Nintendo's Wii U will launch on November 18 with 23 launch titles. For the next few weeks we will take a look at each title and see how the unique Gamepad will be incorporated into the gameplay.
Every time a Nintendo console is released, one of the major franchises is usually part of the launch day package. Six years ago, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess was the franchise game that launched alongside the Wii. This time it will be New Super Mario Bros. U, the latest in Nintendo's revivals of the old-school 2D Mario titles.
After the Super NES's Super Mario World, Nintendo stopped making 2D Mario "platformers" on their major consoles as Super Mario 64 brought the franchise to 3D. In 2006, Nintendo set out to reinstate Mario's 2D platforming with New Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo DS handheld system. The game was huge success and in 2009, they brought the franchise to the Nintendo Wii. Earlier this year the Big N released New Super Mario Bros. 2 for the 3DS and New Super Mario Bros. U will be the fourth entry in the franchise.
Gamepad Functionality
As in New Super Mario Bros Wii, players will control the action with the Wiimote or the new Wii U gamepad. An interesting feature with the gamepad is that players can turn off the TV and continue their gameplay straight from the gamepad's screen as if it were a handheld. Up to four players can join in at the same time and they can help one another or even hinder each other's progress.
The major new feature of this title is Boost Mode, which sets out to show off Nintendo's new "asymmetrical" gaming in which players on the gamepad have different goals or features from players that are watching the TV. The gamepad player can use the touchscreen of the device to place blocks on the screen or stun enemies to help the other players. This mode can help amateurs get through difficult levels or experts perform speed runs. More importantly, the mode is meant to foster cooperation and creativity among up to 5 players.
New Modes and Features
Another new feature in the gameplay is the world map. Unlike New Super Mario Bros Wii where each world had its own map, this game has one large map to encompass all the different levels. It enables players to find multiple exits in the stages that create different routes throughout the game.
Other new modes include Challenge Mode and Boost Rush. Challenge Mode makes gamers complete certain unique goals in different levels. These goals can range from a time challenge or earning as many 1-Ups as possible without touching the ground. The latter Boost Rush mode takes place on an automatically scrolling level that increases in speed as players collect coins. Players must finish the level as quickly as possible in Boost Rush mode.
The game also incorporates the Miiverse which allows players to share comments on different levels throughout the game.
Other Wii U Launch Previews
Batman Arkham City Armored Edition
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