Nintendo’s Gameboy Advance was released in June with quite a bit of success, but sadly only two Nintendo games accompanied the system. The past two weeks have seen a turn-around, with two new Nintendo titles that prove to be two of the best—Mario Kart: Super Circuit and Advance Wars.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

Updating a classic is never easy, but Nintendo has done just that and done it well.

Borrowing from its predecessors, Super Circuit has all the intense cart-racing gameplay we have come to love and expect.

The game offers 20 new, well-designed tracks as well as 20 classic ones to unlock. There are also nine racers to choose from, each with different racing attributes. The controls are easy to learn. The game is divided into the familiar Mario GP, Time Trial and Quick Run modes, each providing hours of fast, fun racing.

As good as the single-player game is, the multiplayer options make Super Circuit even better. With the ability to play with either one or more game cartridges, you can link up with any GBA owners you meet. Multiple cartridges offer more options, like the Battle mode, but the game is fun either way you go.

Beyond knowing how to make a game fun, Nintendo can make it look good. Super Circuit out-does the old Super Nintendo version with lush backgrounds and nicely modeled racers.

The tracks are beautifully created and the menus have a classic Mario feel. A wonderful selection of music and sound effects provides a great atmosphere to play in.

Rating: A

Advance Wars

Strategy games never made it big on handheld systems, but Advance Wars is changing that by being one of the best games for the Gameboy Advance.

The game offers multiple modes of play, including a story-driven campaign, single missions and score challenges. The gameplay is deep and complex with land, air and sea units to utilize and master in your battles, as well as excellent map design to challenge players.

Managing in-game resources, such as money, is simple and an effective game-balancing mechanic. The characters each have various abilities and personalities, giving the option of multiple play styles and a variety of computer opponents to compete against.

The computer also manages to be tough to beat, but not to the point of frustration.

Multiplayer options abound as well, allowing linked play as well as play on a single system. A built-in map editor allows players to design, trade and play on their own maps as well.

The game has an appealing, simple and fun look which mixes cartoon and anime styles. Several additions, such as animated battle sequences, make the game even more enjoyable to play. The music is good, but does get repetitive, while the sound effects are just right.

Rating: A+

Chris Weishaar is a sophomore in construction engineering fromBronson.