With E3 came our first look at some of the upcoming titles for Nintendo’s Wii U launch later this holiday season. Of course, the first thing every Nintendo system launch needs (whether it gets it or not) is a Mario game, and the Wii U will be no exception.
New Super Mario Bros. U follows the format from the successful New Super Mario Bros. and New Super Mario Bros. Wii games, which is to say that it has classic 2D platforming action, tons of power-ups, and, like the Wii edition, it features simultaneous multiplayer, for up to five players this time. While four players us Wii-Remotes to engage in Goomba-stomping, turtle-kicking action in the roles of Mario, Luigi, Toad, or even their own Mii, the fifth player can engage in “Boost Mode”, where they can use the Wii U Gamepad’s touch screen to add supplemental platforms to the play field, allowing access to otherwise unreachable areas. Another benefit of Boost Mode that Nintendo is excited about is the ability to attempt co-op speed runs where the player on the Wii U Gamepad can manipulate enemies and objects in the game to allow new routes through the level.
New powers for Mario’s latest adventure include the addition of the Flying Squirrel suit, as well as an array of baby Yoshis that can inflate like balloons, spit bubbles, and light the way through darkened caves. The addition of the Wii U Gamepad allows a single-player to transfer the game from TV screen to the Gamepad easily, freeing the TV up for other functions if desired, and connectivity to the upcoming Nintendo Network will let you comment and brag to your friends about individual levels when they log into the game.
Neither the Wii U or New Super Mario Bros. Wii U have release dates announced yet, outside of Holiday 2012.
Video and screenshots courtesy of Nintendo of America
