Spyro: A Hero's Tail vs New Super Mario Bros.
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
Spyro: A Hero's Tail is the fifth console game in the original Spyro series, developed by Eurocom and published by Vivendi Universal Games. The title follows Spyro the Dragon as he attempts to defeat Red, a banished former Dragon Elder, with the help of allies including Sparx, Hunter, Sgt. Byrd, and Blink. Released in November 2004, the game is available on PlayStation 2, Xbox, and GameCube, marking the first time the series appeared on Xbox and the first game in the franchise to be completely produced in Europe. Players experience classic platforming action across multiple playable characters while exploring the Dragon Realms.
New Super Mario Bros. brings the beloved side‑scrolling Mario experience to a modern handheld, combining tight controls with vibrant 2D graphics. Players dash, jump, and collect coins across dozens of inventive worlds filled with secrets and challenges. The game supports both solo play and cooperative multiplayer, letting friends team up to tackle levels together while discovering hidden paths and power‑up combos. Its timeless design appeals to newcomers and longtime fans alike.
- Features multiple playable characters with unique abilities
- Expands the lore with a new antagonist named Red
- Brings fresh gameplay elements to the classic formula
- Offers engaging platforming action for fans of the series
- Tight, responsive controls that feel classic yet fresh.
- Rich variety of power‑ups and level designs.
- Engaging multiplayer modes for up to four players.
- High replay value with secret exits and collectibles.
- Camera controls can occasionally be frustrating
- Some gameplay mechanics for secondary characters feel uneven
- Lower overall critical reception compared to earlier titles
- Limited online features; focus is on local play.
- Graphics, while charming, may feel dated compared to modern 3D titles.
- No built‑in level editor for user‑generated content.
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataNew Super Mario Bros. is the safer, critically acclaimed default with 4-player local co-op, while Spyro: A Hero's Tail is a budget-friendly, single-player retro adventure featuring multiple playable characters. Your choice hinges on whether you prioritize top-tier critical acclaim and multiplayer or lower price and character variety.
Key differences
- •Price: New Super Mario Bros. costs $59.99 MSRP, whereas Spyro: A Hero's Tail is priced at $19.99 MSRP.
- •Multiplayer: New Super Mario Bros. supports up to 4 players in local cooperative or competitive modes, while Spyro is strictly single-player.
- •Playable Characters: Spyro lets you control multiple distinct characters (like Sparx, Hunter, Sgt. Byrd, and Blink), whereas Mario focuses on classic side-scrolling platforming.
- •Critical Reception: New Super Mario Bros. holds a critic score of 95/100, compared to 69/100 for Spyro: A Hero's Tail.
Gameplay & fun factor
New Super Mario Bros. boasts a 95/100 critic score with responsive controls and dynamic camera work, outshining Spyro's uneven mechanics and occasional frustrating camera controls.
Platform availability
Not specified in the facts for either game.
Price & value
Spyro: A Hero's Tail costs $19.99 MSRP, making it significantly cheaper than New Super Mario Bros. at $59.99 MSRP.
Multiplayer / co-op
New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer for up to four players in co-op or competitive challenges; Spyro is single player only.
Content & replayability
New Super Mario Bros. features over 80 levels across 8 worlds with secret exits, while Spyro offers diverse environments and multiple playable characters.
Difficulty & accessibility
New Super Mario Bros. provides responsive controls suited for both beginners and experts, backed by high critical praise.
Graphics & performance
New Super Mario Bros. has a dynamic camera and charming design with a 95 critic score, while Spyro's graphics are not specified beyond European production.
Choose Spyro: A Hero's Tail if…
Retro gamers and budget-conscious players wanting a single-player adventure with multiple characters.
Choose New Super Mario Bros. if…
Players wanting a highly polished, critically acclaimed 4-player co-op side-scrolling platformer.
Common questions
How much do the games cost?
New Super Mario Bros. has an MSRP of $59.99, while Spyro: A Hero's Tail has an MSRP of $19.99.
Can I play with friends in multiplayer?
New Super Mario Bros. supports local multiplayer for up to four players, but Spyro: A Hero's Tail is single player only.
Which game received better reviews from critics?
New Super Mario Bros. has a critic score of 95/100, whereas Spyro: A Hero's Tail has a critic score of 69/100.