Mario is back and for the first time since the Nintendo 64, Mario is coming along with Wii U on November 18.
I remember when this was announced. First thing that popped in my head was wow two 2D Mario in one year. After some disappointment in New Super Mario Bros 2 in tha many people saw New Super Mario Bros 2 on the 3DS as not being new, this one on the Wii U definitely is.
Just like in New Super Mario Bros Wii, this title once again brings back four players via the Wii remotes. A fifth player can now join in the fun by controlling the environment with the gamepad. This is just one of the new features that make this game new. This feature alone will make speed runs even crazier than before. This was sold to us by Nintendo’s representatives on the floor during the Wii U Preview event.
When this feature first showed up, it was just about adding block and stunning enemies. While those two attributes haven’t change, you now have a meter that you can build up thatw will grants you the power to kill enemies on screen. To build this meter however requires the other players to step or hit blocks created by the gamepad user within a few seconds of placing the blocks. This time is indicated with the symbols on the block. Once they disappear, the block is just a block with no extra bonus. The blocks can also give out coins for stepping on them in time. Once a block is also stepped on, it will disappear.
Now as for playing with Mario, Luigi and toad, Mario still controls like you expect him to. The new power suit in the game comes in the form of the Flying Squirrel suit. Run and jump and hold the jump button lets you glide in the air. You can also wall jump and glide. Yoshi also makes a return and like in Super Mario World, different color Yoshis gives you different powers. This demo had a Yoshi that with a simple shake of the Wii remote let you balloon him up and you sail through air.
A new mode in the game is the Boost Rush mode which you have to complete three stages and the stages are all auto scrolling. The more coins you collect, the faster the auto scrolling goes.
This game will also feature Mii-Verse function and allow you see what others are doing.
New Super Mario Bros U is shaping up nicely and is looking more like a true sequel when you compare it to New Super Mario Bros 2. Just to make sure that doesn’t sound like New Super Mario Bros 2 wasn’t a great game, it just wasn’t really new. Super Mario Bros U looks new, and with its HD visuals, it is a pleasant sight for your eyes. New Super Mario Bros U is a confirm launch game.
