New Super Mario Bros. vs Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly
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: Enter the Dragonfly is the fourth installment in the beloved Spyro the Dragon series and the first to grace the PlayStation 2 and Nintendo GameCube. Players control Spyro as he journeys through the Dragon Realms to recover the newly arrived dragonfly guardians after Ripto's spell scatters them across the world. Featuring classic platforming gameplay alongside vehicle sections like the tank and Spitfire attack plane, the game presents a continuation of the franchise's formula. Despite its development hurdles and infamous technical issues upon release, it remains a notable piece of gaming history for fans of the purple dragon.
- 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.
- Continues the classic Spyro platforming formula
- Includes fun vehicle segments like the tank and plane
- Features familiar characters like Ripto, Crush, and Gulp
- Adds new dragonfly guardians to collect
- 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.
- Suffers from numerous glitches and technical bugs
- Features noticeably long loading times
- Plagued by choppy framerates and performance issues
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Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros.
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Alternatives to Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly
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Spyro's portable debut brings isometric platforming action to the Game Boy Advance.
Rescue the stolen fireflies and restore dragon fire in this portable isometric platformer.
Soar through the Dragon Lands and defeat Gnasty Gnorc in this classic platformer.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the much safer default pick, offering exceptional critical acclaim and robust local multiplayer, whereas Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly suffers from severe technical performance issues. The primary trade-off is paying $59.99 for a polished masterpiece versus $49.99 for a flawed retro collector's item.
Key differences
- •Critical Reception: New Super Mario Bros. holds a stellar 95/100 critic score, while Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly sits at a struggling 35/100 due to technical bugs and long loads.
- •Multiplayer: New Super Mario Bros. supports up to 4 players in local co-op and competitive modes, whereas Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly is strictly single-player.
- •Pricing: New Super Mario Bros. is priced at $59.99 MSRP, compared to Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly at $49.99 MSRP.
- •Content & Mechanics: Mario features over 80 side-scrolling levels with diverse power-ups; Spyro focuses on 3D hub worlds with elemental breath and vehicle piloting.
Gameplay & fun factor
Mario delivers tight controls, 80+ levels, and great power-ups for a 95 critic score, while Spyro suffers from glitches and choppy framerates.
Platform availability
Not specified in the provided facts.
Price & value
Spyro is cheaper at $49.99 compared to Mario's $59.99, but Mario offers vastly superior quality for the cost.
Multiplayer / co-op
Mario includes local multiplayer for up to four players in co-op or competitive challenges; Spyro is strictly single-player.
Content & replayability
Mario features over 80 levels with hidden secret exits and alternate routes. Spyro features scattered baby dragonflies and vehicle segments.
Difficulty & accessibility
Mario offers responsive controls and a dynamic camera for beginners and experts (PEGI 12, ESRB E). Spyro is rated ESRB E.
Graphics & performance
Mario has charming graphics and a smooth dynamic camera. Spyro is plagued by long loading times and performance issues.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Players wanting a critically acclaimed, polished side-scroller with robust local multiplayer and tight controls.
Choose Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly if…
Retro gaming collectors specifically seeking the 2002 Spyro title despite its known technical bugs.
Common questions
Which game has better multiplayer options?
New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer for up to four players in cooperative or competitive challenges, while Spyro is single-player only.
What is the price difference between the two games?
New Super Mario Bros. has an MSRP of $59.99, whereas Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly has an MSRP of $49.99.
How do the critical scores compare?
New Super Mario Bros. received a critic score of 95/100, while Spyro: Enter the Dragonfly received a critic score of 35/100 due to technical bugs.