E3: New Super Mario Bros. Wii initial hands-on impressions
Wednesday, June 3rd, 2009 at 5:11am by Sean
I was pleased to see Mario return to his side-scrolling platform roots once more in New Super Mario Bros. for Wii. Similar to it’s DS predecessor, New Super Mario Bros. Wii puts our hero in his original element – traversing the mushroom kingdom in a very linear and direct fashion – but the simplicity of the level design and gameplay demo presented at Nintendo’s E3 media briefing had me concerned. The worst face that can befall a well designed platform game is uninspired, boring level design. Was this game going to be too easy? Would I simply breeze through it, as I did with the DS version?
Thankfully, no. Although a fair number of the stages on demo on the showroom floor were simple, a few levels offered more than enough challenge to keep me interested – featuring death defying leaps of faith, precise turtle shell jump launches, and playing tricks on your team mates – just like the old days! …well, sort of. New Super Mario Bros. for Wii sets itself apart from previous Mario games by adding a co-op multiplayer element. That is, up to four players can play in the same level at the same time, playing cooperatively, or abusing each others position to reach a ledge or grab a power up.
The confusion of multiple players on screen led to some fun and exciting hijinks, and added to the challenge of navigating some of the more complicated obstacles in our path. It feels like a wonderful mix between the old “Mario Bros.” competitive arcade game, and all of the “Super” platforming classics. I could easily see New Super Mario Bros. rising to the top of my “party game” list, as well as becoming one of my single-player favorites.
The title is not without it’s quirks though – spin attacks are executed by shaking the Wii Remote up and down , a gesture that does not always feel natural can feel a bit off. Also, when any player dies in multiplayer, the screen freezes for all four possible participants as the doomed character falls off screen. Staff on hand told me that it was designed to freeze the action in the same way the original Super Mario games did when the player died, but this nostalgic touch halts the action in multiplayer mode, and feels more like a glitch than a homage.
Although it’s hard to judge a game based off of a ten minute demo of a few levels, New Super Mario Bros. has all the elements that count: fun, challenge, and a great multiplayer experience. With a little fine tuning, this will be a fun and memorable, but perhaps not groundbreaking addition to your Wii library.
June 3rd, 2009 at 7:10 am
My worry was the exact opposite of yours. My worry was that the game would be too hard!
I want a simple, fun, multi-player platformer that I can play with my family not a demanding hardcore platformer for which I will never be able to find anyone who can keep up with me if I want to play multiplayer.
It’s good to hear that some of the levels are simple and straightforward, because in the video I watched it all looked really really hard and intense.
June 3rd, 2009 at 7:21 am
This site needs MOAR METROID OTHER M. You guys need to pester ever single Nintendo employee you encounter for more information!
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:32 am
Am I correct in understanding from reading the Myamoto round table that there will not be WiFi playability for this title? Because that is unfortunate.
June 3rd, 2009 at 8:47 am
isnt metroid technically being done by a 3rd party? or will nintendo be closely overseeing whatever the hell they’re doing with it lol?
June 3rd, 2009 at 10:22 am
The problems you describe discourage me. I hope Nintendo really pays attention to its fans of this type of gameplay. We’ve been with Nintendo from the start.
Also, no Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, big no no in this day and age. What the Hell are they thinking? Would they release a new Mario Kart game without WFC? Give New Super Mario Bros. the full treatment, WiiSpeak and all.
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:01 am
@scottdot:
I’m not sure you had heard this, but the reason why WiiSpeak and WFC cannot go into New SMB Wii is that the processor is already used up by having 4 users on-screen.
@Poochy:
I try! I’m serious! I have already asked a couple of people at NOA, and they are keeping silent!
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:02 am
I must say this title looks good and I probably buy it because Nintendo rocks but this still looks like the DS version with some co-op features. However, I am a big fan of co-op and 4 player games and Nintendo always brings it’s A Game on this.
Nintendo needs to start thinking about Wi-Fi in all their first party titles as this plays a huge part in today society and Wii Speak needs to be used more. Wii Speak is being used in The Conduit and this game I am getting for sure.
On another note, I agree that Infendo needs to get some hands on time with Metriod Other M ASAP. This was probably the biggest surprise and the icing on the cake for Nintendos press conference. Also, Team Ninja & Nintendo are working together apparently. Not sure if there is a worker & a supervisor relationship there but it looks amazing. This will work out great for people picking up the Metriod Trilogy this August and playing through that game before the new title
June 3rd, 2009 at 11:15 am
I’m excited for this game.
June 3rd, 2009 at 12:03 pm
I’m sure this has been said before, but is this WiiWare or a full retail release? It’s good to know the game will be somewhat challenging. I just hope it doesn’t feel TOO much like the DS version.
June 3rd, 2009 at 7:48 pm
scottdot I do not want wifi because I want to smack the guy that picks me up and throws me into the pit. You just know some HD gamer will get this game a proceed to try and team kill every one.
If it had wifi I still would not use it because of the same reason. Online players are really sore losers which is ever evident in the current HD hardcore fan base. Online is great till you get team stacking for team killing. Maybe you just get people how decide to not even play?
Online has many lame things in it and the only reason I play online on the PC is because we have to power to kick people and ban them from a server or from the game period which is limited to them buying another copy which only helps the game we love.
Also Wiispeak has the same problems just as xbox live and the PC mics. I don’t find most gamers version of junk talking funny or entertaining. It is just lame mostly and mouth breathing which is even more lame.
June 4th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Sounds fun, looking forward to it!