Dr. Mario
Game by Nintendo
Reviewed by Adrock
gbcam@hotmail.com
Size: 512K
Save: None
Released: 1990
Works with: All Game Boys

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Opening Snide Remarks: You could call this Dmg Ice's "Theme" game, because of
all the virusus. It's one of Game Boy's most played puzzle games, next in
line under Tetris and Tetris DX. Let's have a look under the hood.

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Gameplay Descripion: The puzzle idea is original, you must clear out all of
the viruses of the level by placing pills of the matching color in rows of at
least four. One thing that ruins the game I think, is the jump from Easy to
Advanced in just a few levels. The moderation of the level's difficulty is
not balanced correctly. You may need to reset and play Level 0 a couple times
to get the hang of it.

Liked: Original Concept.

Hated: Unbalanced levels. 

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Graphics Description: I liked the dancing virus subscreen that shows you what
color of viruses remain. They could have done a better job on distinguishing
white and checkered-gray on the pills. Maybe a flashing color instead?

Liked: Nice animation.

Hated: You might place white on gray a few times.

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Sound/Music Description: Two songs for play, Fever and Chill. I like Chill
much better. The Chill song on Tetris and Dr. Mario for SNES had more of a
techno, Beck Hansen beat to it, which I would have liked to see on Game Boy.
Maybe you could throw in more songs?

Liked: Chill song.

Hated: More songs?

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Play Control/Game Design: Unlike Tetris, sliding in pieces on the last second
before it drops doesn't work as well. Needed to be a little more loose.

Liked: Hey, it's a puzzle game. They kept it simple.

Hated: Needs loose controls and more last minute sliding time.

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Improve: A Game Boy Color sequel, like DR. Mario DX? It should include
more options, and songs.

RIYL: Any game with blocks and such falling from the ceiling.

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Final Words: While I wouldn't say Dr. Mario is the best puzzle game for
Game Boy, it still can hold it's pants up with the big boys. Whatever that
means.

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Score
Gameplay: ***
Graphics: ****
Sound/Music: *****
Play Control/Game Design: ***
Personal Opinion: ***
Total: 18 out of 25

Final Score: %72

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Currently Known Codes: None