New Super Mario Bros. 2 on 3DS is only a few short months away and while I can’t deny my excitement, I can do nothing but hope for an eventual Super Mario Bros. 4. Super Mario World on the Super Nintendo is possibly my favouritest-est game of all time and an even bigger nod to the hardcore by Nintendo with the long awaited Super Mario Bros. 4 would absolutely not go wasted.

One could argue that back in 2006 New Super Mario Bros. became the defacto reason for buying a DS (if you didn’t already have one). Somewhat short levels and a sterile look aside, it was no doubt a majestic experience. This tried and tested formula was repeated on the Wii; albeit with even better level design and some truly challenging set-pieces (I’m yet to complete that Special zone).

In comparison, Sonic the Hedgehog 4, a similar return to roots project by Sega surprisingly didn’t fare as well. Slight issues with physics aside, I personally had a lot of fun with the game and was inquisitive as to how much better Sega could have done. It seemed to be the project fans had dreamed of since the mid-90′s but was a disappointment for a lot of people.

Bring back the Chargin' Chuck!

Nintendo can almost do no wrong with their re-visits to seemingly faded games, but naturally, as an “entitled gamer” I’m still not completely satisfied and I feel the soul of the original 2D games lies dormant. In steps Retro Studios the lone star savior of all things Ninty. They gave me Metroid Prime. They gave me Donkey Kong Country Returns. Oh how sweet a Super Mario Bros. 4 would be if those guys made it. Traditionally animated sprites, HD visuals, a return of a score at the top of the screen (Yeah so what if it was useless, it’s a score). While you guys are at it, a 2D Zelda wouldn’t go a miss!

What do you think? You have a better idea for the future of our favourite plumbing stereotype? Pipe up in the comments below.

-Reuben Barker