Secret Maryo Chronicles is an open-source two dimensional platform game. The first beta release (version 0.27) was back in January 2003 under the name Super Mario Clone FX which looked very similar to the original Super Mario game. The name of the game was changed to Super Maryo Chronicles upon the release of version 0.95 along with several sprite/sound changes to avoid legal problems with the original Super Mario game. Up to this point some people still think that the game has some possible trademark infringement but we're not here to talk about that. We're here to play the latest version of Super Maryo Chronicles (SMC), version 1.9 which features a new type of enemies, sprites, and some editor updates.

Requirements

• 500MHz processor
• 64MB OpenGL Compatible 3D Accelerated Graphics Card
• 256MB RAM
• 800x600 Screen Resolution
• 16 Bit Color Display
• Keyboard + Mouse
• GNU/Linux or Windows operating system

Features

• Many levels 
• Multiple Maryo stages
• Multiple overworlds

Installation

First off I won't be playing this game on my desktop. Seeing the this can be played on low-end hardware, I decided to play it on my Samsung NC10 netbook which has a 1.6GHz Atom processor, 2GB DDR2 ram and 160GB HDD space. That's why the screenshots will be tiny compared to my other game reviews. My NC10 currently has XP installed so I'll be downloading their Windows binary. if people think that they have to compile the game before they can play it, don't worry it comes with an installer that's pretty straight forward. You can compile the game if you want for those DIY gamers out there that wants to have a hand at everything.

First Impressions

The game is pretty portable, you can even put it in a USB drive if you want and since the game does not require an internet connection, I can play it anywhere I want as long as I meet the hardware and software requirements! I really like how the game looks like, it's very cartoon'sh and there's really no jagged edges or pixel-looking sprites...in short I love how it looks. Some people were complaining about how the camera trys to center itself every single time or too many times that it makes it difficult to play. I honestly can't seem to replicate that problem even if I'm moving a lot from left to right jumping from boxes to boxes. Movement is fluid enough for me and probably better if I was using a joystick (remember I'm only using the netbook's keyboard for this review).

One thing that I find lacking is the amount of background music which I can see as a difficult thing to add since this game is pretty much voluntary work. So getting someone to compose some nice sounding background music that totally reflects the game would be difficult. Nevertheless, I still find the game pretty enjoyable on my first try.

Singleplayer

The game obviously focuses on single-player and having played the first Super Mario games way back when I was a kid, this game just brings back memories. I was absolutely loving it until to the point where I can't seem to find the right key to press so I had to re-configure the controls and have a go at it again. The default keys were far apart from each other so some people might find it difficult to get used to. if you're one of those people, hen I suggest changing the keys now before you play.

The transition from one map to another map can either look pretty or horrible, thank god it just happens during that time. A simple fade-to-black and back would look minimalistic for a game like this but it should be enough to tell the user that their surroundings is about to change.

Multiplayer

The game does not have any multi-player option so we'll skip this section for now.

Final Thoughts

Playing this game on my netbook was an enjoyable experience. And like I said the very first time I played it, it brings back lots of childhood memories which made it more enjoyable for me. I've never experience the camera centering issue that most people seem to experience when playing this game. For me, the camera centering is fine since it didn't bother me at all.

I just hope that there's a musician out there that's willing to donate his work for SMC or maybe add it to SMC and then sell it as a separate single album or something. The game just won't be that much enjoyable without background music.

Ratings

Installer - If you're not compiling the game then installing SMC is pretty easy for everyone.

Graphics - The graphics may not 3D but it captures what this game is all about. You can't really say that they were rushed or half-assed done.

Sound - Sound effects are fine, but what kills it sometimes is the music. There's really no default background music, you have to download it.

Gameplay - If you enjoy 2D platform games like Super Mario, Rocketman, or any of the old school games that this game was based on, then you will surely enjoy this one. It may even bring back your childhood memories.