The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a beloved console that brought countless hours of joy and entertainment to gamers around the world. One of the most iconic games on this console is BS Yoshi no Panepon - BS Ban (Japan), an English language release of which we'll explore in this article.
BS Yoshi no Panepon - BS Ban (Japan) is a unique game in the Super Mario series, developed by Hudson Soft and released for the Super Famicom in Japan. The game's name translates to "Mario's Panic! ( Japan)" but is commonly known as Mario Panic outside of Japan. It was later re-released in North America as part of the BS The Wario Land: Super Mario Advance 4 pack, alongside Super Mario Advance 2 and Super Mario Advance 3.
Storyline:
Mario Panic takes place on a pirate ship called the "Terror Ship" that is captained by Bowser. As Bowser prepares to kidnap Princess Peach for the umpteenth time, he has decided to send his seven most evil minions to take over the world. Each of these seven villains possesses an item that makes them almost invincible to Mario. They are then sent on a quest across the globe to do as they please while they wreak havoc.
The game follows Mario's quest to thwart Bowser's plan and capture each of the seven villainous characters, one by one. The only way for Mario to catch each villain is to play through the game until he reaches them, and then, depending on what item the villain has, you will have to find a corresponding weakness in order to defeat him.
Gameplay:
Mario Panic features platforming action with an emphasis on exploration. You can explore different islands around the world as well as each of Bowser's minions' bases.
The gameplay revolves around navigating through various environments while avoiding obstacles and collecting power-ups. To catch Bowser's evil minions, you will need to play through a section of the game in reverse, meaning that at the end of their sections is where Mario first meets them.
This unique twist on the platformer genre requires players to think ahead and understand how each level progression works to catch Bowser's evil minions. It adds an extra layer of strategy to what would otherwise be just another platforming game.
Art and Audio:
Mario Panic features colorful and vibrant graphics reminiscent of classic Nintendo games. The animation and cutscenes are well-integrated into the gameplay, adding a cinematic feel to the experience.
The music is equally impressive, with catchy tunes that complement the lighthearted tone of the game. The sound effects also add to the overall atmosphere, from the satisfying "thwack" of Mario's jump attack to the ominous roars of Bowser's minions.
Age Rating:
BS Yoshi no Panepon - BS Ban (Japan) is rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB). This rating means that the game is suitable for players of all ages, making it a great option for both children and adults who are looking for a fun and family-friendly gaming experience.
However, parents should be aware that some sections of the game may be too difficult for younger players, particularly due to the time limits and the need to play through entire levels in reverse. Nevertheless, the game's overall difficulty level is not excessively high, making it accessible to most players.
Release Date:
BS Yoshi no Panepon - BS Ban (Japan) was originally released for the Super Famicom in Japan on February 14, 1992. It later made its way to North America as part of the BS The Wario Land: Super Mario Advance 4 pack.
Conclusion:
Mario Panic is a unique and charming addition to the Super Nintendo Entertainment System library. Its emphasis on exploration and strategy makes it stand out from other platformers of its time, and its colorful graphics and catchy music only add to its charm.
While some players may find certain sections of the game too difficult, overall, Mario Panic is an excellent option for anyone looking for a fun and family-friendly gaming experience. Its release in North America as part of a compilation pack has made it easier for fans to access this classic game.
In conclusion, BS Yoshi no Panepon - BS Ban (Japan) is a beloved classic that deserves more attention than it receives. If you're a fan of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System or just looking for a fun and challenging platformer, Mario Panic is definitely worth checking out.