Very few simple and fun games are available nowadays for any console system. However, during the NES days, many great simple games were available. During these years, controlling a game just required a directional pad and two main buttons. Now, more than ten buttons exist on controllers, and gameplay has been dramatically extended. For those who still want fun and simple games, however, Dr. Mario is here to remind them of the great games available on the NES (Which are now available for GBA thanks to the Classic NES Series).

Originally released on the NES and Game Boy in 1990, Dr. Mario offered a new challenging variation to the ever-popular Tetris games. Since its release, other Tetris-variation games were released, and they all expanded the puzzle gaming experience. Now, thanks to the Classic NES series, a new generation of gamers can experience the great addicting gameplay of Dr. Mario.

As Mario himself explains, he works at the virus research lab at the Mushroom Kingdom Hospital, conducting typical research. Mario thinks it's a normal day at the lab, but suddenly, Nurse Toadstool (Princess Peach) comes into the lab warning Dr. Mario of a viral outbreak. Now, it is up to you as Dr. Mario to stop these viruses from spreading by using different colored vitamins to exterminate the vitamins. By piling up four same-colored pills along with the viruses, you will get rid of those adjoining viruses.

There are six different kinds of pills available to use. These include: Red/Red, Blue/Blue, Yellow/Yellow, Red/Blue, Red/Yellow, and Blue/Yellow. These pill colors coincide with the three types of virusus in the game: Red, Blue, and Yellow. Depending on the amount of viruses on the bottle, it is up to you to get rid of every single virus and prevent the spread by matching the pills with the same-color virus. The level of difficulty increases as you play, so you have to be really quick in later levels where you have little to no time to get the pill where you desire it to be.

The graphics in Dr. Mario are nothing spectacular, as puzzle games don't usually have amazing graphics. Also, being an NES port takes part in the game's graphical limitations. The main focus during gameplay is the big bottle in the center of the screen. In this bottle are all the little virusus that you have to get rid of. Mario appears on the upper right hand corner of the screen, dressed in a white overcoat and wearing his medical accessories. The character model used for Mario resembles that of the Super Mario Bros. one. Nothing spectacular, really, but good looking nonetheless. Your top score and current score are displayed on a clipboard on the upper left hand corner, while the level you're on, the speed the virus are falling at, and the amount of viruses on the bottle are displayed on the bottom right corner of the screen. The doctor theme of the game is cleverly displayed through these little details. The bottom left corner of the screen displays an enlarged view of the three viruses, enlarged by the use of a magnifying glass. These three viruses squirm in pain when their smaller bottle counterparts are being destroyed. Little details like this allow you to get more involved with your virus-killing spree.

During multiplayer gameplay, you and a friend must destroy all the viruses and see who can do it the quickest. You are able to utilize the Wireless Adapter for the GBA, so you'll have more freedom and fun while competing against your friends. Both of your bottles are displayed on-screen, so you'll be able to see how badly you mess up your friends' game when you create chain combos that force random blocks over your friend's viruses. The first one to win three crowns, which are awarded to the winner of each round, wins the match, giving them the right to brag and insult the others' performance.

Because Dr. Mario is a puzzle game, there really isn't much else to the game. The gameplay justifies the entire game, and you'll find yourself addicted to its gameplay like you found yourself when you played Tetris. Dr. Mario is one of the best puzzle games available on the market, and is sure to keep you entertained during long trips or short in between class periods.