New Super Mario Bros. vs Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
New Super Mario Bros. brings the beloved side‑scrolling Mario experience to a modern handheld, combining tight controls with vibrant 2D graphics. Players dash, jump, and collect coins across dozens of inventive worlds filled with secrets and challenges. The game supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends team up to tackle levels together while discovering hidden paths and power‑up combos. Its timeless design appeals to newcomers and longtime fans alike.
Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! is the second installment in the beloved Spyro the Dragon series, transporting the iconic purple dragon and his dragonfly companion Sparx to the vibrant land of Avalar. Summoned by the Professor, Hunter, and Elora to help rid the realm of a tyrannical sorcerer named Ripto, Spyro must explore diverse worlds, solve puzzles, and restore peace to the local inhabitants. Building upon the gameplay of the original title, players utilize Spyro's familiar flame, charge, and glide abilities while embarking on a massive collectathon adventure. Journey through imaginative realms, undo Ripto's chaotic magic, and collect talismans and orbs to unlock the path to the final showdown and earn a long-awaited trip to Dragon Shores.
- Tight, responsive controls that feel classic yet fresh.
- Rich variety of power‑ups and level designs.
- Engaging multiplayer modes for up to four players.
- High replay value with secret exits and collectibles.
- Engaging and colorful level design
- Memorable cast of characters and humor
- Rewarding exploration and collectible mechanics
- Challenging and fun boss fights
- Limited online features; focus is on local play.
- Graphics, while charming, may feel dated compared to modern 3D titles.
- No built‑in level editor for user‑generated content.
- Removal of the side-rolling ability from the first game
- Can be repetitive for players who dislike collectathons
- Fixed camera angles can occasionally be troublesome
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros.
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Alternatives to Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage!
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Soar through the Dragon Lands and defeat Gnasty Gnorc in this classic platformer.
Spyro's first 128-bit adventure to rescue scattered dragonflies from Ripto.
Join Spyro on a 3D adventure to retrieve 150 stolen dragon eggs from the evil Sorceress.
Explore Spyro's true origins in an epic, combat-driven action adventure.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. offers tighter controls, richer multiplayer and higher critical acclaim, while Spyro 2 provides 3D adventure with a single‑player focus and a more modern visual style.
Key differences
- •Mario supports up to four players locally; Spyro is single‑player only.
- •Mario’s gameplay is 2D side‑scrolling with precise jumps; Spyro is 3D platforming with fixed camera angles.
- •Mario has a higher critic score (95 vs 87) and more varied power‑ups.
- •Spyro includes a post‑game theme park and a humorous cast, whereas Mario focuses on secret exits and collectibles.
Gameplay & fun factor
Mario’s responsive controls, diverse power‑ups and secret routes deliver broader fun for both solo and group play.
Platform availability
Both are paid, one‑time purchases; platform specifics not provided in the facts.
Price & value
Mario retails at $59.99 and offers multiplayer and 80+ levels, giving more content per dollar than Spyro.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Mario supports up to four players in cooperative or competitive modes; Spyro is single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Mario’s 80+ levels, secret exits and hidden collectibles provide higher replay value than Spyro’s linear progression.
Difficulty & accessibility
Mario’s controls are tuned for beginners and experts, with family‑friendly rating; Spyro’s fixed camera can hinder newcomers.
Graphics & performance
Spyro’s 3D colorful worlds feel more modern than Mario’s 2D graphics, which may appear dated.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Families or groups wanting local co‑op and high replay value.
Choose Spyro 2: Ripto's Rage! if…
Solo players who prefer 3D platforming and a lighter price focus.
Common questions
Which game offers multiplayer?
New Super Mario Bros. supports up to four players locally; Spyro 2 is single‑player only.
Is the graphics quality a concern?
Spyro 2 features colorful 3D graphics; Mario’s 2D style may feel dated compared to modern titles.
How do the critical reviews compare?
Mario received a 95/100 critic score, while Spyro earned 87/100.