subject: Super Mario Brothers Wii - Review [print this page] OK, I will admit that there is a tendancy for these games to follow a set, tried and tested, don't wander off the path approach to game design. But I'll tell you what, the old addage is true. If it ain't broke .....
So, as you would expect, you have to get from location A to location B and along the way you have a few tricky moments. This is a good thing. Mario has also had a bit of a boost. He has two new power ups - he has an amazing Penguin suit (boy do I want one of these, come on Bill Gates, build something useful, build a Penguin suit) which allows Mario to chuck snowballs that will freeze opponents. Not only this, but it also makes him an amazing swimmer and is super grippy on ice. Then there is the helicopter suit. Shoot up into the air, hover and come back down again. It's better than it sounds. All the old favourites are there too, such as fire-flowers and ice-flowers.
Something else you will notice is that the game is very challenging. It starts off nice and easy but quickly ramps up to sort men from the boys. I like the fact that it is challenging, though younger players may get bored if they can't progress quickly. The level design is outstanding and you know that you are playing a game made by people who are masters of the art.
There is good replay value in the game as there are lots of secrets to find along the way, so there is something new each time you play. A handy feature is collecting coins - when you have enough coins, you can unlock movies which show you where the hidden areas are located. And after you complete the game, if you have enough coins, you can access the Super Secret Area! Don't pretend you aren't excited!
Controlling Mario is as you would expect. Hold the controller horizontally and use the buttons 1 and 2 to throw and jump. It works very well most of the time, but there are occasions when the complexity of what you are trying to achieve is hindered by the technology. It is only a small gripe though and wouldn't put me off buying the game. The ability for 4 people to play at the same time is one of the best features of the game. Playing with friends is great fun and bouncing off each others characters never ceases to be both amusing and very annoying depending on which side of the sofa you are sitting.
Super Mario Bros Wii is challenging and good fun on your own or with friends. And, you will want to play it again once you've finished it. I love it.
