titled Mario Bros. VB. Reception Despite being labeled by Next Generation as "perhaps the most promising title" for the Virtual Boy before its release, it received mixed reception upon launch. Almost all of GameFan Magazines staff chose Mario Clash as their favourite Virtual Boy game during their test of the console pre-release due to its combination of platform gameplay with 3D effects. One reviewer praised the game's 3D effects, while both felt it became tedious over time. GamePro staff's brief review praised the excellent use of the Virtual Boy's 3D feature but hinted that the Virtual Boy hardware did not do the game justice, expressing hope that the game would be released for the Super NES. IGN likewise called it "mildly clever" game held back by the Virtual Boy's "awkward" controller and the console's red-and-black color limitation. They also felt it "underrated". Retrospective reviews were similarly mixed. Nintendo Life found its sprites "boring" and "flat," as well as criticizing its lack of a save function. However, they did feel that players would find it challenging if they stuck with it for long enough. Nintendojo felt that it was a "worthwhile romp" and an "innovative departure" from Mario Bros. GamesRadar praised the game, stating: "It actually made brilliant use of 3D... The level designs featured a huge amount of variety, and figuring each one out was enormously fun." Official Nintendo Magazine called it a "fun little game", but criticized the Virtual Boy hardware for causing headaches during gameplay. UGO Networks' Marissa Meli felt that the game's font made it look rushed. UGO Networks called Mario Clash the low point of the Mario series. Allgame's Scott Alan Marriott felt that the game was fun but that it risked repetition and suffered from the lack of a save system for high scores. PALGN's Luke called it one of the hardest Mario games ever made. ABC Good Game wrote that Mario Clash tried to revive the series' arcade roots but "wasn't very good." Electronic Gaming Monthly gave it a 7.125 average, but the four reviewers were divided: Andrew and Mike complained of loose control which made it difficult to jump on a target, and felt the game was "okay" but became dull after a short while, whereas Mark and Sushi argued that the simple gameplay was addictive and that the game made perfect use of the Virtual Boy hardware. Next Generation awarded Mario Clash