3' set the precedent for how the entire series has been handled since. It's important to note that this was in an era where arcades were still a relatively normal thing, and where most games had three or four colors, at most. The levels were full of contrasting colors which seemingly popped off the screen. It had a large, gorgeous map that was in perpetual movement. 3' arrived in 1990, it defied near-universal expectations about what was possible on the original Nintendo. 'New Super Mario Bros.' is available for purchase on the Wii U Virtual Console (and physically available for the DS/2DS/3DS). As a bonus, it features some of the best level design in any 'Super Mario' game. U,' a sequel to the DS original for Nintendo's ill-fated Wii U console, added co-op play as well. The also excellent 'New Super Mario Bros. 'New Super Mario Bros.' added wall-jumping, for instance, which has since become standard in Mario's repertoire.

Like the core design theme of 'Super Mario,' the series has gradually built upon itself over the years. It updated the graphics, offered a mess of new mechanics, and evolved the 2D side of the 'Super Mario' series in ways it hadn't seen in years with a crazy multiplayer mode. When it arrived on the Nintendo DS in 2006, 'New Super Mario Bros.' was a breath of fresh air for the series. What the 'Galaxy' series of 'Super Mario' games did for 3D, the 'New' series does for 2D. 'Super Mario 3D World' is available for purchase on the Wii U, digitally on the eShop and in-store on disc. It may very well be the best game Nintendo made for the Wii U. 'Super Mario 3D World' also borrows the overworld map concept from 'Super Mario World' (the SNES game) and evolves it to its next logical conclusion: as an explorable world unto itself, full of secrets.Įach level in 'Super Mario 3D World' feels like a gift waiting to be unwrapped, and playing it co-op with friends and family is a true delight. 2,' players can choose to play as Mario, Luigi, Peach, or Toad - each has the same special ability that they had in the original NES game.

Like the best 'Super Mario' games of the modern era, it seamlessly blends nostalgia-laced gameplay with new twists.Īs a nod to 'Super Mario Bros. It's gorgeous, fresh, and perfectly designed.

'Super Mario 3D World,' simply put, is the best Mario game that's been made in the last 5 years (before 'Odyssey,' that is).

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