Proper gaming gold, and just the kind of software the wii desperately needs.
You probably all know the storyline by now - Peach is kidnapped by Bowser (or in this case, Bowser Jr. and his cronies,) and Mario embarks on an epic adventure to rescue her.
Much awesomeness occurs...
MULTIPLAYER: A much hyped element of NSMBW was the multiplayer - mario, luigi, and two toads can all play together. The multiplayer is great fun with a couple of friends, although it is often a mad rush to survive, and playing the game properly with more that one person can be quite difficult.
CONTROLS: NSMBW uses the wiimote turned on its side, with the D-pad and the 1 and 2 buttons used like a NES pad. Shaking the remote makes mario spin, a la mario galaxy, but this doesn't do much unless you have the propeller powerup (more on that later.) Tilting the remote on various levels controls mario's different contraptions, for some interesting level design. Overall, the controls are fine and not uncomfortable.
GRAPHICS: The game is in 2-D with 3-D sprites and level maps. It all looks nice and shiny, but doesn't push the wii to its limits like metroid or galaxy does. However, the graphics are very pleasing to the eye.
LEVEL DESIGN: Luckily, NSMBW doesn't copy the earlier DS version of NSMB. There are lots of interesting new level desings, even on world 1-1. Rotating wheels, sting rays, mechanical platforms, flying blocks and the new powerups add much needed variation to the mario formula. While a little more change wouldn't hurt (the basic premise is always the same - complete levels, do mid world castle, more levels, end castle, next world) but the game manages to feel fresh over the 8 worlds. Two new powerups have been added - the propeller suit, which send you flying into the air with a flick of the wiimote, is fun to use, and vital to reach hard places. The blue koopa shell from the ds version has been replaced by a penguin suit, which is adorable - you can slide, throw snowballs and swim well, but its not that useful. Other powerups include the mini mushroom, fire and ice flowers and of course, the super mushroom!
DIFFICULTY: I enjoyed the difficulty curve. It was tricker than the DS version and provided some proper challenge. For noobs, the super guide pops up if you fail a level 8 time in a row. It plays through for you, but no secrets are revealed. Its a good idea that makes the game more accessible and you can ignore it if you want.
This is a very solid, well made game and a worthy part of the mario series. Get it now!
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