Dr. Mario Online Rx

''Dr. Mario Online Rx'', stylized as ' and released in PAL regions as ''Dr. Mario & Germ Buster'', is a puzzle video game starring Dr. Mario. It was one of the WiiWare launch games in Japan, Europe, and Australia, and was released in 2008 on March 25 for Japan, on May 20 for Europe and Australia, and for North America on May 26.

Gameplay

As with other ''Dr. Mario'' games, players must manipulate pills to destroy colored viruses in the game area. ''Dr. Mario Online Rx'' features versions of the Nintendo DS title ''Brain Age 2'''s mini-games called ''Virus Buster'' and ''Germ Buster'', which uses the pointer function of the Wii Remote to move pills, and allows up to four players to participate cooperatively.

The title supports the now defunct Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service, which allowed players to compete with one another over the Internet. Players can use Mii characters or Dr. Mario during gameplay.

Features

A majority of features from previous installments, such as the virus and speed levels, are present in ''Dr. Mario Online Rx''. Players played online against another with only one copy, as an online-play demo could be sent akin to DS Download Play. Vs. Mode could also be played offline, if desired. Unlike '' Dr. Mario 64'', ''Online Rx'' lacks the ability to play with four players, instead only allowing up to 2 players in Vs. Mode.

Several features in this game previously appeared in ''Dr. Mario 64'', including the four musical tracks: "Fever", "Chill", "Cube", and "Que Que" (the latter two tracks are now named "Cough" and "Sneeze"). The music can be randomly selected or turned off. Flash Mode, which challenges the player(s) to clear just three flashing viruses among many, also returns from ''Dr. Mario 64''.

''Virus Buster'', previously seen as a mini-game in '' Brain Age 2'' has more customization than the original. Whereas the original only had Easy, Normal, and Hard as options, this version allows to adjust virus level and music as well. Remixed versions of "Fever" and "Chill" are present in this mode. ''Virus Buster'' can be played alone or with others, with up to four players. Instead of being controlled directly with the D-pad, they are guided with the Wii Remote pointer.

In single player mode, a player can select to start the game at level 20. After winning level 20, levels 21, 22, and 23 increment by four viruses. Level 24 and beyond contain 99 viruses. After 99 levels, gameplay can continue but the game does not progress past level 99 and the player is presented with only the "Try Again" and "Quit" menu options.

Reception

The game received above-average reviews according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.

''IGN'' called the main game "timeless" and the new Virus Buster mode "chaotically awesome". However they were let down by the fact that the main ''Dr. Mario'' mode only supported up to 2 players (where some earlier games had supported up to 4) and that Virus Buster was not playable online. Additionally, ''N-Europe'' called it "the same ''Dr. Mario'' that we know and love" with "solid and functional graphics" and addictive gameplay. ''GamePro'' said, "Playing ''Dr. Mario Online RX'' for an hour or so virtually guarantees a smile and good mood to follow. Precious few full-price Wii games are that much fun, and a $10 game that delivers and that every single member of your family is likely to enjoy playing - is frankly a bargain."

In contrast, ''GamesRadar+'' called it a "slightly awkward puzzler" that "just isn't addictive enough to make you care" and likened it to "''Puyo Puyo''s in-bred cousin". However, they praised the online multiplayer functionality and enjoyed its clean presentation, with the exception of the music.

Notes

References

External links

Official Japanese site
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{{Mario puzzle games
2008 video games
Arika games
Dr. Mario games
Multiplayer and single-player video games
Puzzle video games
Video games developed in Japan
Wii games
Wii-only games
Wii Wi-Fi games
WiiWare games