New Super Mario Bros. U
New Super Mario Bros U - 9 reasons we're excited to return to the Mushroom Kingdom
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Do the Mario!
Whether you like it or not, the next generation of gaming is about to begin this November with the launch of the Wii U. While the first round of games has a at least a few important releases, we're currently most hyped for our next chance to play as Mario, Luigi, and the rest of the gang. A new Mario game is always worthy of interest, but what makes this one so special? Well...
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It’s the first original Mario at system launch since 1996
Once upon a time every Nintendo system launched with a groundbreaking, brand new Mario game, but the last time that actually happened was with Super Mario 64 on the N64 (remakes and Luigi’s Mansion don’t count). The Wii U marks the first time in more than 15 years gamers will be able to test the limits of their just-purchased console by saving Princess Peach all over again. The fact that Nintendo is returning to its roots like that is more than enough to sell old school fans on the game and system. And akin to classic Mario games like Super Mario 64 and Super Mario World, a big focus of NSMBU is to showcase all the new system features.
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FINALLY there’s an HD Nintendo game
We had some great times on the Wii over the last six years, but even when the gameplay was great, it was often frustrating to know that the graphics would never match those on the 360 and PS3. At last Nintendo has caught up on the Wii U, and NSMBU represents the first time ever that Nintendo has approached graphics of this quality in a retail game. Does NSMBU have the best graphics ever? No, but it gives Nintendo fans their first real taste of what Nintendo can do with the new power at its disposal.
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Squirrel Mario is a whole new way to fly
Mario has learned how to fly in so many ways, be it as Raccoon Mario in Super Mario 3, Cape Mario in Super Mario World, or with New Super Mario Bros Wii’s propeller power-up. NSMBU has another flying outfit for his arsenal, the Flying Squirrel suit, that feels familiar and unique at the same time. Based on another tree-inhabiting rodent, it functions much of the time like the Raccoon power-up, but with the floatier properties of the tail. Another cute costume change for Mario and his friends, we welcome the addition.
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It takes advantage of the GamePad
The Wii U’s key feature from the outset has been the GamePad, the new controller with a tablet-like screen. Every launch game takes advantage of it in its own way, including NSMBU in both single and multiplayer. Most interestingly, the controller’s screen is used in a new multiplayer mode, where one person controls Mario, while another touches the GamePad’s display to create new platforms that can help (or hinder) the main player’s progress. It’s a fun way to build on the series’ multiplayer roots. The game can be played entirely on the GamePad’s screen, freeing up the TV for those unlucky enough to not currently be playing games.
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The world map just keeps on going
August’s New Super Mario Bros 2 had more than a little in common with Super Mario Bros 3, but NSMBU looks to be taking more inspiration from Super Mario World. Take the world map for just one example. No longer divided into separate screens, the overworld just keeps going and going when the player runs through it, giving the game’s setting a more vast and expansive feel than previous New Mario have to this point.
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Baby Yoshi returns
Need more proof of the influence of the seminal work Super Mario World? NSMBU marks the return of Baby Yoshi, the sleepy-eyed hatchling that assisted Mario in SMW. Aside from eating whatever is in front of them, the tiny dinos have different skills depending on the type, such as expanding into a balloon to give Mario some extra altitude, or lighting the way in dimly-lit level. It seems like the little guys have learned a few tricks since SMW.
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Attack adorable new enemies
Mario’s collection of enemies is one of the most famous in gaming, and it wouldn’t be a Mario game without iconic creatures like Goombas, Koopa Troopers, and Monty Moles. All of those guys are confirmed to appear in NSMBU, but they have some new friends this time around. Above you’ll see the new flying squirrel enemies, little devils that imitate Mario’s newest power-up. Hopefully they’re just the beginning of the new bad guys you’ll be facing in the game.
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We want to challenge the new Boost Rush Mode
Though not entirely true, for many Mario purists, the New Super Mario series can sometimes feel a little easy compared to previous 2D titles. Perhaps that perception will be lessened to a degree with NSMBU’s Boost Rush Mode. Auto-scrolling stages that speed up as you collect more coins, the stages are meant to challenge the more skillful players, sort of like New Super Mario Bros 2’s Coin Rush. And this opens the door for potential challenge DLC similar to NSMB2 as well.
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You can play as a Mii
One of the first tech public tech demos for Wii U that was shown in 2011 was called New Super Mario Bros Mii, which eventually grew into the upcoming launch game. Now a mode in NSMBU, it allows you to play through the entire game as your Mii. Though purists may want to stick to the standard characters, playing as your Mii gives a nice extra feeling of personal investment in multiplayer setting.
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Ready for something new?
After reading up on the game, are you looking forward to starting up this game on Wii U launch day? Or is there another Wii U title you're more interested in? Please, tell us in the comments!
And if you're looking for more info on the Wii U. check out our list of Wii U launch games and every Wii U game announced so far.
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bash street kid - October 8, 2012 1:15 a.m.
**i'm always amazed that no-one ever picks up on the correlation between the huge paid gamesradar advert/backdrops and the review integrity. **Something tells me that Doom 3 BFG edition is going to get an above average tick. Call me predicto. -
Cyberninja - October 7, 2012 8:20 p.m.
This is one of the games I want for the wiiu and the best part is I am not burned out since my last mario game was SM3DL. -
winner2 - October 7, 2012 6:21 p.m.
I'm sure it'll be fun, but all i can think about is what the titles of mario games 50 years from now will be. They'll be some of the biggest acronyms ever: DSUNMBWF92GXS - double super ultra new mario bros warp factor 9 2nd generation x series or something -
shawksta - October 7, 2012 5:35 p.m.
Heck yeah im excited, at first the game itself seemed simply NSMB HD but this game just keeps showing new things that set it apart and make it superior. NSMB2 was more of a staller to this game and I can't wait to play it, level design is much better, SMW Branching paths style, the baby yoshi's mechanics and overall ideas outbeat the other games. And of course its been years since we got a Mario game at launch,. Another nod, sometimes you'll see those squirrels carry the squirrel mushroom, and you can take it from them, similar to the caped enemies (can't remember who they were) in Mario world you can steal the super cape from. -
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bash street kid - October 7, 2012 4:34 p.m.
I just can't feel any excitement for this. If they'd have tried something more ballsy like Ubisoft did with Rayman Origins I might feel a twinge. I'm sure it'll be a fun game (and i'll more than likely end up playing it) but after only recently clocking Galaxy 2 - a game which is practically creaking at the hinges with crammed creativity - this feels like a comedown. Crack open the St Johns Wort, miss the mid-week party and hold out for the weekend on this front. Now Rayman Legends on the other hand... -
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JarkayColt - October 7, 2012 12:10 p.m.
If I was hypothetically to own a WiiU at launch, I would probably have gotten this game right away...assuming Rayman Legends didn't exist. Sorry Nintendo, but the NSMB series doesn't cut the mustard for me, at least in the "visual flair" department. The original NSMB's seemingly rabid recycling of Super Mario 64 DS assets left a bad taste in my mouth and I passed on the next two. That's not to say I don't think there's an excellent game under those slightly generic, bland shells, but, well...just...Rayman. Also minus points for listing playable Miis as a reason to be excited... just kidding! -
tehtimeisnow - October 7, 2012 10:51 a.m.
nope not exited for this game is just the same gane that came out on the 3ds a few month ago -
LBD_Nytetrayn - October 7, 2012 2:02 p.m.
Yep, just like Super Mario World was a Super Mario Bros. 3 rehash. Come on, Nintendo, do something DIFFERENT. -
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BackwaterRifle - October 7, 2012 2:28 p.m.
Smash bros is currently in production I believe, don't hold me to it. -
supermage65 - October 7, 2012 9:42 a.m.
I'm excited for this. Although I felt they could've used the Gamepad more creatively like Rayman Legends, I'm still looking forward to some HD Mario goodness.
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