Review of New Super Mario Bros. Wii

When I ripped open the packaging for New Super Mario Bros. Wii recently (admittedly, much later than most) I was filled with a giddy excitement about the game. Finally, after all these years, I was promised a game which would take me back to the enjoyment I got out of the originals. We've been promised such things before but the reviews and screenshots had me excited--so I dove right in.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii immediately takes you back to the first time you popped the original game in your old NES console. When you select the first level you'll feel the excitement coursing through you as the nostalgia takes over and you begin to wander through the familiar feeling game. The various levels of Super Mario Wii are filled with rich environments that, while reminiscent of the originals, certainly utilize current technology to improve the atmosphere. Furthermore, each world has a unique setting and keeps you guessing as to where your favorite Italian plumber may be whisked away to next!

As for Mario, he is just as awesome as ever. While he enjoys the benefit of having his old power-ups, he has a few new tricks up his sleeve as well. The helicopter-hat and the penguin suit are just a couple of the new ways Mario can get some help throughout the game. For those of you worrying about your ability to control Mario via the Wii's occasionally complicated controls--fear not. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is played using the Wiimote held sideways with the 1 & 2 buttons used where the A & B buttons were on the original NES controller. Besides some shaking and tilting features which add some excitement to the game, the controls are just like you always remember them and make the game very easy and enjoyable to play.

Also new on the Wii is the ability to have multi-player games. New Super Mario Bros. Wii takes full advantage of this ability and allows you to undertake the entire game--from beginning to end--using four players. Besides being a lot of fun when you have a group to play with, it is also makes the game more challenging and interesting. You can also do 'capture the coin' type games against other players if you're looking for something a little more competitive. All-in-all, a small group can have hours of fun playing this game together.

The only potential pitfalls of this game are that it is not particularly difficult to beat or advance through quickly. In an hour or so you'll find yourself a good way through the game and a little while after that you can be done. Luckily, you can go back to collect all the 'star coins' to unlock secret areas and different endings. You also have the option to replay any previous levels which adds to the value of the game since some of the stages are incredibly addicting. If anything, this game is a shining example that while they can make Super Mario feel like the original--they can't make it as hard. Games these days seem to get easier and easier--but in this case--that doesn't translate to any loss of fun.

Playing New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the most fun I've had on my console in a long time. It is a game that is great for people like myself who will appreciate the nostalgia of it, and for younger, newer players who just want to have some fun on a classic platformer game. Whether you're playing alone, or with friends, you're sure to get a kick out of New Super Mario Bros. Wii.