The Wii U has an abundance of innovative and unique titles, but there just isn’t enough out there at the moment, not something that can successfully push sales and get the system out of the colossal hole it has dug for itself, maybe something like Super Mario 3D World can, and if Nintendo is extremely lucky, it just might succeed. The Wii U has quite a stellar line-up for the festive period and if you haven’t taken the plunge yet this is a good place to start. Since Super Mario 3D World delivers yet another stellar platforming adventure that borders on perfection, despite staying safely within the confines of its established formula.
Super Mario 3D World expands upon the successful formula established by 3D Land on the 3DS by introducing a number of brilliantly creative levels as well as 4 player co-op, which can get slightly hectic at the best of times, and unfortunately can feel a little too familiar. Rarely breaking new ground to create something new, but the level of creativity here is well worth the price of purchase, and the hefty amount of content only sweetens a package that manages to deliver a level of childlike joy and innovation that I couldn’t help but smile at. Especially when an adorable cat Mario jumps into a giant ski boot to catch some mushrooms and obliterate some Goombas.
If you have played any Mario game in the past few years chances are you will already be acquainted with the overworld Super Mario 3D World utilises, but for the very first time you are allowed to freely roam around, collecting items and discovering some well hidden secrets before entering a level. This adds a subtle yet handy layer of depth that previous games of this sort have lacked, and also comes as a god send for newer players who can obtain a few extra power ups to get them through a stage. Another fantastic edition is the simple yet ingenious cat suit, a power up that allows you to climb walls, claw enemies and cheat to get top points at the end of a level. This new costume makes hunting for secrets much more fun, as well as giving you more of an incentive to search out for that pesky cat power up, even if it feels like cheating at times.
This time around you can choose to play as either Mario, Luigi, Toad or Peach, adopting the overly chaotic multiplayer mode seen in New Super Mario Bros, but here it works much better. Each player is given much more room to maneuver than before, and watching your friends don different power ups makes traversing levels and collecting coins that much more engrossing, and the option to needlessly annoy your friends by stamping on their heads is still there, and competing for high scores is given more incentive now they can be uploaded straight to the Miiverse. This adds a subtle online component that Mario has rarely utilised, giving us a glimpse of what is to come in the future. Its a shame that online multiplayer isn’t an option, but a fully supported offline mode is a breath of fresh air when so many modern titles seem to be abandoning it for a fully online approach.
Speaking of Miiverse, this is probably the first game to implement the Nintendo social network so seamlessly into a game, allowing you to boast your progress with a medley of collectible stamps at the end of each level, and the little Miis that find themselves dotted around the map is a wonderful touch, but they can look oddly out of place in such a traditional Mario background. This intuitive use of online interaction combined with an unbeliably fun offline multiplayer make this game suitable for everyone, and is also a great showcase of the Wii U’s graphical capabilities.
Super Mario 3D World ’s visuals are evidence enough that Mario is still in the game, and he has never looked better. Each new stage presents a colourful and euphoric visual marvel that looks gorgeous on a high definition display, even if it doesn’t quite reach the bar set by other next generation consoles.. Then again Mario doesn’t need to match that visual fidelity, as this art design easily rivals the best out there, and Nintendo have proved that with every new entry in the series, which manages to stay fresh and truly impressive. A feat like this is difficult not to admire, and now it is easier than ever before with Nintendo finally able to fill the graphical boots their rivals have occupied for far too long.
Super Mario 3D World is nothing short of fantastic, blending together a mixture of classic Mario elements with some new additions that don’t expand hugely upon the tried and tested gameplay we’ve come to love, but delivers a near flawless experience that will no doubt appeal to every kind of gamer. Nintendo have taken a bold risk with 3D World, and if you are still holding out for a reason to purchase a Wii U, this just might be it.