New Super Mario Bros. U Review [Capsule Computers]

Dustin Spencer from Capsule Computers writes: "No matter what any other critics say, I will never believe that Mario has become a dull franchise. That is the stigma that has surrounded the plumber though. Throughout the past few years, Nintendo have stuck with the “New” series, relying on acts of nostalgia to keep their fanbase happy. Ultimately, a great divide has occured within the group, with half of the fans staying content with recent offerings, and the other half hungering for more, craving a new direction for the franchise. New Super Mario Bros. U, like it or not – is a special game. It is the first launch Mario game for the Wii U, and the next big step for the franchise. Of course the 2D platforming gimmickry still applies, but does this age old legend still have enough spark to capture a new generation?"

[futurefrog]

I dont like this game personally, I am kinda done with sidescrolling Mario games at this point in my life. I want something that will blow my mind, do it Nintendo, I dare you to blow my mind.

[militissanctus]

NSMBU definitely isn't a bad game. It may not necessarily break any new ground, but it's still a blast. I'm sure we'll get our 3D Mario game eventually.

[Phil32]

"I'm sure we'll get our 3D Mario game eventually."

Which Satoru Iwata announced was coming and will be at E3 in playable form at the Nintendo Direct two weeks ago.

[classic200]

Coming here asking for something new is taboo to us.

Nintendo should remain mario centric, we dont need new IPS, if you want new IPs go playstation. For nintendo is all about games I love as a kid and that is the nintendo way.

I support nintendo completely bringing back old IPS all the time, I think it should be that way until you and me die.

[CouldHaveYelledUiiW]

Personally,
I haven't played a True Mario game in a long while.
-Mario Kart and Smash Bros aside.

But I get the appeal- and I will try one of the Galaxy games.

Other than that I disagree, their are Many New and Slightly used IPs coming from Nintendo.

And I still havent played Wii's "Xenoblade", Mist Walker's "The Last Story", and "Monster Hunter".

I bet when all is said and done all of the New IP and old IPs out- weigh the Number of exclusives between PS3 and Microsoft last gen.

-Yep, I'm still playing Wii games.

[Perjoss]

"-Yep, I'm still playing Wii games."

And why not... there are so many high scoring games on that system. You just have to have this amazing super power that only special people have, its called ignoring the shovelware.

[Elem187]

I don't find it hard at all to find the good ones... any google of "top blank wii games" will give a mighty fine list to start plowing through.

My wife bought me a Wii U for christmas, so I'm going backwards and playing Wii games I never had a chance to play, and I'm having way more than I ever did on my PS3... I'm starting to think I should've bought a Wii over the PS3. Graphics only get you so far, engaging gameplay is far more exciting.

[militissanctus]

I definitely agree. NSMBU was a great launch title. I loved that I could play the whole game without ever turning on a TV, too :)

[grailly]

I'de call it a great title, not a great launch title. When a new console launches you somehow expect something new and different, this was fun, but didn't use the wiiU's capabilities.

[krazykombatant]

Lol how is it not new and different? It did the job of a launch title.

[grailly]

it was just another great 2d mario game. What you expect from a launch game would be what nintendoland did, or even zombieU. something that showcases why you need the console. HD isn't enough of an argument when the other consoles have been HD for years.

" how is it not new and different?" that's a joke right?

[maddfoxx]

Kinda disappointed with the new side scrolling Mario games. They seem way too easy now. I'm playing Mario Galaxy for the first time (just got a Wii) and it seems so much easier than Mario 64 and Sunshine. I might have to play it a little longer, but so far, I haven't had a problem on any of the levels.

[Kevlar009]

Don't be so surprised. Sunshine is easily the hardest 3D Mario, Mario Galaxy 2 is more difficult than the first. Compared to 64 and Galaxy, Galaxy definitely has its hard points, though I found 64 has more of them

Also Mario Galaxy is easily one of the finer games of current gen, as for the 2nd.

3D Land is really easy, but still creative

[krazykombatant]

Sunshine was the hardest mario platformer as of late. The galaxy series were too easy, the NSMBU is difficult imo because of the lack of certain jumps. As in going forward changing direction and jumping. Having the simple triple jump just isnt enough. Its too damn simple and I cant be as adventurous. Furthermore, does any one else hats having to play with the wii remotes dpad? Seriously why cant I use the nunchuck when playing with multiple ppl...