GamesThirst Review: Super Mario Bros. Wii

Publisher: Nintendo

Developer: Nintendo EAD Tokyo

Player: (s) 1-4

Genre: Platformer

Release date: (U.S.) Nov. 15th, 2009 (Europe) November 20th, 2009

Score: 8/10

The story that takes place in New Super Mario Brothers Wii is very straight forward and fits in perfectly with the Super Mario universe. Princess Peach is kidnapped by Bowser once again and Mario, Luigi, and two other worthless toads must work their way through various worlds to get her back. As you can tell, it's a Mario storyline plain and simple.

New Super Mario features gameplay similar to that of the old school Mario games back on the NES and Super Nintendo days. The game features two main ways to play. You can either go through the story by yourself which I think would be far easier to do, but not as enjoyable as the multiplayer version which is where this game truly shines.

From the beginning, up to 4 different players can choose from a selection of 4 characters including Mario, Luigi, a blue Toad, and a yellow Toad. Once you have selected your characters, you begin to work your way through the entire game from start to finish. Now, you can either put in a helping hand and work together to make it to the flagpole at the end of each level, or you can battle it out and attempt to be the first player to arrive at the finish.

NSMB feels very much like a remake of the original Super Mario Bros on the NES as the levels are similar in design ranging from the Mushroom Kingdom sections to the underground levels and even the underwater worlds make a comeback. In the middle and end of each world, you must work your way through a castle and do battle with one of the Koopalings (Bowser's children) in duels that are very similar to the boss battles in Super Mario Bros. 3 on the NES.

Items from the series make a return like the mushroom that makes you big and allows you to take two hits, the fire flower which allows your character to hurl fireballs, and the star which makes you invincible for a short time. Aside from these classics, new items are also introduced into the game like an ice flower that allows you to turn enemies into blocks of ice, a propeller hat that allows your character to fly into the air, and a penguin suit that makes swimming much more precise.

The graphics are actually quite good for the Wii, but don't be expecting anything similar to Super Mario Galaxy as far as quality is concerned. You play 3D characters running along 2D backgrounds which allows for some rather stunning set pieces and the music overwhelms you with a sense of nostalgia.

Almost all of the music is reworked classics from the NES and SNES Super Mario games including the airship and boss music from Super Mario 3 and much more. Yoshi even makes an appearance just like back in Super Mario World where you can ride each Yoshi you come across. Yoshi can also swallow the other players as well which makes getting to certain sections in the levels much easier.

Now you may be thinking to yourself, "Wow this game sounds perfect!" Well no, it isn't perfect, but the faults can definitely be overlooked. When a character dies, the screen will freeze for a second, which can and most likely will distract the other players causing them to die as well. Also, sometimes you and another player will collide or accidentally jump on each other's heads which will more than likely cause one of the players to die which is why I believe playing through this game would be easier alone, just not as fun.

My last complaint with this title is that aside from all the accidental deaths caused by each player, the game is far too easy. Most of the time I found myself just running through everything, not needing to take time to plan out what I was going to do.

Overall, if you're a fan of Mario and have a bunch of friends to play with, this game is definitely for you. Multiplayer is where it definitely makes it's mark but the single player can be just as fun. For Wii owners wishing to quench their Mario craving and pass the time until Super Mario Galaxy 2 is released, this is definitely for you.

11/21/09 Colton West