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{{italic title}}
{{italic title}}
{{Infobox
{{redirect|Virus Buster|the [[microgame]] from [[WarioWare: Get It Together!]]|[[Virus Buster (microgame)]]}}
{{game infobox
|image=[[File:Dr. mario online rx.jpg]]
|image=[[File:Dr. mario online rx.jpg]]
|developer=[[Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development|Nintendo EAD]]
|developer=[[Arika]]<br>[[Nintendo SPD|Nintendo SPD Group No. 2]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|released={{releasedate|Japan|March 25, 2008|Europe|May 20, 2008|Australia|May 20, 2008|USA|May 26, 2008}}
|release={{flag list|Japan|March 25, 2008|Europe|May 20, 2008|Australia|May 20, 2008|USA|May 26, 2008}}
|genre=Puzzle
|languages={{languages|en_us=y|en_gb=y|fr_fr=y|es_es=y|de=y|it=y|jp=y}}
|modes=Single player, 1-4 players simultaneous, multiplayer online
|genre=[[Genre#Puzzle|Puzzle]]
|ratings={{ratings|cero=A|pegi=3|esrb=E|acb=G|esrb=E}}
|modes=Single-player, 1-4 players simultaneous, multiplayer online
|ratings={{ratings|cero=A|pegi=3|esrb=E|acb=G}}
|platforms=[[Wii]]
|platforms=[[Wii]]
|media={{container|wiidl=1}}
|format={{format|wiidl=1}}
|input={{input|wiimote=1|gamecube=1|classic=1|nunchuk=1}}
|input={{input|wiimote=1|wiigcn=1|classic=1|nunchuk=1}}
|serials={{flag list|Japan|RVL-WDMJ-JPN}}
}}
}}
'''''Dr. Mario Online Rx''''', known as '''''Dr. Mario & Germ Buster''''' in Europe and Australia and as '''''Dr. Mario & Saikin Bokumetsu''''' (Dr.Mario&細菌撲滅, lit. "Dr. Mario & Bacteria Extermination") in Japan, is the first [[WiiWare]] video game of the puzzle genre to be released for the [[Wii]] by [[Nintendo]]. The title features both traditional ''[[Dr. Mario (game)|Dr. Mario]]'' gameplay in addition to Virus Buster, a mini-game from ''[[wikipedia:Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!|Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!]]'' and ''[[wikipedia:Brain Age Concentration Training|Brain Age: Concentration Traning]]''. Germ Buster has been modified for motion-sensing control rather than stylus control.
'''''Dr. Mario Online Rx''''' (stylized as '''''DR.MARIO online ℞''''' in the logo), known as '''''Dr. Mario & Germ Buster''''' in Europe and Australia, is the first [[WiiWare]] video game of the [[Genre#Puzzle|puzzle]] genre to be released for the [[Wii]] by [[Nintendo]] and the fourth main installment in the [[Dr. Mario (series)|''Dr. Mario'' series]]. The title features both traditional ''[[Dr. Mario (game)|Dr. Mario]]'' gameplay in addition to Virus Buster, a mini-game from ''{{wp|Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day!}}'' and ''{{wp|Brain Age: Concentration Training}}''. Germ Buster has been modified for motion-sensing control rather than stylus control.


The title costs 1,000 Wii Points to download in all regions.
The title cost 1,000 [[Virtual Console#Wii Points|Wii Points]] to download in all regions.


==Modes of Play==
Due to the closure of the [[Wii#Wii Shop Channel|Wii Shop Channel]] on January 30, 2019, ''Dr. Mario Online Rx'' is no longer available to purchase.
In both modes, the traditional goal of the ''Dr. Mario'' series carried over into this title. Players manuver [[Megavitamin]]s tossed into a glass jar in order to destroy the [[Virus|Viruses]]. In order for a virus to be destroyed, it must be connected to at least one Megavitamin of the same color. In this version, either [[Dr. Mario (character)|Dr. Mario]] or the player's [[Mii]]s can toss viruses into the glass jar. Virus buster can only be played with the wii remote.


===Multiplayer===
==Modes==
In addition to the single player mode, ''Dr. Mario'' features local and online multiplayer. The title takes advantage of [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] for online matches between friends around the world. Players can download the multiplayer demo from a friend who owns the game, enabling players to compete when only one owns the title. Despite region encoding of the Wii, the multiplayer demo may be sent to a Wii system of a different region.
In both modes, the traditional goal of the ''Dr. Mario'' series carried over into this title. Players maneuver [[Capsule]]s tossed into a glass jar in order to destroy the [[Virus]]es. In order for a virus to be destroyed, it must be connected with at least one capsule in a row or column of the same color, so that they form a column or row of at least four. Unlike previous entries, this is the first ''Dr. Mario'' game in which the score is not carried over to the next level, meaning that the score resets to zero whenever the player chooses to continue to the next level.


==Wii Shop Description==
===''Dr. Mario''===
In this mode, the game plays similarly to the previous ''Dr. Mario'' games, where capsules are controlled by moving it left, right, or downwards, or even rotating it, using the buttons on the controller. In single player, [[Dr. Mario (character)|Dr. Mario]] or the player's [[Mii]]s tosses viruses into the glass jar. In multiplayer, the player's Mii in the save file represents the first player, while the second local player can select a Mii of their choice. For online battles, each player is represented by the Mii of their save file. In contrast to previous ''Dr. Mario'' games, the next three capsules are previewed, compared to previous games where only one capsule is in preview.
 
There are three modes in ''Dr. Mario'':
*'''Classic''': In this mode, the player is tasked to eliminate all the viruses from their jar. The amount of viruses in the jar is dependent on the Level, in which it is 4 viruses at level 0 and an extra 4 viruses per extra level, so for example, 84 viruses will appear at the start of level 20. The amount of starting viruses maxes out at 96 viruses. In 2 player mode, the player can disrupt their opponent by clearing multiple lines in a single move, thereby sending multiple half-capsules (up to four of them) to the opponent based on the amount of lines cleared and the colors cleared in this process. After finishing level 5, 10, 15, or 20, a cutscene will be played, which is different between the Speed setting.
*'''Vs. CPU''': In this mode, the player can battle against a CPU player. Unlike 2-player Classic mode, the Speed cannot be adjusted for the CPU player, as the selection is replaced with the CPU Level, where it can be chosen between Easy, Normal, and Hard.
*'''Flash''': In this mode, each player is tasked to eliminate three specific viruses (one of each color) in the jar, indicated by them being lighter in color compared to the other viruses and blinking with white lights.
 
The music available in this mode is between [[Fever]], Chill, Cough, and Sneeze, a random selection between the aforementioned four themes which can change in between levels, or to disable the music altogether.
 
====Multiplayer====
In addition to the single-player mode, ''Dr. Mario'' features local and online multiplayer. The title took advantage of [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]] for online matches between friends around the world. Players could download the multiplayer demo from a friend who owns the game, enabling players to compete when only one owns the title. Despite region encoding of the Wii, the multiplayer demo may be sent to a Wii system of a different region.
 
===''Virus Buster''===
In this mode, each player is required to eliminate all viruses from the jar. Unlike ''Dr. Mario'', this mode can only be played with the {{button|wii|Wiimote}}. Up to four players can participate in this mode. In this mode, the interface is represented by multiple Miis fighting off a horde of viruses, where if the player(s) are performing well, the viruses will be pushed back, but if they are at a disadvantage, the Miis are the ones being pushed back. The difficulty determines not only how soon more capsules are added to the stage at once (up to three of them), but also the time it takes for each set of capsules to be added. Unlike the ''Dr. Mario'' mode, the preview only shows one next set of capsules, as opposed to three capsules.
 
Each player can grab a capsule by pointing to it, in order to move it (left, right, or down) or rotate it. There are some difference in which the capsules can be controlled, compared to the traditional ''Dr. Mario'' gameplay:
*The amount of capsules that drop into the jar is increased the longer the game is played.
*New capsules can be added even though the existing capsules have not landed yet. This is most evident at higher difficulties.
*Half-capsules can be moved around if they are falling, especially after being broken due to making a capsule match with the other half.
*Capsule pieces can be dragged so that they fit into gaps if there is room for them, even though there is something in between the capsule and the open space.
*Capsules being controlled will not push down falling capsules.
 
Depending on the level, the starting amount of viruses are as follows:
{|width=30% style= cellspacing=0 border=2 cellpadding=3 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;background:white"
|- style="background:#ADD8E6"
!width=2%|Level
!width=3%|Viruses
!width=2%|Level
!width=3%|Viruses
!width=2%|Level
!width=3%|Viruses
!width=2%|Level
!width=3%|Viruses
!width=2%|Level
!width=3%|Viruses
|-
|0||2||1||3||2||4||3||5||4||7
|-
|5||9||6||11||7||13||8||15||9||17
|-
|10||19||11||21||12||23||13||25||14||27
|-
|15||29||16||31||17||33||18||35||19||37
|-
|20||39||21||41||22||43||23||45||24+||47
|}
 
The music available in this mode is between a different variant of Fever or Chill, a random selection between the aforementioned two themes which can change in between levels, or to disable the music altogether.
 
==Controls==
===''Dr. Mario''===
*{{button|wii|Padleftright}} / {{button|wii|Stick}} / {{button|wii|CCStickL}} / {{button|gcn|Stick}} / {{button|gcn|Pad}} (left/right): Move capsule
*{{button|wii|Paddown}} / {{button|wii|Stick}} / {{button|wii|CCStickL}} / {{button|gcn|Stick}} / {{button|gcn|Pad}} (down): Drop capsule
*{{button|wii|Padup}} / {{button|wii|Stick}} / {{button|wii|CCStickL}} / {{button|gcn|Stick}} / {{button|gcn|Pad}} (up): Quick drop capsule (requires enabling Quick Drop in options to do so)
*{{button|wii|2}} / {{button|wii|Z}} / {{button|wii|cca}} / {{button|gcn|A}}: Confirm selection in menu / Rotate capsule clockwise
*{{button|wii|1}} / {{button|wii|C}} / {{button|wii|ccb}} / {{button|gcn|B}}: Cancel selection in menu / Rotate capsule counterclockwise
*{{button|wii|+}} / {{button|gcn|Start}}: Pause
===''Virus Buster''===
This mode is controlled using only the Wii Remote.
*{{button|wii|Wiimote}} (pointer): Select capsule
*{{button|wii|Wiimote}} + {{button|wii|a}}: Rotate selected capsule clockwise
*{{button|wii|Wiimote}} + {{button|wii|b}}: Rotate selected capsule counterclockwise
*{{button|wii|Wiimote}} + {{button|wii|a}} / {{button|wii|b}} (hold): Grab selected capsule
*{{button|wii|Wiimote}} (move) + {{button|wii|a}} / {{button|wii|b}} (hold): Move the selected capsule
*{{button|wii|+}}: Pause
 
==[[Wii#Wii Shop Channel|Wii Shop Channel]] description==
''The doctor is in! Mario takes a break from his adventuring ways and once again dons his stethoscope for a new generation of germ-battling mayhem. In addition to the classic mode of using vitamins to exterminate viruses, you'll find two battle modes and an online multiplayer mode where you can hone your skills against players from around the world. Feel like challenging a friend who doesn't have Dr. Mario Online Rx? Then the WiiWare-exclusive Friend Battle Demo is just what the doctor ordered. Or maybe you'd like some help taking on those nasty Viruses? Try out Virus Buster, where four players can simultaneously move capsules simply by pointing at them with a Wii Remote controller. Any way you look at it, Dr. Mario Online Rx is a prescription for fun that everyone can enjoy!''
''The doctor is in! Mario takes a break from his adventuring ways and once again dons his stethoscope for a new generation of germ-battling mayhem. In addition to the classic mode of using vitamins to exterminate viruses, you'll find two battle modes and an online multiplayer mode where you can hone your skills against players from around the world. Feel like challenging a friend who doesn't have Dr. Mario Online Rx? Then the WiiWare-exclusive Friend Battle Demo is just what the doctor ordered. Or maybe you'd like some help taking on those nasty Viruses? Try out Virus Buster, where four players can simultaneously move capsules simply by pointing at them with a Wii Remote controller. Any way you look at it, Dr. Mario Online Rx is a prescription for fun that everyone can enjoy!''


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:DrMarioOnlineRxTitleScreen.png|NTSC title screen.
DrMarioOnlineRxTitleScreen.png|NTSC title screen
File:DrMarioOnlineRxDrMarioGameplay.png|Basic gameplay with [[Dr. Mario (character)|Dr. Mario]]
DrMarioOnlineRxDrMarioGameplay.png|Basic gameplay with [[Dr. Mario (character)|Dr. Mario]]
File:DrMario_WiiWare.jpg|Basic gameplay with a Mii.
DrMario WiiWare.jpg|Basic gameplay with a Mii
File:DrMario_WiiWare2.jpg|Virus Buster in action.
DrMario WiiWare2.jpg|Virus Buster in action
File:DMOR VsCPU.png|Winning against a computer opponent.
DMOR VsCPU.png|Winning against a computer opponent
File:DrMarioOnlineRxLogoSprite.png|NTSC logo.
Dr Mario Online Rx stage clear.png|Dr. Mario's winning animation in Classic Mode
File:DrMario&GermBusterTitleScreen.png|Pal Title screen.
DrMarioOnlineRxLogoSprite.png|NTSC logo
File:Dr.MarioGermbuster.jpg|PAL Title.
DrMario&GermBusterTitleScreen.png|PAL title screen
File:DrMarioGermBuster.png|PAL logo.
Dr.MarioGermbuster.jpg|PAL icon
File:DrMarioOnlineRxSaveFileBanner.png|Save file banner.
DrMarioGermBuster.png|PAL logo
DrMarioOnlineRxSaveFileBanner.png|Save file banner
Dr.Mario&SaikinBokumetsuTitleScreen.jpg|Japanese title screen
</gallery>
</gallery>
==Reception==
{| class="wikitable reviews"
!colspan="4" style="font-size:120%; text-align:center; background-color:silver;"|Reviews
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6"
|Release
|Reviewer, Publication
|Score
|Comment
|-
|[[Wii]]
|Sammy Barker, [http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2008/05/dr_mario_online_rx Nintendo Life]
|7/10
|align="left"|"''Dr. Mario looks great, sounds great and plays great, just like the original did 18 years ago, and the inclusion of online multiplayer adds value. Newcomers to the series will be thrilled, but puzzle veterans may be a little disappointed. Dr. Mario was and still is a very, very good puzzle game and that fact remains unchanged here. If you're a fan of Tetris or puzzle games in general then you will be delighted with this game. If you already own a copy of Dr. Mario on [[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], [[Game Boy]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]] or [[Nintendo 64|N64]] then think twice before picking this up unless online multiplayer really floats your boat.''"
|-
|Wii
|Dan Whitehead, [https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/wiiware-roundup-review?page=2 Eurogamer]
|7/10
|align="left"|''"It's certainly a decent enough block-dropping puzzler, even if most people probably would've preferred Tetris. Or a Virtual Console release for the SNES Dr Mario and Tetris compilation. Either way, 1000 Points feels a bit steep.''"
|-
!colspan="4" style="background-color:silver; font-size:120%; text-align:center;"|Aggregators
|-style="background-color:#E6E6E6"
|colspan=2|Compiler
|colspan=2|Platform / Score
|-
|colspan=2|Metacritic
|colspan=2 style="background-color:gold"|[https://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/dr-mario-online-rx 72]
|-
|colspan=2|GameRankings
|colspan=2|[https://web.archive.org/web/20150908234152/https://www.gamerankings.com/wii/943660-dr-mario-online-rx/index.html 72.95%]
|}
==Media==
{{Main-media}}
{{media table
|file1=Dr. Mario Online Rx Banner.mp3
|title1=Disc Channel
|length1=0:09
|file2=DMOR Title.oga
|title2=Title
|length2=0:30
|file3=DMOR Select.oga
|title3=Select
|length3=0:30
|file4=DMOR Fever.oga
|title4=Fever
|length4=0:30
}}


==Staff==
==Staff==
{{main|List of Dr. Mario Online Rx staff}}
{{main|List of Dr. Mario Online Rx staff}}
==Names in other languages==
{{foreign names
|Jap=Dr.Mario&細菌撲滅
|JapR=Dokutā Mario ando Saikin Bokumetsu
|JapM=Dr. Mario & Bacteria Extermination
|JapC=<ref>[[:File:Dr.Mario&SaikinBokumetsuTitleScreen.jpg|Japanese title screen]]</ref>
|FreE=Dr. Mario & Bactéricide
|FreEM=Dr. Mario & Bactericide
|FreEC=<ref>{{cite|title=Dr. Mario & Bactéricide|url=www.nintendo.com/fr-fr/Jeux/WiiWare/Dr-Mario-Bactericide-285018.html|publisher=Nintendo FR|language=fr|accessdate=September 5, 2024}}</ref>
|Ger=Dr. Mario & Bazillenjagd
|GerM=Dr. Mario & Bacillus Hunting
|GerC=<ref>{{cite|title=Dr. Mario & Bazillenjagd|url=www.nintendo.com/de-de/Spiele/WiiWare/Dr-Mario-Bazillenjagd-285018.html|publisher=Nintendo DE|language=de|accessdate=September 5, 2024}}</ref>
|Ita=Dr. Mario & Sterminavirus
|ItaM=Dr. Mario & Virus-buster
|ItaC=<ref>{{cite|title=Dr. Mario & Sterminavirus|url=www.nintendo.com/it-it/Giochi/WiiWare/Dr-Mario-Sterminavirus-285018.html|publisher=Nintendo IT|language=it|accessdate=September 5, 2024}}</ref>
|SpaE=Dr. Mario & Bactericida
|SpaEM=Dr. Mario & Bactericide
|SpaEC=<ref>{{cite|title=Dr. Mario & Bactericida|url=www.nintendo.com/es-es/Juegos/WiiWare/Dr-Mario-Bactericida-285018.html|publisher=Nintendo ES|language=es-es|accessdate=September 5, 2024}}</ref>
}}


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Virus Buster in its original form was designed to help players relax instead of training their brains in ''Brain Age 2''. It even includes relaxing arrangements of the classic Dr. Mario music.
*Virus Buster in its original form was designed to help players relax instead of training their brains in ''Brain Age 2''. It even includes relaxing arrangements of the classic ''Dr. Mario'' music.
*In the Virus Buster game, if the player presses {{button|wii|A}} while their cursor is on a Mii while in game, it will say something such as, ''"Good luck, Dr. Mario!"'' or ''"The more bitter the medicine, the better!"'' Sometimes, the Miis will tell the player information concerning the actual gameplay, such as how many minutes have passed and how many capsules they've thrown. If the player presses {{button|wii|A}} while their cursor is on a Virus, it smiles to the front.
*In the Virus Buster game, if the player presses {{button|wii|A}} while their cursor is on a Mii while in game, it will say something such as, ''"Good luck, Dr. Mario!"'' or ''"The more bitter the medicine, the better!"'' Sometimes, the Miis will tell the player information concerning the actual gameplay, such as how many minutes have passed and how many capsules they've thrown. If the player presses {{button|wii|A}} while their cursor is on a Virus, it smiles to the front.
*Dr. Mario has no voice actor in this game.
*If the player completes Dr. Mario mode level 20 High, the player can see the game credits.


==External Links==
==References==
*[http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/rAh60VoeueDCp9ZIIuwdNFOjc00Z-GgX Official American Website]
<references/>
*[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/NOE/en_GB/games/wiiware/dr_mario__germ_buster_8385.html Official European Website]
 
*[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/wiiware/wdmj/index.html Official Japanese Website]
==External links==
{{BoxTop}}
{{NIWA|NWiki=1|StrategyWiki=1|MiiWiki=1}}
{{DrMarioSeries}}
*[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/wii/wiiware/wdmj/index.html Official Japanese website]
*[http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/rAh60VoeueDCp9ZIIuwdNFOjc00Z-GgX Official American website]
*[http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/WiiWare/Dr-Mario-Germ-Buster-285018.html Official European website]
 
{{Super Mario games}}
{{Wii}}
{{Wii}}
[[de:Dr. Mario & Bazillenjagd]]
[[de:Dr. Mario & Bazillenjagd]]
[[Category:Wii Games]]
[[Category:Wii games]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Puzzle Games]]
[[Category:Puzzle games]]
[[Category:2008 games]]
[[Category:2008 games]]
[[Category:Games with Wi-Fi Connection]]
[[Category:Dr. Mario Online Rx|*]]
[[Category:Games with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]]
[[Category:Reissues]]

Latest revision as of 19:15, September 27, 2024

"Virus Buster" redirects here. For the microgame from WarioWare: Get It Together!, see Virus Buster (microgame).
Dr. Mario Online Rx
Dr. mario online rx.jpg
Developer Arika
Nintendo SPD Group No. 2
Publisher Nintendo
Platform(s) Wii
Release date Japan March 25, 2008
Europe May 20, 2008
Australia May 20, 2008
USA May 26, 2008
Language(s) English (United Kingdom)
English (United States)
French (France)
German
Spanish (Spain)
Italian
Japanese
Genre Puzzle
Rating(s)
ESRB:E - Everyone
PEGI:3 - Three years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:G - General
Mode(s) Single-player, 1-4 players simultaneous, multiplayer online
Format
Wii:
Digital download
Input
Wii:
Serial code(s) Japan RVL-WDMJ-JPN

Dr. Mario Online Rx (stylized as DR.MARIO online ℞ in the logo), known as Dr. Mario & Germ Buster in Europe and Australia, is the first WiiWare video game of the puzzle genre to be released for the Wii by Nintendo and the fourth main installment in the Dr. Mario series. The title features both traditional Dr. Mario gameplay in addition to Virus Buster, a mini-game from Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day! and Brain Age: Concentration Training. Germ Buster has been modified for motion-sensing control rather than stylus control.

The title cost 1,000 Wii Points to download in all regions.

Due to the closure of the Wii Shop Channel on January 30, 2019, Dr. Mario Online Rx is no longer available to purchase.

Modes[edit]

In both modes, the traditional goal of the Dr. Mario series carried over into this title. Players maneuver Capsules tossed into a glass jar in order to destroy the Viruses. In order for a virus to be destroyed, it must be connected with at least one capsule in a row or column of the same color, so that they form a column or row of at least four. Unlike previous entries, this is the first Dr. Mario game in which the score is not carried over to the next level, meaning that the score resets to zero whenever the player chooses to continue to the next level.

Dr. Mario[edit]

In this mode, the game plays similarly to the previous Dr. Mario games, where capsules are controlled by moving it left, right, or downwards, or even rotating it, using the buttons on the controller. In single player, Dr. Mario or the player's Miis tosses viruses into the glass jar. In multiplayer, the player's Mii in the save file represents the first player, while the second local player can select a Mii of their choice. For online battles, each player is represented by the Mii of their save file. In contrast to previous Dr. Mario games, the next three capsules are previewed, compared to previous games where only one capsule is in preview.

There are three modes in Dr. Mario:

  • Classic: In this mode, the player is tasked to eliminate all the viruses from their jar. The amount of viruses in the jar is dependent on the Level, in which it is 4 viruses at level 0 and an extra 4 viruses per extra level, so for example, 84 viruses will appear at the start of level 20. The amount of starting viruses maxes out at 96 viruses. In 2 player mode, the player can disrupt their opponent by clearing multiple lines in a single move, thereby sending multiple half-capsules (up to four of them) to the opponent based on the amount of lines cleared and the colors cleared in this process. After finishing level 5, 10, 15, or 20, a cutscene will be played, which is different between the Speed setting.
  • Vs. CPU: In this mode, the player can battle against a CPU player. Unlike 2-player Classic mode, the Speed cannot be adjusted for the CPU player, as the selection is replaced with the CPU Level, where it can be chosen between Easy, Normal, and Hard.
  • Flash: In this mode, each player is tasked to eliminate three specific viruses (one of each color) in the jar, indicated by them being lighter in color compared to the other viruses and blinking with white lights.

The music available in this mode is between Fever, Chill, Cough, and Sneeze, a random selection between the aforementioned four themes which can change in between levels, or to disable the music altogether.

Multiplayer[edit]

In addition to the single-player mode, Dr. Mario features local and online multiplayer. The title took advantage of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for online matches between friends around the world. Players could download the multiplayer demo from a friend who owns the game, enabling players to compete when only one owns the title. Despite region encoding of the Wii, the multiplayer demo may be sent to a Wii system of a different region.

Virus Buster[edit]

In this mode, each player is required to eliminate all viruses from the jar. Unlike Dr. Mario, this mode can only be played with the Wii Remote. Up to four players can participate in this mode. In this mode, the interface is represented by multiple Miis fighting off a horde of viruses, where if the player(s) are performing well, the viruses will be pushed back, but if they are at a disadvantage, the Miis are the ones being pushed back. The difficulty determines not only how soon more capsules are added to the stage at once (up to three of them), but also the time it takes for each set of capsules to be added. Unlike the Dr. Mario mode, the preview only shows one next set of capsules, as opposed to three capsules.

Each player can grab a capsule by pointing to it, in order to move it (left, right, or down) or rotate it. There are some difference in which the capsules can be controlled, compared to the traditional Dr. Mario gameplay:

  • The amount of capsules that drop into the jar is increased the longer the game is played.
  • New capsules can be added even though the existing capsules have not landed yet. This is most evident at higher difficulties.
  • Half-capsules can be moved around if they are falling, especially after being broken due to making a capsule match with the other half.
  • Capsule pieces can be dragged so that they fit into gaps if there is room for them, even though there is something in between the capsule and the open space.
  • Capsules being controlled will not push down falling capsules.

Depending on the level, the starting amount of viruses are as follows:

Level Viruses Level Viruses Level Viruses Level Viruses Level Viruses
0 2 1 3 2 4 3 5 4 7
5 9 6 11 7 13 8 15 9 17
10 19 11 21 12 23 13 25 14 27
15 29 16 31 17 33 18 35 19 37
20 39 21 41 22 43 23 45 24+ 47

The music available in this mode is between a different variant of Fever or Chill, a random selection between the aforementioned two themes which can change in between levels, or to disable the music altogether.

Controls[edit]

Dr. Mario[edit]

  • +Control Pad left or right / Nunchuk Control Stick / Classic Controller Left Stick / Control Stick / +Control Pad (left/right): Move capsule
  • +Control Pad down / Nunchuk Control Stick / Classic Controller Left Stick / Control Stick / +Control Pad (down): Drop capsule
  • +Control Pad up / Nunchuk Control Stick / Classic Controller Left Stick / Control Stick / +Control Pad (up): Quick drop capsule (requires enabling Quick Drop in options to do so)
  • Two Button / Nunchuk Z Button / Classic Controller a Button / A Button: Confirm selection in menu / Rotate capsule clockwise
  • One Button / Nunchuk C Button / Classic Controller b Button / B Button: Cancel selection in menu / Rotate capsule counterclockwise
  • Plus Button / START/PAUSE Button: Pause

Virus Buster[edit]

This mode is controlled using only the Wii Remote.

  • Wii Remote (pointer): Select capsule
  • Wii Remote + A Button: Rotate selected capsule clockwise
  • Wii Remote + B Button: Rotate selected capsule counterclockwise
  • Wii Remote + A Button / B Button (hold): Grab selected capsule
  • Wii Remote (move) + A Button / B Button (hold): Move the selected capsule
  • Plus Button: Pause

Wii Shop Channel description[edit]

The doctor is in! Mario takes a break from his adventuring ways and once again dons his stethoscope for a new generation of germ-battling mayhem. In addition to the classic mode of using vitamins to exterminate viruses, you'll find two battle modes and an online multiplayer mode where you can hone your skills against players from around the world. Feel like challenging a friend who doesn't have Dr. Mario Online Rx? Then the WiiWare-exclusive Friend Battle Demo is just what the doctor ordered. Or maybe you'd like some help taking on those nasty Viruses? Try out Virus Buster, where four players can simultaneously move capsules simply by pointing at them with a Wii Remote controller. Any way you look at it, Dr. Mario Online Rx is a prescription for fun that everyone can enjoy!

Gallery[edit]

Reception[edit]

Reviews
Release Reviewer, Publication Score Comment
Wii Sammy Barker, Nintendo Life 7/10 "Dr. Mario looks great, sounds great and plays great, just like the original did 18 years ago, and the inclusion of online multiplayer adds value. Newcomers to the series will be thrilled, but puzzle veterans may be a little disappointed. Dr. Mario was and still is a very, very good puzzle game and that fact remains unchanged here. If you're a fan of Tetris or puzzle games in general then you will be delighted with this game. If you already own a copy of Dr. Mario on NES, Game Boy, SNES or N64 then think twice before picking this up unless online multiplayer really floats your boat."
Wii Dan Whitehead, Eurogamer 7/10 "It's certainly a decent enough block-dropping puzzler, even if most people probably would've preferred Tetris. Or a Virtual Console release for the SNES Dr Mario and Tetris compilation. Either way, 1000 Points feels a bit steep."
Aggregators
Compiler Platform / Score
Metacritic 72
GameRankings 72.95%

Media[edit]

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Dr. Mario Online Rx media.
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

Staff[edit]

Main article: List of Dr. Mario Online Rx staff

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese Dr.Mario&細菌撲滅[1]
Dokutā Mario ando Saikin Bokumetsu
Dr. Mario & Bacteria Extermination
French (NOE) Dr. Mario & Bactéricide[2] Dr. Mario & Bactericide
German Dr. Mario & Bazillenjagd[3] Dr. Mario & Bacillus Hunting
Italian Dr. Mario & Sterminavirus[4] Dr. Mario & Virus-buster
Spanish (NOE) Dr. Mario & Bactericida[5] Dr. Mario & Bactericide

Trivia[edit]

  • Virus Buster in its original form was designed to help players relax instead of training their brains in Brain Age 2. It even includes relaxing arrangements of the classic Dr. Mario music.
  • In the Virus Buster game, if the player presses A Button while their cursor is on a Mii while in game, it will say something such as, "Good luck, Dr. Mario!" or "The more bitter the medicine, the better!" Sometimes, the Miis will tell the player information concerning the actual gameplay, such as how many minutes have passed and how many capsules they've thrown. If the player presses A Button while their cursor is on a Virus, it smiles to the front.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Japanese title screen
  2. ^ Dr. Mario & Bactéricide. Nintendo FR (French). Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  3. ^ Dr. Mario & Bazillenjagd. Nintendo DE (German). Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  4. ^ Dr. Mario & Sterminavirus. Nintendo IT (Italian). Retrieved September 5, 2024.
  5. ^ Dr. Mario & Bactericida. Nintendo ES (European Spanish). Retrieved September 5, 2024.

External links[edit]