Jonah Plays: New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe

New Super Mario Bros. U is probably the most underrated Mario title in existence.  Could it be that Nintendo’s failure in putting together a successful launch for Wii U helped to taint the game?  It was after all a Wii U launch title, and if I remember rightly, the launch line up wasn’t well received.  It’s also important to note that the New Super Mario Bros franchise had gained some critics before the Wii U game’s release, and this probably helped to increase negativity overall.

Well, yesterday saw the release of New Super Mario Bros U for Switch.  I’ve never been one to pass up a new Mario title (even if it is a port) and I’ve played it up until world 3.  Graphically the game features a few small visual enhancements the biggest being a boost in resolution.  The major selling point is the addition of two new playable characters, Toadette and Nabbit.

What’s unique about Toadette?

Toadette is designed for players who are looking for a more casual gaming experience. For starters, Toadette players get an additional minute to complete each course. She can also collect 3-up moons in place on 1-up shrooms and super crowns instead of super mushrooms. The Super Crown powerup transforms Toadette into Peachette. As Peachette, players can glide through the air, perform a super jump midair, which helps to reach high places and better recover from mistimed. There’s also the benefit of skidding less upon landing which means its harder to slide off the edge of a platform. I haven’t reached a water stage yet, but according to in-game hints, Peachette is controlled underwater by using the analogue stick alone. I’ve also noted from other footage on the web that Peachette swims superfast!

What’s unique about Nabbit?

Onscreen enemies cannot harm Nabbit. Regardless of whatever foe appears on screen, Nabbit can still pounce on heads in the traditional sense, but he can also run past them without being touched. Of course, expert players will frown upon such a thing, but young children will love it.  Unlike other characters, Nabbit doesn’t undergo powerups or transformations.  He can still be killed by falling off platforms, getting crushed etc.

Why the negativity about Visuals

Some online critics are negative about the game’s visuals. For some, they’re a little too basic and fall short of other Wii U games such as Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze and Super Mario Bros 3D World. But yet, I can’t help seeing a clean, crisp, colourful platformer which is pleasing to the eye. The Painted Swampland and Frosted Galicer remain a personal favourite of mine.

Co-op Play

In 2012, my children were too young to play Co-OP in Super Mario Bros U. Regarding ages, my eldest child is now 15, and and the youngest that plays video games is 7. They’ve always struggled with 2D Mario Platformers, but thanks to the new additions, Super Mario Bros U Deluxe is probably the most accessible version of 2D Mario to day. In honour of that, I’m hoping to add some four player footage to our Youtube Channel later in the week.

How Much!

The biggest hindrance this game faces is probably the price. The RRP is £49,99 which is high for a Wii U port, but it’s important to note that lots of Switch owners haven’t played the original. But more than that, I think this particular edition makes the game, even more, family friendly.  Do I regret paying full whack for an old game?  No.

O yes, unlike the Wii U version, the Switch version is fully portable and looks fantastic in 720p while playing in portable mode.

A Question for Others

I’d love to know what others think about New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe? Did you purchase the game yesterday? Perhaps it isn’t on your radar at all.

Please leave your comments below.

The team at ladiesgamers.com wish you a happy gaming weekend.  🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *