|
 Nostalgia has always been a hit or miss thing with me. Sometimes the best parts of a game aren't articulated well enough in today's gaming world, while others hit the ground running, reminding us how far the video game industry has come. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is certainly the latter. During a time in which the industry is ruled by the all-mighty FPS (along with the expansive sandbox title), NSMB: Wii strives to keep the nostalgic factor at exceeding levels, just like when we first laid eyes on our favorite mustached plumber in the 1980s.
But, with nostalgia, there also come the preceding factors such as gameplay and ingenuity. Like its predecessor on the DS, NSMB: Wii is another classic retake on the 2D antics of the Mario games of old, one that makes good use of how to make a great 2D platformer. This time though, Nintendo is selling this new title on the idea of cooperative multiplayer, a new addition to this line of Mario titles. At first thought, you might think this is a quick rehash of New Super Mario Bros. on the DS, but rest assured my friends, this is one experience both young and old alike should not miss out on, even if you're too busy with the plethora of titles released during the holiday season. The idea may be the same, but Mario still has our hearts hooked on the Mushroom Kingdom.
Hit the jump and I'll tell you why Princess Peach is in another castle, and it's worth the trip.
When it was first released in 2006, New Super Mario Bros. on the DS channeled the magic and aura of what made Mario games of the past the quintessential platforming experience. It was a smash-hit and the public was clamoring for more. There were new abilities to tinker with, the classic formula was intact and even the music was still as catchy as before. Enter 2009, and Nintendo is at it again reliving the classic side-scrolling action of Mario and Co. To no one's surprise, Peach has been kidnapped by Bowser Jr. along with the Koopa Kids, who are making their first appearance since Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. Now all that is left is for Mario, Lugi and two Toads (a strange combo, I must add) to bring back balance to their world.
Like I've said before, NSMB: Wii should not be taken as a quick rehash but another re-imagining of what makes us play a Mario title -- that being the platforming, which ranks up there with Super Mario Bros. 3. You will feel right at home once the first level begins as you hop on your first Goomba and collect your first power-up as you run to the end flagpole without a hint of sweat. These first few levels though are the easy part, as the difficulty ranges from simple to downright challenging. With that being said, Mario veterans will be at ease with this title. You'll quickly learn the ins-and-outs of the game's new power-ups, which include the Ice Mushroom, Propeller Mushroom and (my personal favorite, which ranks up there with the classic Tanooki suit) the Penguin suit. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Penguin suit is all the rage here in NSMB: Wii. If you thought swimming in the various water levels in Mario titles was a pain, then await the smooth, yet quick agility of this new suit. I've never been this giddy about a power-up before, but good gosh, I've never felt so compelled to play the same level over and over again just to relive the experience.
Now that I have calmed down a bit on that matter, the gameplay of NSMB: Wii should not be too foreign to anyone, unless you have been living under a rock for the past 25 years. The level layout is similar to that of the DS title but with some pre-course obstacles that pit you against various enemies such as the Hammer Bros. or dozens of Bullet Bills. Fortresses and castles also populate the landscape, with each offering you a different Koopa Kid, but expect a different battle against them as you arrive at the end (a nice change other than a simple platform to stomp on them repeatedly). There are also various Toad houses that will aid you with power-ups, extra lives and even special items. All of these are meant to deviate you from the core of the 60-plus levels offered in this game, but in the end they remind you of what made the level layout of Mario Bros. 3 a huge departure from the norm. Speaking of which, you may notice how much I have been mentioning Mario Bros. 3 so often. Well, in all honesty, NSMB: Wii mirrors a lot of the classic NES title's gameplay style and obscure, yet fun level design. This is in no way the true sequel of the classic NES title, but it's sure as hell close enough.
The level design of NSMB: Wii is both familiar and unique. Many will see some homages to past levels in the Mario catalog, while others will be surprised and gleeful at the sight of unknown areas. One thing that was the subject of debate was the inclusion of the Super Guide, which would allow a computer-controlled player (Luigi) to guide you through a tough level. This mode made gamers question Nintendo's logic, but rest easy everyone, it isn't force fed down your throat; it's only an option. I only had to use the Super Guide once (please don't tell my friends) and that was because of the harsh difficulty of one level that almost led to the death of one of my Wiimotes. You get the option to use the guide after you have died a certain number of times in a row on one level. After that, a green box appears and asks you if you would like to use the guide. Again, this is only an option, not a babysitting tool. In the grand scheme of things, this mode is just meant as a "Super Mario Bros. for Dummies" mode. It's only there for show and veteran players are welcome to skip it without a second thought... unless you're like me, of course.
The usual themes of 2D Mario titles are also here (i.e. fire, ice, and desert worlds) but there is so much going on in each level as your progress to the end that it makes you want to take a second look. It's chaotic in a sense, but one that makes us smile as we play. If there is one thing that Nintendo does well that other companies should follow suit, it's their use of color. Every platformer should be this colorful as the ground, water and sky are booming with an abundance of scenes that are known and unknown to the Mushroom Kingdom. Overall, the level design presented to us here is both a welcome throwback and challenge to veterans and newcomers alike. I will go on to say that the later levels in NSMB: Wii rival its classic predecessors of the 8-bit and 16-bit era. Be prepared to be smiling at every turn, along with a chance of frustration after each failed jump over some lava pit.
With the capabilities of the Wii, Nintendo has chosen to stand pat with the classic control set-up that perfected past Mario titles. You hold the Wiimote sideways like you would do with the old NES controller and then you are all set; however, this time motion controls play a part in both the power-ups you receive and the obstacles you must traverse. For instance, with the Propeller Mushroom, shaking the Wiimote sends your character in the air, whereas with objects such as levers it allows you to control them with a slight tilt of the controller. These enhancements bring in a new sense of interaction with Mario's environments, but they feel both repetitive and disruptive at times. Actually, there were times this cost me a few lives because of an inaccurate thrust of the Wiimote in which Mario was flown directly down a crevice. My apologies to Mario and how many times a wrong thrust threw him down to his death; it wasn't anything personal.
The new addition of cooperative play in a Mario game may not seem like anything special on paper. Although, the addition of this gameplay mechanic has made the 2D Mario experience an epic blast of frustrating excitement. Other than the main game, there is Coin Battle (where you're in a mad scramble for coins while you head for the goal) and Free-for-All (where you can choose to play any course with your friends). Cooperative play is where most of the action takes place as you and two to three other players work together toward the end of the level. Working together with three other players is a blast to behold and anyone with a few extra controllers lying around should join the party. It's too bad that online co-op could not be implemented, as it would have benefited to a much higher replay value. Nintendo, I really do hope you take note.
Aside from that though, you can expect some shouting, laughter and maybe a broken Wiimote or two with the ingenious cooperative play of NSMB: Wii. With more than just one player thrown into the mix, you have the ability to grab and throw your teammates or revive them as they float above in their safety bubbles after they have died (a la Yoshi's Island). You can be their friend or foe in this epic struggle to the end, but expect a lot of rude comments, most of which I have heard while playing with my friend's relatives. It's that hectic, all with the motion controls you use during the single player. If you have one player on a tilt lift, then they have full control of the platform, which can sometimes lead to the death of a few of your teammates.
I could go on and on about the different scenarios, but that would require me to write a whole separate article. Let it be said that the cooperative play of NSMB: Wii is not to be missed. It never gets old and you'll be strategizing with each other on collecting both red coins and the three large coins scattered within each level (in addition, these will increase the replay value of NSMB, as they are integral to unlocking a bonus world). Despite the lack of online co-op, it goes to show that seeing grown men and women and young children playing the hell out of this game was a sight to see. There are no boundaries with this title, just sheer bombastic co-op fun.
Previously, I mentioned how nostalgia was a mere toss of the coin with my gaming tastes. The behemoth that is the Mario franchise may have gotten stale with some gamers, but NSMB: Wii proves to be a huge reminder of why we are gamers in the first place. This game takes us back in time to an era when running from the left to the right was commonplace and high scores were the epitome of dominance in gaming. This, my fellow gamers, is one game that is both pleasing to the thumbs and eyes, and one that will not soon be forgotten. Sure, the presentation may look similar to NSMB on the DS and the lack of an online component may turn away some people looking for some co-op fun. With that being said, the slight negatives should not deter your decision to pick this title up. In all of my years of playing games, I finally felt like a kid again. Thank you, Mario. You made me realize that video games don't have to have flashy presentations, complex story lines or a strict learning curve. All they need is heart and a basis for how fun the title can be to both young and old alike. NSMB: Wii has not only tons of heart, but a lot of chaotic fun to make anyone feel like they're young again.
Final Score: A-
|
Subscribe to this comment's feed
