My first impression of Mario Pinball Land was wondering if this was Nintendo's imitation of Sonic Spinball. I guess if Sonic had it, Nintendo just couldn't let Mario go without! Upon further investigation though I soon realized everyone's favorite Plumber actually took on the Pinball genre before that super fast blue hedge hog.

   Although the games concept might seem stolen, it is still pretty comical seeing the in-game animations of Mario getting smashed into a pinball. Sonic may seem more fit to becoming a Pinball since he can roll into a ball anyway but I personally always preferred Mario over Sonic.

   The gameplay is as basics as it gets, it's a pinball game! You have control of your left and right flippers and that is it! The only other controls is occasionally pushing A for certain commands like selecting items and B to use your items. That is one aspect about this game that very few other Pinball games offer is the ability to find or buy items and power ups. I think this adds a much needed game play boost in a somewhat stale Pinball game formula.

GRAPHICS: 9.5
   The graphics for this game look incredible for the GBA. If I didn't know better, I would think this game was made for a console and not a handheld because they are that good. All of the iconic characters from the Mario universe are brought to life in vibrant colors and are obvious to tell who they represent. For all the fast paced action that a Pinball game offers, the game does not slow up or lag like some games, running smoothly throughout.

SOUND: 7
   The games music doesn't do much to stand out. I feel like some of the classic soundtracks of all the previous Mario games could've been better utilized. Although not perfect the games music at least is not annoying but it wont be something that stands out about the game. The sound effects were done well, bringing back some timeless Mario effects.

ADDICTIVENESS: 8
   For me Pinball games are some of the most addicting games because I can sit down and play them quickly for a short amount of time and then quit until some other time. It's all about the score on these games and that creates a game that always has something to come back to. One of my favorite aspects of this game is that I am able to keep a ball in action longer than most other Pinball games creating a more "adventure" atmosphere to this Pinball game which also fits with the Mario theme.

STORY: 3
   Well, being a Pinball game, the story is pretty much non-existent. Although that may be the case, I feel since this is Mario Pinball and the game does show Mario getting smahsed into a Pinball I feel like some attempt at a plot could've been made. The game lacks Bowser kidnapping the Princess!

DEPTH: 8
   The game has quite a bit to offer and contains more boards than almost any other Pinball game that I've played. I enjoy playing Pinball games a lot and this one has me coming back just because there is still more yet for me to do.

DIFFICULTY: 9
   To actually start completing the games boards or even coming close to completing this game is a pretty difficult undertaking. It would either take a very long time using save states or a very skilled player to complete this game entirely. The game requires you to have some pretty incredible accuracy with your Smashed Mario Pinball or else you better have some amazing luck.

   Overall this is a fun game to pick up and get into right away. It wont be a game that you will want to spend an entire weekend playing, but one that you can play every once and a while and have some fun until the next time. Fans of Mario or Pinball games should definitely check out this title.