The flying squirrel suit gives you serious hang-time, and that’s invaluable in worlds with lots of wide gaps and sheer drops.

Only one new power-up makes it into your arsenal, but it’s a good one. Think you’re clever? Mario U already thought two steps ahead of you and planned accordingly. The series’ haunted levels usually annoy me, but Mario U’s won me over with a smart mix of shrouded rooms, brilliant visuals (one particular favorite features moving Van Gogh backgrounds), pseudo-dead ends, and “not so fast!” rickrolling. Nothing falls under the statutes of torture, but right around World 3, the challenges start pushing hard, and it feels good (the play-it-for-you Super Guide also returns if you get seriously stuck). Mario U does have a few family-friendly leanings, but make no mistake, this thumb destroyer won’t take it easy on you. Mario U doesn’t deviate from that formula … or any other.Ĭore to that equation: sterling level design. They revel in the simple act of play - right down to the springy buzz of jumps and dance interludes. What You’ll Likeįor sheer, unbridled joy, it’s tough to beat a Mario game. Nintendo’s new Wii U console got its Mario game at launch, but “new”? Really? Because More Super Mario Bros.

New super mario bros. wii