New Super Mario Bros. U

While this is the fourth New Super Mario Bros. game (though only the second on consoles), Nintendo shows that the concept still has plenty to offer audiences. In some ways, the level design has improved over NSMBWii, with some of the most challenging, diabolical, and inventive traps and obstacles I've ever seen. In fact, I'd go so far as to say that this is one of the most challenging Mario games ever. Even some of the boss battles were pretty tough and took me several tries the first time. For example, Boom-Boom starts off as a pushover like he was in SMB3, but by around World 3 or 4, he has enough tricks under his sleeve to where if you're not prepared for him, he might get you. Like every Mario game before it (sans the original SMB on the NES) it is very generous with the 1-ups, and you'll need every one of them. Even a 26-year veteran of Mario like myself died quite a bit during my first solo playthrough. If you're just trying to get to the end of the game to beat Bowser, you might be able to clear NSMBU in a single afternoon without much trouble (depending on your skill level, of course; novices may still be challenged even then), but if you're going for 100% completion, be prepared to use every skill you every learned in Mario. Yet despite the challenge, it was never frustrating and always felt fair, as NSMBU is every bit as fun as you'd expect from a Mario platformer. The controls are impeccable. The various power-ups, both new and old, are pretty nifty. The visuals and aesthetics are bright and vibrant. Whether playing solo or co-op with friends and family, this is 2D Mario at its best.Besides the main game, NSMBU also offers several new play modes, including the returning competitive Coin Battle mode as well as the various challenge modes shown in the product description here on Amazon. If you're going for all gold medals, be prepared to work for it, as some of them are quite difficult (but again the difficulty, however steep, is always fair).If you haven't gotten a Wii U yet, be sure to pick up the upcoming bundle that has NSMBU and the New Super Luigi U expansion pack. You won't be disappointed. If you already have a Wii U but don't have this game, well, what's wrong with U?Gameplay: 5/5. Superb controls, amazing level design, and fair but fun challenges show that Mario is always at the pinnacle of gaming greatness.Graphics: 5/5. While not best game to show off the Wii U's abilities, it's still an amazing-looking game. The levels and characters have a vibrant, colorful look, and the amount of detail is very high. There's even a level reminiscent of old Van Gogh paintings. There's some new visual elements that weren't present in NSMBWii, including actual lighting effects from things like fireballs. The overall fidelity has obviously increased due to the jump to HD.Music & Sound: 4/5. Nothing new here that wasn't also in NSMBWii. Simple yet catchy tunes that, while they won't "Wow!" you or anything, do fit the setting quite well, and sound effects that are pretty much what you'd expect from a 2D Mario game.Overall: 5/5. If you're a fan of 2D Mario (and who isn't?), you'll love this game. This is perhaps the best in the NSMB series so far, and is one of the best games I've played in the past couple of years.

-Story/Length-Your story is your same old, same old Mario. Princess is taken, Mario must save her. Though this plot has been used so many times now, its not getting old as it is turning into a staple of Mario games. Thus when it is changed people go crazy over it. The games still sell though, and why? because of the tried and true plots of these games still offer polish, the same workable plot, and offer a bunch of content for completionists.This is the first time in awhile that princess peach isn't actually pre say kidnapped but instead imprisoned in her own castle by bowser. Bowser turns her castle into his new layer instead of taking her for a short ride to his place. so in this side scroller Mario starts far, far away from his beloved princess. The first level you encounter the newest ability the acorns, which in return turns you into a flying squirrel. This is the trump power up as I found myself wanting it in 90% of the levels. The Story is very clean and cut just like every side scrolling mario as they all are close to the same thing. the 3D marios are where this 'Tends' to differ. So Tride and True to the mario series, this is an unbroken story and gets a star.-1 Star--Graphics-HD Mario!!! this is the first 'True' Game with HD Mario and though it could and will get prettier. Though this game is in its own right extremely pretty and colorful.-1 Star--Soundtrack-Upbeat and whimsical. very enjoyable.-1 star--Replay Value-For Clompetionists this game has tons of replay value. The bonus levels can actually be extremely difficult, and tons of fun.-1 Star--Extras, Wii U Exclusive-The extras are interesting this time around. Coin rush for the last Handheld version of the game lacked a lot and was pretty boring for extra content. This time around Nintendo included some great stuff. Time trials, Jumps trials, Air trials, and boost mode which's only possible on Wii U. I am really enjoying this extra content and it also adds a lot of replay value.As for Multiplayer, its only notable in Boost mode, where the team needs to work together to finish the objectives.-1 Star--Conclusion-All in all this is a GREAT first game to play on the system, and though everything could play on the Wii, the HD just blows the Wii version outta the water. Definitely worth a play through for someone new to the series, or someone familiar with it as well.This game is definitely a must buy if you enjoy platformers, and own a Wii U.Total -5 stars-

This is Super Mario we're talking about here! Despite the Game Theory (check out their YouTube channel!) that Mario is a misogynist psychopath this game is fun to play and challenging to beat. The graphics and sound are amazing yet Nintendo managed to keep it familiar. Heck, I am even reminded of my first Mario game on the GameBoy whilst playing the Wii U version!The overworld is cool, sweet, hot, and everything in between. Power-ups are generously placed so that motorically challenged players like me don't destroy the Wii U controller on impulse [I've shaken it many a times though].The levels can be challenging and fun but sometimes frustrating as well. It is funny to see what other players have to say about the levels and you can leave your own message as well. Pretty cool and satisfying! I'm currently trying to get all three star coins before continuing with the Meringue world just so I feel like I accomplished something. My favorite feature is probably Quick Save that allows you to save your progress without finishing a castle. Only downside is you can restore the game only once from this save but it has never been an issue for me.If you get stuck or can't find all the coins you might want to check out the Bonus videos on the main screen. I was drooling over some of the to see the skill of the players but then my wife said they probably don't have a life... who can argue with that, right? Anyway, make sure to check them out! But don't expect you'll be able to replicate what you see... those guys/gals are professionals ;)I will be playing this one for many more hours [as Mario]. Once done, I'll check out the Luigi variant which looks a bit harder. Happy Gaming!