"Mario and multiplayer isn't the ideal mix, but it's still better than how it was in Super Mario Galaxy."
Firstly, to compliment the game, it is indeed fun. It's really good. The controls are placed out nicely and the confusion factor will never go over zero. Secondly, it's a brilliant challenge. No matter what you say, it'll get quite hard later on. And, lastly, it's not as punishing as you'd think… But it is somewhat punishing.
The plot is simple: Peach has been kidnapped yet again by the (not at all) fearsome Bowser and his son, Bowser Jr.! However, long lost characters return into the fray to halt Mario in his journey. That's right. The Koopa Kids that appeared in Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World! Mario, along with his companions, Luigi, Blue and Yellow Toad, must save her and the Mushroom Kingdom. Oh, but Bowser has some tricks up his sleeve. Rather amusing ones, at that.
There are nine worlds in this game, ranging from grasslands to toxic forests to a trip to the heavens! The level design is, without a doubt, brilliant. Busting with plenty of secret areas (especially the Ghost Houses), enemies and coins, you'll want to see every little detail in this world. Some of the most absurd things appear in this game. Like a skeleton-coaster. It's like a rollercoaster, except you'll face an awful death by falling into the lava below, so you might want to give it your full attention.
The music is exceptionally well, too. Despite how it may just sound like the music from the original New Super Mario Bros., there really is no denying that it sounds peaceful and at times, filled with adrenilren. It's not exactly breathtaking, but rather good all in all.
The graphics are quite well, too. Oh, and did I mention you can play as Yoshi? No? Sorry for that. Well, yeah he's in the game. For roughly four levels. What a shame. I wish I had him at the final boss fight.
However, now we journey into the part of the game that was supposed to make the game much better than it should be: Multiplayer. This is possibly the worst part of the game, but it was the selling point for it. While many people adore this feature and think that it's flawless, it's quite flawed. Not to mention entirely frustrating.
You see, besides playing Story Mode with a friend (or two more friends), you can also play the two other modes with friends. Because they're the only requirement you need to play these two additional modes, rather than play them yourself. Really? Can't I go up against the computer? No? Well, that's a load of rubbish. I don't see the point of having them there if the multiplayer is going to piss you off.
You see, multiplayer was supposed to be fun. It had all the potential in the world, but it ended up disappointing me. You see, four people at once can jump over a gap without killing at least another player in this game. It could be possible if you had any of the new power-ups (which, I forgot to mention. My apologises), but without them… One of you is going to end up in the abyss. Play with two people and you should be fine, but you can still end up killing your little assistant. Just be grateful it doesn't have online play, otherwise… Well, you can't imagine it, really.
So, what have we learned today? That Mario and multiplayer isn't the ideal mix, but it's still better than how it was in Super Mario Galaxy (who really wants to be a little useless star? Honestly) and that this is one of the best platforming on the Wii at the moment. However, that's not to say you should consider playing it with friends. Ever.