Time’s up!
Continuing the trend of slowly phasing out the Wii U, Nintendo is bringing yet another game to the Switch. New Super Mario Bros. U was an oddity. It was based on the series made popular on the Wii, but with enhanced visuals and a punishing timer that forced players to move through levels with speed. Now Switch owners can dance alongside Koopas as this contentious platformer makes its way onto Nintendo’s new console.
When New Super Mario Bros. U first launched with the Wii U console I remember being excited. This was the first 2D HD Mario game. The colors were vibrant and the levels just popped off the screen. There were so many hidden areas and things to collect in the first level alone, I was in a euphoric state of Mario madness. Then the timer kicked in. For a game that boasts so much content in its levels, the restriction of the overly short timer really killed my desire to explore. This seems counterproductive to a game that has so much to see and do.
MSRP: $59.99
Platforms: Switch
Price I’d Pay: $39.99
This new version doesn’t remedy this problem, and even the included Luigi expansion relies on it. I love taking my time in Mario games, the last thing I like to do is rush through them.
This formula is familiar and perfected at this point. Nintendo has been setting the bar for 2D platform action for decades now, and this iteration is no exception. While the time limit frustrates me, it doesn’t detract from the fact that the game plays as smooth as it ever has. The regular characters are here and each have their own unique play style. They have also included the easier modes with characters like Toadette and Nabbit. These change up things such as extra lives and in the case of Nabbit enemies simply do not harm him. Taking away some of the challenge, which can be good for younger players getting frustrated.
While the formula is tried and true, there is something about New Super Mario Bros. Deluxe that just doesn’t pop. The game almost feels like a paint-by-numbers platformer. It doesn’t have a lot of memorable stages and a lot of it feels recycled. Still it is hard to criticize a game that is as much fun and offers such refined game play. I just wish it was more unique when thinking back to it.
As far as Switch ports from the Wii U go, this is right up there with the best. Nintendo has done just enough to make it look and feel better than I remember on the Wii U. Also not unlike Mario Kart 8 they have included all the DLC, including the aforementioned Luigi add-on that is basically an entirely new game. There is a lot packed in here, and for those that never invested in the Wii U, it is more than worth the price of admission. It might not be the most memorable Mario game ever created, but it is still better than most platformers available on the console. Even when Nintendo doesn’t set the world on fire, they still manage to impress.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
