Well, we're at my final review of the year (GOTY blog notwithstanding) and I've decided to let you all know about the first step into the new generation of gaming, the Wii U! Also New Super Mario Bros U. Because I'll probably only fill a paragraph on the console.
THE WII U
So right out of the box, some of the best things about the Wii U are it's backwards compatibility features. What I mean by that is, not only do your old wii games work, your wii remotes and the sensor bar are also compatible. Backing up all your Wii data is also pretty straight forward, once you find out how to, you know, START the process.
Now, Nintendo has graphically finally caught up to the competition. Games as simple as Scribble-Naughts unlimited and Super Mario Bros U all look surprisingly smooth. It's a big step up from the Wi's capabilities, but on top of this, the wii emulator on the console also looks smoother than it used to, for both Wii games and virtual console games.
The main event, so to speak, is the Gamepad; the tablet with buttons that's been the main selling point since it's reveal. Does it live up to the hype? For the most part, yes. It's not as responsive as an ipad, and it can only handle one point of contact at a time, but generally, the touch screen is accurate. It's implemented quite well in most games, with it being used to add platforms in NSMB U, as a keypad in scribblenaughts, as a live inventory in ZombiU, really, the possibilities are endless. At the moment, I'm most psyched about being able to seamlessly swap play between the tv and the gamepad, but so far only a few games support this.
Is the Wii U a big step up from it's predecessor? Hell yea it is. Do you need one if you already have a PS3 or 360? Well, no. But it does offer new and interesting play experiences, as well as some of the most fun party games I've played in a long time.
NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. U
STORY
Ok, at this point this is like pissing in the wind. There's a party at Peach's castle, everyone's invited. Then Bowser and the Koopalings show up and shit gets real. Mario, Luigi and two toads get booted a dozen or so worlds away, and they have to work their way back. Is it too much to ask for some narrative, Nintendo? I'm currently replaying paper mario, and while Bowser shows up to be a prick, at least he seems to have some motivations and goals.
PRESENTATION
As I mentioned above, New Super Mario Bros. U looks fantastic. The graphics are smooth and surprisingly crisp, and the visual style is colourful and full of personality.
Unfortunately though, I struggled to spot anything even remotely new to the series here. Sure, theres a flying squirrel suit, but there have been similar powerups (both visually and practically) before.
The music is still great, but it's just so similar to the other New Super Mario Bros. games! Very cheerful, full of life, A Capella styled tunes fill the game, and it always brings a smile to my face.
GAMEPLAY
While the story leaves much to be desired, the gameplay of NSMBU follows the Presentation's suit. It's all very familiar, but it's polished to a mirror shine. Jumping, bouncing, sliding, sprinting,wall jumping; it all feels smooth and fast and fun. Nothing feels better than nailing a sequence of jumps without missing a beat.
Co-Op is still fun, yet frustrating. Platforming in the New Super Mario Bros. multiplayer games feels more like it should be a competitive mode, because I've died more from my co-op partner bouncing on my head, or knocking me off a ledge, than I have due to the enemies or level design!
For the future, it'd be great to have this in as a competitive co-op mode. If it's co-op for fun, then the bouncy ass physics need to be an option, not the standard. It just ends in agony for one (or more) of the players.
The gamepad is utilized for a couple of features here. In Boost Mode, up to 4 players plus one on the gamepad, can play co-op Mario. The catch is, the gamepad player can make platforms, to either help or hinder their friends. Alternatively, playing singleplayer on the gamepad allows for you to use the Gamepad ONLY.
I wish I had more to talk about with this game, I do. But it's just so insubstantial. And what makes it worse is that it's so similar to all those who came before. All it is, is minor tweaks and some polish!
REPLAYABILTY
The amount of secret coins in this game is a decent incentive to play it over and over, but if collectible hunting isn't your thing, the coin rush and challenge modes are there for you. They basically provide small tweaks on the base gameplay, so nothing too special.
OVERVIEW
As I'm sure I said with the last New Super Mario Bros game, I do enjoy these titles. I do. But there's just so little to talk about, especially when each iteration doesn't even add anything to those that came before. At least Call of Duty can boast a new story, or something small like that. What does New Super Mario Bros U add? A platform creating fifth player?.... Woo.
Next time, GAME OF THE YEAR TIME!!!! See ya!
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