New Super Mario Bros Wii is a 2D side scrolling platforming game. It's a return to the roots and truly a gumbo of everything 2D Mario in many ways. The game's namesake is similar to the DS game that was released a few years ago but this Wii version is better in just about every way. Do not let the slightly generic name fool you. New Super mario Bros. Wii is a very fun game with style.
The World map system from Super Mario Bros 3 and super Mario World makes its return. There are multiple paths to take to get to the end of each world. You do not have to beat every level to progress. There is frequently an alternative and easier route you can take in key areas so its a game that can be played by all skill levels.
Veteran Super Mario Bros. players may find the first three or four Worlds pretty easy though the difficulty ramps up slightly midway though. There are 8+ Worlds total in the game. For those that may get stuck on a certain part of the game there are "Super Guides" that are unlocked if you fail a level multiple times. These green 'Super Guide' boxes appear when you begin the failed level and if you hit the box you can watch Luigi play through the stage and you can take over the game at any point.
The platforming is well crafted. Actually this should come as no surprise. The Mario Bros franchise is known for having tight controls and this game is no exception. The jumping, running and ducking is perfect. This is a superb platforming game and in line with Nintendo's way of doing things this game makes it extremely easy for new players to immediately understand new mechanics introduced in the game. There are tips, or instructions that are extremely well implemented that appear above things you need to do in a special way. If you need to tilt your Wiimote you will know immediately without a break in action.
The soundtrack is made up of remixed songs from older games. The music is not the best and I would rather hear the original music though the game sounds are classic Mario. Shooting fireballs, powering up from a mushroom and collecting coins all sound just like you remember them. The sounds mario makes while walking and running show the level of detail put into the game.
Warp zones, hidden stages, hidden areas and such are all there. Also the three coin system from the Nintendo DS version is present for those that may be interested providing added incentive to go back and replay levels.
Newer power ups are the Ice Flower which allows you to freeze enemies, the Penguin Suit which allows enhanced swimming and enemy freezing, and the Propeller Hat which allows Mario to fly, float and drill/drop onto enemies. Blocks, shells and smaller frozen enemies can be picked up and thrown. You cannot throw shells upwards though which is bizarre for a game that takes so much from Super Mario World. For example Yoshi is in the game though it seems more for nostalgia and he is not a huge part of the game. mini games are back and you can win 1Ups and power ups that can be used at the world map before a stage is entered. You cannot store power ups and use them during a level like you could in Super Mario World.
Other than the easy difficulty, the low point of the game would have to be the end of stage and mid stage boss fights. Just like Super Mario 3 you are up against the Koopa Kids. Three quick stomps and your on to the next world. I would have liked to see these done differently though. They were all very easy and seemed phoned in. The last boss fight is done particularly well though. I just wish more of the boss fights had the impact of the last boss fight.
The multiplayer component allows up to four players to play simultaneously. Multiplayer comes in a few flavors. You can play the main game in a "free mode" that lets you select the stages from a menu or you can play the normal game with up to four players.
I found the multiplayer in the game to be fun though if you are seriously trying to beat the game you may find problems doing it with two or more players in the later levels. The platforming in later levels is so fast paced and many platforms are only for a single player at a time making deaths inevitable. Especially when you consider the fact that in this game two players cannot occupy the same space at the same time. You will bump or bounce off of players in your way leading to many unintended deaths particularly in later levels.
In all New Super Mario Bros. is a great game that can be beaten in about 8 hours. The platforming is superb, and although I found it pretty easy I would still totally recommend this game to every Wii owner. For hardcore fans this game will scratch your Mario itch until Super Mario Galaxy 2 is released next year. You can totally play thing game with your girlfriends, boyfriends, family, and kids. Also for new players this is a great intro to wonderful world of Mario.
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