New Super Mario Bros. vs Spyro the Dragon
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.
Developed by Insomniac Games, Spyro the Dragon is a classic platform game originally released for the PlayStation. Players control the young purple dragon Spyro alongside his dragonfly companion, Sparx, as they embark on a grand adventure across the dragon kingdom. The evil Gnasty Gnorc has encased the land's adult dragons in crystal and stolen their vast treasures. With the help of Sparx acting as a health meter and gem gatherer, Spyro must traverse vibrant worlds, free the imprisoned dragons, recover the stolen gems, and ultimately defeat the villainous Gnorc.
- 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 3D exploration and platforming mechanics
- Memorable and vibrant world design
- Charming characters like Spyro and Sparx
- Rewarding collection gameplay for completionists
- 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.
- Fixed camera angles can occasionally be frustrating
- Lack of modern quality-of-life features from later entries
- Linear world progression compared to modern open-world games
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to New Super Mario Bros.
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Alternatives to Spyro the Dragon
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Join Spyro in Avalar to defeat the evil sorcerer Ripto 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.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the safer, higher-rated default for families and multiplayer fans, while Spyro the Dragon is best for solo players seeking 3D exploration and a lower critic score. The main trade-off is 3D single-player exploration versus 2D side-scrolling cooperative play.
Key differences
- •Spyro the Dragon is a 3D single-player game, whereas New Super Mario Bros. is a side-scroller supporting up to four players in local cooperative or competitive modes.
- •New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 levels with a power-up system (Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, Mega Mushroom), while Spyro focuses on collecting gems, freeing crystallized dragons, and breathing fire.
- •New Super Mario Bros. holds a higher critic score of 95/100 compared to Spyro the Dragon's critic score of 85/100.
- •Spyro the Dragon features fixed camera angles that can occasionally be frustrating, whereas New Super Mario Bros. has a dynamic camera that adjusts to level size.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. offers tight responsive controls and power-ups across 80+ levels, earning a higher 95/100 critic score.
Platform availability
Not specified
Price & value
New Super Mario Bros. has a listed MSRP of $59.99, while Spyro's exact price is only noted as paid (one-time).
Multiplayer / co-op
New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer for up to four players, whereas Spyro is strictly single player.
Content & replayability
New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 levels with hidden secret exits and alternate routes, offering high replay value.
Difficulty & accessibility
New Super Mario Bros. includes responsive controls for both beginners and experts, and an ESRB E rating.
Graphics & performance
Spyro offers colorful 3D worlds, while New Super Mario Bros. has graphics that may feel dated compared to modern 3D titles.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Families and groups wanting local multiplayer co-op play and classic side-scrolling action.
Choose Spyro the Dragon if…
Solo gamers who prefer 3D platforming, collecting gems, and exploring colorful worlds.
Common questions
Can I play Spyro the Dragon with my friends in multiplayer?
No, Spyro the Dragon is single player only.
Does New Super Mario Bros. support online multiplayer?
No, New Super Mario Bros. has limited online features and its focus is on local play.
How many levels are in New Super Mario Bros.?
New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 meticulously designed levels across eight distinct worlds.