New Super Mario Bros Wii
Developer: Nintendo EAD
Publisher: Nintendo
Platform: Wii
Genre: Platformer
Rating: E (ESRB)
Release: 11/20/2009
A return to the Mushroom Kingdom usually means the lovely Princess is once again being kidnapped. This means that our favorite plumber is ready to (literally) jump into action. A follow up the popular New Super Mario Bros, this game is a side scroller in a home console.
Presentation
Celebration at Peach Castle, the Princess has grown a bit older and wiser and the Kingdom has gathered to wish her their best. In the mist of all the festivities, a ginormous cake is wheeled in. This cake is grand but something is of. The decorations on it don't look right and as the gullible celebrity approaches the sweet pastry all eight Koopalings emerge from the cake. While everyone is in shock, they take the opportunity to once again kidnap her royalness. Mario, Luigi, and two very brave toads take the chase and our story unfolds.
Graphics
As stated before, this game follows in the same direction as New Super Mario Bros for the Nintendo DS but is up-scaled to a much grander play area. The whimsical land that is The Mushroom Kingdom returns along with a barrage of enemies, that Bowser is relentless. The graphical prowess of the Wii is not taxed by this game but that does not mean it’s bad. Every level and over world is full of life and wonder. With a new multi-player functionality to the Mario Bros., this game allows up to four players to play on the same screen without deterring from its graphical and fluidity of the gameplay. To not make the screen so cramped, the camera zooms in and out as needed to accommodate the players.
Gameplay
A return to a retro style of Mario-ness, NSMBWii is a game that plays with a classic side scrolling setup. With all the jumps and obstacle spread across nine world that feature plains, mountains, deserts, seas, and other locals you'll definitely feel the platforming roots that make up the Mario 25 yr franchise. To traverse all of these location, you are given access to an over-world map similar to Super Mario Bros 3, World, and New Super Mario Bros. Being able to select stages that you've once visited before to try your hand at it when you've acquired newer skills or just to play your favorite stages again is another great addition to be had. You can also prepare before a level by using a power-up from your overworld inventory. With this game being on the Wii, some of the game mechanics are done melded with motion controls. With a shake of the Wii remote, you’re able to pick up another character or block as well as activate some switches. Flick it while in mid air lets you hover in place for a split second. With the Wii remote you can also control some platforms and light sources by tilting it. You can even watch videos of hints and more advanced techniques using Star coins that you can collect by redeeming them at Peach's castle. These Star coins can also be used to unlock more stages while some other stages can be accessed by finding secretary exits on certain levels. Yoshi make a comeback in some of the stages. Gobbling up baddies, flutter kicking over huge gaps, or transforming berries this dino’s return is well received. What would a Mario game be without power-ups. The Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman make a comeback to help you through the hoards of Bowser minions. A new Mario game means a new arsenal of power-ups to stomp out them wily goombas. This game brings with it the Propeller Suit (which you can soar with by flicking the Wii remote) and the Penguin Suit, so whether you take to the skies with a spin and spring to your step or dive deep into the waters of danger freezing your way through you'll have a blast guaranteed. Some not so oldies also make a return. The Mini Shroom and Ice Flower make an appearance to round out the vast number of way get through this game. These along with the ability to play with up to three other people at the same time make this game fun, challenging, and a bit nutty. Fighting over a Fire Flower or helping another player reach greater heights, it doesn't matter how you play it all makes for a good time for sure.
Sound/Music
Classic Mario sound fx and a new musical score from the previous iteration gives this game a feeling of mixed nostalgia's that bring smiles to many a hearts. An acoustic guitar playing a whimsical song under the sun with dancing flowers and goombas walking to the beat plays well in this colorful world while a piano keystrokes set the mood for those moments set in a dim lit arena. These are some of the ways this game sets the tempo with a tonal caress. Sound fx play a great role in any Mario game and this one is no different. Jumping, swimming, and sliding all are given character with some sound is infused in them. Every power up has a distinct array of sound from shooting fireballs to twirling in the air. But Mario is not the only one to make some noise. The sound of a stomped Goomba, a kicked Koopa shell, and the sound of a collected coin are only but a few other objects giving musical life to this great game. That feeling of stomping on Koopa tail is so gratifying but doing it cooperatively with a friend or family member to rack up a huge score and lives is stupendous to say the least.
Lasting Appeal
The single player game play is fun and will keep you at it for a good 8~10 hrs but the real prize is the multiplayer. Nine worlds with seven to ten stages, you’ll not feel the time. The in game videos that you can unlock will let you see how you can improve yourself and will want to make go back to those levels and try them out. The co-op can and will be challenging and there is also a competitive mode to see who can do better at jumpin' and stompin'. It will be, however, frustrating at first trying to get the cooperation to work. So much so that more often than not you’ll end up hindering one another but once you get past this minor setback, the real shine of the game begins to glimmer. All of these qualities make this game a great way for families to have fun together and it’s also a great way to liven up a party.
Conclusion
New Super Mario Bros. Wii, a game that will put a smile on your face with all of its game play mechanics and the ability for up to four people to join on the fun. You’ll return to this gem time and again. A great game you can play with those who are not great with this type of game. Helping them through the tougher areas is a great feeling and they won’t feel like they are being left out, even if you have to endure some frustration to get the knack of the multi player. So if you are a Mario veteran or a rookie to the platformer genre, this game is a must have Wii game. The Italian plumber has done it again.
Score
9.5/10
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