Considering these days of the 50 plus hour role playing game, it was a nice change of pace to play this quirky game. Granted it wasn't exactly short topping 30 hours, but that is still a far cry from the games out today that take over 50 without doing all the side quests. However, it being a Mario game it is going to be more kid friendly and funny rather than dramatic and epic. The fighting is turned based, however you get to push buttons to strengthen your attacks. You have two people in your party, one always being Mario and the other one of the many funny characters Mario meets during his journey through a place called Rougeport. Princess Peach sent Mario a map said to have the location of a hidden treasure on it and she wants him to meet her in Rougeport. Well Mario can't refuse, but by the time he arrives, gasp, the princess has been kidnapped. Well this time Bowser is not responsible, though he does make many humorous appearances in the game...no this time it is a mysterious group called the X-nauts. So Mario must join forces with many in the town of Rougeport and surrounding lands to obtain the crystal stars. You have your basic levels and your not so basic as you have train mystery's to solve and you must fight your way to the top in an arena type setting. So the game gives you differing things to do so all in all it is rather fun.
