For What it’s Worth: New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Welcome everyone to another edition of For What it’s Worth where bargain titles are examined to see if they really are worth your bottom dollar. Wait a second. If I’m not mistaken this is a review of New Super Mario Bros. Wii, correct? But that’s not a bargain title and the Second Coming will likely occur before it becomes one. I kid cause I care. I like you Nintendo. You’re all right.

 

Anyway, I know that I don’t usually review newer games but with this being a celebration of the release of Mario Galaxy 2, I figured a review of the newest Mario platformer would be a good send off for Mario May here at For What it’s Worth. The same rating system will apply. I give the retail price and I tell you how much I feel it is really worth.

Yeah I know I'm breaking my own rules but doesn't matter because, "It’s Mario time!"

Story: Spoiler Alert! Bowser kidnaps the Princess again. This time the Koopa Kids make their return and trap her in a giant cake (I think it was her birthday or something). So Mario, Luigi and two random Toads rush to her rescue. Story doesn’t really matter in Mario games but I like how the scenes are animated. 

Graphics & Design: Anyone familiar with New Super Mario Bros. on the DS will instantly realize that New Super Mario Bros. Wii follows the exact same graphical blueprint but with enhanced graphics. The style combines the 2D style platforming level designs of the classic games and the enhanced graphics of the current character and background designs of the 3D outings. This style translates very on well on the Wii. It almost feels as if you are playing a cartoon staring the cast of the Mushroom Kingdom.     

Sound: The game has a very good soundtrack, which is really catchy. The new songs are solid additions to the franchise’s music library and the remixes of classic tunes are all excellent. Especially the new versions of the Airship theme from Mario Bros. 3.

Gameplay: Just like the graphics, the gameplay is very similar to that of the New Super Mario Bros. on the DS. It is a classic Mario style platformer where you have to guide the portly plumber from one end of the level to the other without dying. It takes the series back to basics but it is as fun as ever and with the implementation of different elements from just about every Mario game ever made, makes this all the more appealing. For instance, the map of each world follows the same game board like style as in Super Mario Bros. 3. Other Mario 3 staples such as bonus levels (activated when you come across enemies on the world map), the airship levels and of course the Koopalings make a full- fledged comeback. There are levels in which you can ride a Yoshi via Super Mario World. The classic Mario power ups such as the basic Growing and 1UP Mushrooms and Fire Flowers are in tact, the mini mushroom from New Super Mario Bros. also makes an appearance. The Toad Houses which give you power ups or extra lives through mini games return from Mario Bros. 3 and New Super Mario Bros.  Bowser Jr. from Super Mario Sunshine and New Super Mario Bros. returns as a boss character and the wall jump and butt stomp moves from Super Mario 64 make their return as well. There are more examples but if I listed them all, we would be here all night. So let’s focus on some of the new gameplay elements. Let’s start with power ups. Mario and crew can fly with the new Propeller suits. Now you can twirl through the air with just flick of the wrist via the nunchuck. There is also the new Ice Flower, which gives you the ability to throw ice balls at your enemies and turn them into frozen blocks, which can be thrown or used as platforms. The third and final new power up is the Penguin suit, which can throw ice balls, as well as increase your character's swimming speed and do a speedy belly slide.

Another new gameplay feature is the ability to allow the computer (in the form of Luigi) to complete a level for you if you happen to die eight times in a row. This is a pretty nifty feature to have as some of the later levels can get pretty challenging and it keeps younger players from getting to frustrated and discouraged. To all of you more serious players who don’t want your handheld, don’t worry. This is only optional. The game can also be played with the standard controls (using the Wiimote like an NES controller) or by using the Wii’s motion controls. Both work very well, which is good because it gives players the chance to play by their own personal preferences. But the game’s selling point is something that hasn’t been seen in Mario platformers before and that is co-op multi player. Now up to four players can join in on the action and do so at the same time. It may not seem like much to some but it adds a whole new dimension to the gameplay. Players can either help each other or they can compete to be the biggest bastard. Either way it adds a whole new level of difficulty, which is what the series needed. Something interesting to note is that if a player dies, one of the other players can make the save and bring them back into the game if they are able to break a bubble (with their teammate inside). Hey, it’s a Yoshi’s Island reference.

The gameplay is fantastic. It is as fluent and engaging as ever, showing that Mario hasn’t missed a beat in his over two- decade reign as the king of games. All of the nostalgic elements bring back a lot of memories and the level of difficulty made it feel as if I was finally playing a new Mario Bros. (Sorry DS. You’re a great game and all but you're too easy and too short) I can honestly say that it was the first time since I was a kid that I was truly challenged by a Mario 2D adventure and I loved every moment of it.     

Extra Features: Once you have collected enough Star Coins you can view instructional videos, which show players how to use certain techniques or tips on how to complete certain levels as quickly as possible. These videos are both helpful and entertaining to watch. I can't believe how fast some people can play through some of these levels. Another nifty thing about the Star Coins is if you get all of the coins in each world, then that adds a level to World 9, a hidden world much like the Star Road in Super Mario World. The game also features a variety of multiplayer modes. 

Replay Value: For those who like to play a game until they have unlocked every nook and cranny or like to constantly playthrough the game as a series of speed runs will have plenty to do. If you like playing in large groups, this is definitely as good to have in your library as any party game. It is a great family friendly title that truly offers something for everyone, hardcore and casual alike. So yeah, anyone can have blast with this wonderful little platformer for years to come.

Over All Value: Retail Price- $50-$60 (new)
                           What it’s Worth- $60

Before I return to the bargain from wence I came, I just want to say that this game is truly great, an instant classic and a must have for any Wii owner.

Until next time: Happy Hunting!

Next on the Docket: TNA Impact.