The best Mario 2D platformer in 19 years.
I admit, I was skeptical about this game. I didn't like the original New Super Mario Bros. on the DS. It was too easy, it was bland and unappealing and felt like a sequel to the original Super Mario Bros. which had been eclipsed by the Super Nintendo games. However, the more I saw the game the more interesting it looked and I ended up buying it and to put it bluntly, it's amazing.
It's your standard Mario 2D platformer. It doesn't strive to do new things or shake up your idea of a Mario game. It does what it does best. That's not to say it doesn't add a bit of verity. As I'm sure you're aware it has the 4 player co-op but it also includes new items like the Propeller suit and the Ice Flower which freezes enemies and turning them into platforms or a throwable object.
This game is really all the past Mario 2D games mixed into one. You'll see things out of the original,
Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World and even Yoshi's Island a bit which gives a strong sense of nostalgia. You be seeing everything from Bullet Bills, Ghost house's, Airships and rideable Yoshi's. The level design is excellent with each level giving its own charm and getting better and better the further you get in. There are also a few unique levels such as one where you are riding a boat(or more like a bunch of logs) in a dark cave and you have to point its spotlight using the Wii remote to see what's coming.
My only gripe with the levels are the difficulty. It can sway erratically from easy to frustratingly hard. I can blast through 2 levels with out problem then die 5 times in the next level. This maybe due to my play style(hold run and charge) but it still none the less got me annoyed from time to time. Other than that there really isn't any issue with the levels or gameplay in general. If you've played any Mario game you'll know what to expect.
The controls work well. Mario seems a little more floaty than he has in past games but it doesn't effect how you play by much. The motion control can get a bit annoying though. While there are only basic motion control actions(turning it from side to side or shaking it) they can get in the way sometimes. I found myself spinning when I didn't want too because I moved the controller too much in my hands. They feel unnecessary and probably could have been better if they weren't there. That way would have also allowed Classic controller support which this game sadly lacks.
Audio wise the games fine. While it doesn't jump out at you with stunning sound effects you shouldn't really be expecting that in this type of game. The music is nice with the same style as the DS games and a bunch of remixed classic tunes. I did get a kick when I heard the Yoshi drum beat added to the tune when I hopped on him(the same drum beat in SMW).
Graphically the game looks nice. It's colourful, simple and clean. It definitely isn't going to win any awards for technical achievements but for what it is it suits it just fine and I never once thought the game was ugly in any parts. The lava and purple goo(what is that stuff, anyway?) looks nice and has decent ember effects. The lighting could have been been a bit better but it isn't something that sticks out.
Overall New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a fun and enjoyable game. Far exceeding the original NSMB and a game that adults and kids can both highly enjoy. It would have been nice to have seen a level editor along the lines of Little Big Planet, it
certainly would have added possibly an infinite amount of replayability(and my dream of a New Super Mario World. Wii) but as it stands it still holds more replay value than most new games so put on your overalls, your red hat and down a few mushrooms(wait, what?) and get ready for a new adventure!
