The Mini New Super Mario Bros. U Review

When New Super Mario Bros. Wii released in 2009 I was excited to be able to play a new Mario game with up to 3 others and I thought it could be THE game to play with friends. However, the it proved too hard for any casual players and today I find myself coming back to the Wii with friends to play games such as Mario Kart Wii and Super Smash Bros. Brawl instead. Sure, the game wasn't in any way bad, but it was easily trumped by single player experiences such as Super Mario Galaxy.

And, while New Super Mario Bros. U has no competition for platformer king yet on the Wii U, it's updated visuals and new suits are just not enough to make me love the game in the same way that Super Mario Galaxy did.

First, the gameplay of New Super Mario Bros. U is identical to that of its predecessors. You run, jump and grab onto enemies, items and whatever else you can think of. It is typical 2D platformer affair, and will appeal to anyone who enjoys this sort of game. Like all Mario games, the platforming is very polished and the level structure seems perfect for playing single player. However, there are many issues to the game's multiplayer. For instance, the game is actually quite difficult, especially for those who don't play often, and it's not the sort of pick up and play game that Nintendo Land is. Furthermore, it is really easy to jump on other's heads, which may seem fun at first but is frustrating when you're jumping over a gap only to have your friend land on your head, pushing you into the gap. This can cost countless lives and makes it really hard just to make it through one level!

There are actually a few different types of Yoshis

However, despite being so similar to other Mario games, there are a few things that make this game worth the purchase. First, there's minor changes such as the ability to play as your Mii and boost rush mode, which lets you help other players using the gamepad's touchscreen. But my favourite change is that this game re-introduces Yoshi, who players can ride on to gain extra jump power and the ability to swallow countless enemies. If you've seen my list of favourite Mario side characters, you'd know that I love Yoshi and that having him in this game is awesome! Also, the squirrel suit, which lets players glide and cling on to walls, is actually quite fun to play with. A whole new game mode is also in this game in the form of challenges, which can range from jumping on as many goombas as possible in a row to Coin Rush games, which means the level automatically moves forward at a speed which increases depending on how many coins you collect. These challenges are great for veteran players and adds longevity to the game.

The amazing squirrel man!

As far as graphics go, New Super Mario Bros. U looks much better than any Mario game previously released thanks to some nice level art (such as a Van Gogh inspired level), the Wii U's graphical power and, of course, HD graphics. Unfortunately, the same can't be said about the game's music, which is smooth and enjoyable, but repetitious, especially considering the how same-ish all the songs are. Mario and friends sound like you'd expect, with plenty of "woo-hoo" and "yippee"to go around. Still, in the game my Mii has an irritating high-pitched voice, similar to an Alvin and the Chipmunks movie.

New Super Mario Bros. U is a game that is simple and fun to play. Excellent level design and new features make it a great addition to the game library of anyone looking to play a platformer on their Wii U. However, if you're looking for a game to play with friends, Nintendo Land is certainly a better option. 

8.5/10

Must Have 3DS eShop Games!

After a slow start, Nintendo is starting to publish some great games for the 3DS, even on the 3DS's eShop there is a flood of new stuff for less than $10! But, how are we supposed to separate the good from the bad? Here's my list of must have eShop games!

Pushmo/Pullblox


Saying that Pushmo is a great game really is an understatement. It is a perfect game! In case your wondering what I'm talking about, Pushmo is a puzzle/platformer game where you push and pull blocks around to get to the top of a level. Sounds simple, right? It might be to start off with, but soon you will be scratching your head wondering how to get to the top of the platform. The best part is that some of the levels are based on Nintendo characters. Meaning you will see yourself climbing Mario's face at one point! Also, there's a level editor along with the 250 levels offered, meaning that you'll never run out of stuff to push! 9.5/10

Sakura Samurai

Another great game, Sakura Samurai may look like any old Samurai brawler, but it's a lot more. It's an RPG with great combat and a wealth of towns, mountains and castles to explore. This one really is hard to explain in one paragraph, so I'll just show you this trailer instead! 9/10

Mutant Mudds

Mutant Mudds is, in short, a retro platformer with great music, a retro artstyle and some of the best level design around. It is great for retro game enthusiasts and casual game players alike, with no shortage of levels (there are 40 of them). Like Pushmo, this one packs a bang for your buck with lots of unlockables and some really simple yet addictive gameplay. 8/10

The Mini Mario Kart 7 Review!

I received Mario Kart 7 for the 3DS last Tuesday and have since been hard at work completing 100cc on Grand Prix mode. So now, I'm a toughened veteran of the new "gliding" business and am ready to write a mini-review of this game.

First, may I note that Mario Kart 7 is the most FUN Mario Kart game I have EVER played! Don't get fooled by the simplistic menus, this game is jam-packed full of new features. For example, your Kart now has a glider, meaning it is possible to glide places! Also, you can now customise the Kart's wheels and glider attachment, each altering the speed, acceleration, handling and weight of your character's kart. It doesn't end there though- The new tracks are some of the best the series has offered so far, with a truly confusing Rainbow Road track. And the online features are also better than ever! Unlike some other 3DS games, the fact that it is in 3D is almost lost in the jungle of all the other improvements that have been made in this game. 

These features may have what it takes to make the game fun, but does it last? Well, there may be plenty of kart and wheel options in this game, but there are only 16 characters to play as in the whole game! Also, the eight unlockable characters are all unlocked by playing in the 150cc mode, meaning it is pointless playing the game in 50cc or 100cc. There are only 6 courses in battle mode too, which is a disappointment.

Luckily for Mario fans everywhere that is where Mario Kart 7's bad points end, with the rest of the game being composed of pure awesomeness. In fact, if you don't have a 3DS and this is only game on it you want, buy a 3DS just for this! IT IS THAT GOOD!

I rate it-                                                               9.5/10

Also, don't forget to join my MK7 community called Glide Crazy!