, and toss Koopa shells. Yoshi the dinosaur can spit eggs, munch, and climb with his ever-helpful tongue. Cool touches include spinning platforms, forced-scrolling levels, and great attacks such as the spin jump. Mario and Yoshi fly with the aid of a unique feather, shoot fireballs when equipped with a special flower, and can even raise cute baby Yoshis. Each boss poses a unique challenge. Cross-eyed Lemmy Koopa likes to play hide-and-seek in pipes, while Iggy Koopa prefers to battle on a giant Koopa shell floating on a lava lake.

In addition to the inclusion of other TV show elements like Team Rocket, new battle modes between players are available as well as a secret game called Pikachu's Beach. If you haven't played any of the Pokémon games before, Pokémon Yellow is the best place to start. But while Pokémaniacs will go gaga over Yellow's new features, less enthusiastic veterans of Red and Blue may not find the extras to be quite so special. -Joe Hon Pros: Best version yet of the highly addictive Pokémon game Pikachu's moods raise the game's cuteness bar to an all-new level Features new battle modes between players Includes Pikachu's Beach secret game Cons: Pokémon battles can be repetitive at times New features may not be enough for some Pokémon veterans.

The game starts off easy and advances in difficulty as it progresses. It will appeal to novice and expert Pokemon fans alike. For the first time, a Pokemon's moves can be linked and used together in one turn. This feature offers the player a strategic choice of attacks and is an entirely new concept in the Pokemon world.

Pac-Man (one that shows the whole maze but is dreadfully small, and another that scrolls), Galaga, Pole Position, and Dig Dug. They are lovingly ported, complete with all the music and sound effects intact. What we don't get is the amusing Museum portion and trivia found on other versions. Ms. Pac-Man and Galaga are the real winners here. Both are perfect renditions complete with all the extras (music, colors, sound effects, and bonus stages/cartoons). The controls on these two are also perfect. Pole Position is amusing, but features twitchy controls and pales in comparison to other GBA racing games. Galaxian, on the surface, seems the same as its sequel, Galaga, but it isn't. The fire rate is much slower, so the pace of the game is different. Galaga is certainly better, but Galaxian is a nice addition regardless. Dig Dug is a classic, pure and simple, and it still plays well. It rounds out the collection nicely. Arcade fans, especially those who used to line up (or line their quarters on the machine) to play these games, will be very pleased with Namco Museum. Those unimpressed with retro gaming probably won't be converted. However, here's hoping we see more arcade classics in the future, because I can't think of a better platform for these than the Game Boy Advance. -Andrew S. Bub Pros: Perfect recreations of arcade classics A nice, diverse slate of games Nice of them to include two versions of Ms. Pac-Man Cons: Pole Position isn't so hot anymore No Museum features, such as trivia questions With Namco Museum you can play arcade favorites on the new Game Boy Advance. Four Namco greats are included in this cartridge: classic maze game Ms. Pac-Man, dig-your-own-maze title Dig Dug, old-school racer Pole Position, and quintessential arcade shooter Galaga. Gamers old enough to remember when each of these titles used to require a full-size arcade cabinet will delight in the easy portability, instant access, and classic gameplay.

A whole new element to the game focuses on how berries are used in battle. And if you collect enough berries, you can take them to a Berry Blender and make a PokéBlock, which is a little super-charged candy that raises your Pokémon's "Condition" attributes. You can then groom your Pokémon for regional contests and compete for ribbons like "Best of Show," which will unlock additional contests. There's even strategy in how to best use your berries: pick too many and the berry tree will disappear; plant berries, though, and a tree will grow. You can also build a Secret Base in special areas of the game, which you can decorate just like you can your room. And let us not forget that Pokémon Sapphire has a kickin' multiplayer system, too. You can trade Pokémon, and link up to four players for incredible battles. The only downside is that you can't link up with the old Game Boy Color games. -Bryan Karsh Pros: You can control two Pokémon in battle Much needed graphic and sound facelift Nice multiplayer feature (requires link cable and extra game cartridge) Cons: Can't trade Pokémon with Game Boy Color.

No matter how well you think you know Hoenn, you will always discover something entirely new. Plus, you may even encounter a new Gym Leader in your journeys. You are up against stiff competition in Emerald. Team Magma and Team Aqua once again look to disrupt the peaceful civility of Hoenn. Unlike Ruby and Sapphire, both gangs have set up camp in this adventure. That means you'll be facing double-the-evil, double-the-clever, scheming plans. To really spice things up, Emerald has added sightings of the rare Pokemon Rayquaza. The plot thickens! The Battle Frontier of Pokemon Emerald brings together seven battle facilities. Each area provides a unique battle experience. Special Trainers called Frontier Brains head each facility and they will test every aspect of your combat skills. Your victories will be memorialized in the form of Frontier Symbols, and you must defeat the Frontier Brain at each location several times in order to earn your awards. With new locations like Battle Dome, Battle Arena, Battle Factory, and Battle Pike, Pokemon Emerald will throw you awesome new twists and challenges. The new adventure in Hoenn is full of adventure and has plenty of opportunities to hone your battle skills. Just keep your composure, explore the island, and you can become the world's greatest Pokemon Trainer.

If you perform well enough and collect enough coins in a tournament, you can unlock a plethora of bonus tracks-some of which are from older console Mario Kart titles. The fun multiplayer options include head-to-head racing and a balloon battle mode, in which you blast other racers with power-ups in a huge arena until there's only one driver left. -Mark Brooks Pros: Bright graphics that are both fast and fluid Multiplayer battle mode is loads of fun Many, many tracks! Cons: May be too cute for some Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Wario, Yoshi, Donkey Kong, Toad, and Bowser put the pedal to the go-kart metal in 20 all-new tracks, plus many hidden courses. Each track has its unique challenges, ranging from crabs skittering across Shy Guy Beach to the piranha plants lurking in the quicksand of Yoshi Desert. Grab coins to max out your speed and blast your rivals with the ever-popular arsenal of red, green, and spiked Koopa shells. You'll earn points with every high-place finish, and you'll win trophies with the completion of every four-race cup. Doing well will earn you a high rating and unlock more tracks. You can compete against as many as four friends (Game Boy Advance Game Link cables required). The game features multiple scrolling planes that move in perspective as you zip through high-speed turns.

A whole new element to the game focuses on how berries are used in battle. And if you collect enough berries, you can take them to a Berry Blender and make a PokéBlock, which is a little super-charged candy that raises your Pokémon's "Condition" attributes. You can then groom your Pokémon for regional contests and compete for ribbons like "Best of Show," which will unlock additional contests. There's even strategy in how to best use your berries: pick too many and the berry tree will disappear; plant berries, though, and a tree will grow. You can also build a Secret Base in special areas of the game, which you can decorate just like you can your room. And let us not forget that Pokémon Ruby has a kickin' multiplayer system, too. You can trade Pokémon, and link up to four players for incredible battles. The only downside is that you can't link up with the old Game Boy Color games. -Bryan Karsh Pros: You can control two Pokémon in battle Much needed graphic and sound facelift Nice multiplayer feature (requires link cable and extra game cartridge) Cons: Can't trade Pokémon with Game Boy Color.