Super Mario 3D World: Wii U Game Review

Reviewed by KW Gaming on Nov 22, 2013

Rating:

Super Mario is back in his first 3D adventure on the Nintendo Wii U. Is it as great as fans hoped it would be? Yes, yes it is.

Super Mario 3D World, exclusively on Nintendo Wii U.Courtesy of Nintendo

The Nintendo Wii U had a great launch week, selling around a million units in its launch month. But since then, sales took a major nose dive as a lack of compelling software hit the shelves. Wii U launched with a Mario game but it wasn't a system selling title like Super Mario 64 or Super Mario Galaxy was.

Well Nintendo fans can rejoice because Super Mario 3D World is here. It's a big, bold 3D adventure with imagination to spare and finally, truly gives Wii U a mass-appeal title that has the potential to move units this holiday season.

There's never a shortage of imagination on display.Courtesy of Nintendo

Bowser's Up To Old Tricks

The story is simple and effective at setting you on your way. Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad are strolling along, minding there own business when they come across a clear pipe -- new to the Mario series -- and out of that pipe pops out Prixie, who is like a little fairy. Before you know it, Bowser appears and snatches up Prixie, kidnapping her and disappearing back from where he came.

Luckily for Pixie, Mario and friends are ready take Bowser down.

Who will make it the end with the most points?Courtesy of Nintendo

What's Old Is New

Reminiscent of Super Mario Bros. 2 on the NES, you can choose to play as any of the four heroes. Before each level begins you are given a brief window to select between Mario, who is an all-around character. Luigi, who can jump really high, Peach, who can float for brief distances and Toad, who runs the fastest but lacks jump height.

There are more new ideas in Super Mario 3D World than one can count. The cutest and most talked about is the new Cat Suit power, which is undeniably adorable. Once wearing the Cat Suit you're able to sprint along on all fours, climb straight up walls and use a paw swipe to attack. There's also a unique power up that clones which ever character you are using. So 1 Mario turns into 2, 2 turns into 4 until suddenly you are controlling 6 Mario's all at the same time.

You're not always just running and jumping.Courtesy of Nintendo

The worlds you'll explore never quite reach the size you may pine for in a next-gen Super Mario game, but the worlds do offer an extraordinary amount of variety. Grassy hills, deep fire lit caverns, sunken temples, it's all here. While there is so much new stuff to appreciate, there are a lot of nods to games of the past. The new and the old mixes in ways that evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia that few games achieve.

Simply put, I haven't lost myself in a 3D Mario this much in years.

Super Mario 3D World Trailer

Even the world map has been garnished with a few fresh ideas. For the first time, your able to run around freely in a 3D space, off the main path, searching for additional coins, power ups and more.

Once you've bested Bowser there's plenty of reason to pick up the game and continue to play. Super Mario 3D World features 4-player competitive co-op, like Super Mario Bros. U, only way more fun. You race through the levels with the objective being to reach the goal first. But there's another wrinkle to the formula in that you also have to kill bad guys and collect coins to boost your total points score.

The winner is awarded a crown, which is delightfully worn by your character in the next-round, just to rub it in.

Verdict

Super Mario 3D World is a wonder, from start to finish. It will suck you in with it's irresistable charm and it may never let go. It looks great, plays even better and shows that Nintendo still has fresh ideas for gamings most recognizable hero.

Don't miss this game. Along with the recent release of The Legend Of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD, Super Mario 3D World is easily one of the best Wii U games of the year.