New Super Mario Bros. Wii

 Wii
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 1012 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 804 out of 1012
  2. Mixed: 157 out of 1012
  3. Negative: 51 out of 1012
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  1. BaronMonaco
    Oct 29, 2016
    7
    Like (almost) every Nintendo console the Wii got his Super Mario Bros episode, but was this needed for one of the most iconic character of videogames ?

    Technically the game looks fine for the Wii, the childish art direction adds a lots of charm to all Nintendo's platformers but it lacks originality in the level design (almost no use of the motion controls) and the boss design as well.    Like (almost) every Nintendo console the Wii got his Super Mario Bros episode, but was this needed for one of the most iconic character of videogames ?

    Technically the game looks fine for the Wii, the childish art direction adds a lots of charm to all Nintendo's platformers but it lacks originality in the level design (almost no use of the motion controls) and the boss design as well. On the other hand the games doesn't have any bug like always with Nintendo.

    Concerning the gameplay once again the lack of innovations can be a bit annoying if you're not a fan , but most of all I find the character a bit clumsy and jumps aren't as perfect as in Donkey Kong for example, this was really the biggest lay down of this game for me. I don't explain how they didn't nailed this part, because generally they do, for the first time in a Nintendo platformer I was frustrated by the controls.

    Story wise, well you know what to expect from Nintendo, all the Super Mario Bros could be considered as a perpetual reboot considering the lack of consideration for what happened in the past, anyway the story is as simple as it gets, if you're looking for an interesting one don't buy a Mario game. Concerning the length of the game you can expect between 12 to 15 hours to finish all the levels at 100%, which is a good average for the genre.

    In conclusion I don't consider this game interesting if you already know Super Mario Bros unless you're a Mario fan, the Wii offers better experience of the same genre (Donkey Kong, Kirby). And even for newbie, I think the first games (if you don't have the hardware there's a collection available for Wii) are better choices. I might be underrating the game a bit, but I expect the best from an old franchise like this one and I was disappointed by its gameplay and the lack of risks in game design.    … Expand
  2. AlbertBoris
    Nov 9, 2018
    7
    This game is pretty fun, however the Wii U and DS version are superior to this one
  3. Yushy
    Mar 16, 2018
    7
    - 7.7 -

    beh, che dire, il classico super mario, con una grafica superiore e livelli strutturati diversamente, niente di più, ma a noi va bene, noi vogliamo il classico platform che ci ha accompagnato nell'infanzia, e lo fa ancora.
  4. sparriskrigaren
    Sep 28, 2011
    6
    Yeah, this game was kinda fun but we've seen it before - made better. How can Nintendo have so few ideas about how to make good games today? Inferior to Super Mario World in every way possible. This game tries to be Super Mario Bros 3/Super Mario Wold and really doesn't make it. Sometimes it reminds me of the good old games, but it always feels like a copy. Even the name is a copy - NewYeah, this game was kinda fun but we've seen it before - made better. How can Nintendo have so few ideas about how to make good games today? Inferior to Super Mario World in every way possible. This game tries to be Super Mario Bros 3/Super Mario Wold and really doesn't make it. Sometimes it reminds me of the good old games, but it always feels like a copy. Even the name is a copy - New Super Mario Bros..?? What's up with that? "Yeah it's the old game.. only new! But without any new ideas!" .. that's so cheap. The power-ups are gimicky and boring and the feature where you can play as up to four players at the same time is just frustrating. You end up killing eachother all the time which sucks. And why can't you play this game with the classic controller? It would have been perfect for that retro feel, but no. You have to hold the Wiimote sideways, which is uncomfortable and annoying. So this is definately the best Mario game since Super Mario World, but that doesn't really say much, does it?… Expand
  5. Tokyochuchu
    Apr 2, 2012
    7
    Not too much to say about New Super Mario Bros. It's a solid, perfectly designed 2D platform game, but without being truly exceptional. The difficulty is higher than any Mario game I have played in the past and it can be off-putting at times. That said, challenge is an essential component for this type of game, so I guess you just need to man up or shut up. My main problem for this game isNot too much to say about New Super Mario Bros. It's a solid, perfectly designed 2D platform game, but without being truly exceptional. The difficulty is higher than any Mario game I have played in the past and it can be off-putting at times. That said, challenge is an essential component for this type of game, so I guess you just need to man up or shut up. My main problem for this game is that it lacks the 'x element' that made past 2D Mario games top of their class and essential purchases. It's not something specific that I can put my finger on, but it definitely effects my feelings towards this game. I just don't hold this title in the same regard as, say, Super Mario World or Super Mario Bros 3.… Expand
  6. MattJ
    Nov 26, 2009
    6
    Uninspiring, unimaginative, "by the numbers" Mario game that is also far too difficult for the average gamer. The Mario magic is definitely missing from this one. Play 'Super Mario World' instead, it's far superior.
  7. Suffering
    Jan 2, 2010
    5
    Just too, too hard!
  8. LUIGI
    Jan 12, 2010
    7
    Extremely frustrating in a halaeriouse "I can't believe that just happened" kind of way. The main thing about this game that bothers me is the fact that untill you beat the game you can only save after beating a castle. Seriously? That's like if you weren't allowed to move left until you got a mushroom or weren't allowed to run untill you've collected all the star Extremely frustrating in a halaeriouse "I can't believe that just happened" kind of way. The main thing about this game that bothers me is the fact that untill you beat the game you can only save after beating a castle. Seriously? That's like if you weren't allowed to move left until you got a mushroom or weren't allowed to run untill you've collected all the star coins. Saving should be a basic and easy function of any game! That would be like if you weren't allowed to eat until you turned five or something. What if I wanted to rent this game and only play through it once, or play one stage before going to school? Well, I guess I'll have to beat the entire game to get the best out of it. I only planned to write a sentence but this is a HUGE problem, I mean WHAT WERE THEY THINKING?! As far as the rest of the game, it's what you'd expect from a mario game. It sucks that most star coins require powerups or really specific platforming to get. To quote another review I've read "maybe I'm not Japanese enough, but failing the whole thing because I messed up once just doesn't work for me. This game is frustrating as hell, the ice levels in particular, but it's the kind of Demon's Souls frustrating where you want to say "just one more try" and than fail a thousand more times, but fortunatly it's generouse with the 1ups so actually dieing wouldn't be much of a problem. This game is really flawed, but it's the best 2d Mario game I've played, so check it out if your in to it. Oh, lastly I want to ask if anyone noticed that on every game review The Onion AV Club is always "that one reviewer" who drags down the overall score like four points.… Expand
  9. AndrewK
    Jan 4, 2010
    7
    This game is at its best with 4 players. With fewer players it's just yet another Mario game that you can safely assume is just like all the others you've played over the years.
  10. Mailtoad
    Dec 27, 2009
    6
    There is a good single player adventure, however the multiplayer is a shambles. Multiplayer Mario still has a long way to go.
  11. huwd6
    Nov 16, 2010
    6
    I am not going to be noobish and claim I gave this game a 6 because it is too hard. Sure, this game is frustrating in places, but that is not the reason for my condemnation of it.
    My main problem with NSMB Wii is that it is just too much of the same. Some levels (especially those early in World 1) look like they have been lifted straight out of NSMB on the DS, and the general feel of the    I am not going to be noobish and claim I gave this game a 6 because it is too hard. Sure, this game is frustrating in places, but that is not the reason for my condemnation of it.
    My main problem with NSMB Wii is that it is just too much of the same. Some levels (especially those early in World 1) look like they have been lifted straight out of NSMB on the DS, and the general feel of the game doesn't feel revolutionary and fresh like the Galaxy games. The only gameplay element I will seek to praise here is the addition of the Koopa Kids, Bowser's 7 'other' children - they add variety to the game, though sadly not as much as the varied and interesting bosses of NSMB DS.
    I will agree some levels in this game are frustrating (particularly some of those in World 2 which had me literally screaming at the TV), but thankfully this game is not as easy as the cakewalk of the DS prequel.
    All in all, an OK game, but for something truly special and/or revolutionary, reach for Mario's 3D Wii cousins rather than this slightly lacklustre 2D edition.    … Expand
  12. Zorgly
    Feb 1, 2011
    6
    This game has absolutely no right to exist. I've played it 100 times before. Even with some creative new levels, and enjoyable moments it can't stop me from feeling like Nintendo has been milking the same game for far to long. I love Mario games don't get me wrong, Galaxies 2 is one of the finest 3d platformers I know, this is because it does things I haven't seen before. This game on theThis game has absolutely no right to exist. I've played it 100 times before. Even with some creative new levels, and enjoyable moments it can't stop me from feeling like Nintendo has been milking the same game for far to long. I love Mario games don't get me wrong, Galaxies 2 is one of the finest 3d platformers I know, this is because it does things I haven't seen before. This game on the other hand is the SAME THING I played on the nes, snes, and every other system. Pure nostalgia is the only reason this game is so favorably reviewed. Is it bad? No it's not. Great? Hell No.… Expand
  13. asggamefan
    Jun 21, 2011
    6
    New Super Mario Bros. Wii is just not as fun as the originals. I do like how it has it's own new items and controls utilizing the Wii remote but it is still just not as fun. I would only say it is fun for a little while but then you lose interest. If you are looking for a Mario game for the Wii I would recommend Galaxy and Galaxy 2. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is nice to have but itNew Super Mario Bros. Wii is just not as fun as the originals. I do like how it has it's own new items and controls utilizing the Wii remote but it is still just not as fun. I would only say it is fun for a little while but then you lose interest. If you are looking for a Mario game for the Wii I would recommend Galaxy and Galaxy 2. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is nice to have but it definitely shouldn't be your favorite game for the console.… Expand
  14. davenbettridge
    Sep 13, 2011
    7
    New Super Mario Bros Wii is fun and worth a play through but unfortunately doesnt do much more than prior 2d Mario games. Where is the innovation since Super Mario World? Asides from simultaneous 4 player gameplay there isnt much new. The 2 Toad characters were a wasted opportunity, why Nintendo didnt created 2 new characters is a good analogy to what has happened to modern Nintendo - thatNew Super Mario Bros Wii is fun and worth a play through but unfortunately doesnt do much more than prior 2d Mario games. Where is the innovation since Super Mario World? Asides from simultaneous 4 player gameplay there isnt much new. The 2 Toad characters were a wasted opportunity, why Nintendo didnt created 2 new characters is a good analogy to what has happened to modern Nintendo - that they do little new or more than what is expected, I WANT TO BE SURPRISED! The game play is great but its the same game we have played before, the new power ups are fun but the end product is shy of its potential. SUPER MARIO WORLD IS BETTER, and that came many years ago… Expand
  15. niner4life8
    Aug 20, 2012
    6
    The game can be too difficult in some Worlds. If you have completed all the normal levels in a World but lose all of your lives on the castle then the game makes you beat all of the levels in that World over again as the game only saves after you beat a castle. There should have been a feature to where you can save the game and come back to that save when you lose all of your lives.
  16. hit925
    Jan 1, 2012
    5
    A blip in a series of games that are otherwise great. This is nowhere near as good as the original SMB games or the Galxy games. The multiplayer is just carnage and the single player is better but level design is good in points but controls are odd and the physics feels too sluggish and floaty.
  17. javis10
    Dec 12, 2011
    5
    Sincerely, the game is not bad at all, but the problem is that, it was a bad idea to put all of those new items instead of only keeping the classic items or eventhough the items used in New Super Mario Bros. It was really dissapointing.
  18. Red-Opposom-098
    Dec 9, 2014
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Absolute blast with friends, it's just the story needs to improve because oh wait a minute SPOILER ALERT the princess gets captured again, The gameplay is alright, the missions were good the environment was awesome, the controls are a little sluggish, but the game is still good… Expand
  19. Dream_Imp_Luna
    Apr 14, 2019
    5
    [OBJECTIVE QUALITY REVIEW] There wasn't much that was interesting about the levels - they were pretty generic even for what at least seemed like a nice old-school diversion from the traditional 2d Mario formula - it turned out to be their excuse to do 2d Mario without actually innovating much as we've seen in the distant future. However it was also good that the Koopalings had returned to[OBJECTIVE QUALITY REVIEW] There wasn't much that was interesting about the levels - they were pretty generic even for what at least seemed like a nice old-school diversion from the traditional 2d Mario formula - it turned out to be their excuse to do 2d Mario without actually innovating much as we've seen in the distant future. However it was also good that the Koopalings had returned to the Mario formula - a smart move by Nintendo for a series where all characters should at least have a substantial part in it. But there is very little replay value, and some sections of the game were really just punishing, as opposed to difficult - there's actually a difference here. Also, some of the levels are a pain to make it through, and even more so when dying on the tail end of one with no check-points. In fact, my first playthrough of this game involved getting to both World 5 and World 8 Warp Cannons just to get to World 8, get past the rather painful final boss, and complete the game, just to get it done. The controls are also pretty shoddy on this one as well. We've already had difficulty multi-stomping enemies and doing Bulldozer Attacks for a long time due to collision issues, but the shoddy controls on this title make it even more painful to do so, if not impossible. Also, overall, the game is just pretty boring in general even for New Super Mario Bros. early on, though that's not to say that it DOESN'T have meritable fun value for what it is.… Expand
  20. Shunior
    Apr 4, 2022
    5
    Es casi un mod de New Mario Bros DS (creo que Nintendo creo al Mario Maker cuando desarolló esa serie). Si te has juagado cualquiera NEW Mario Bros (DS, Wii, 3DS Wii U, Swicth) no hace falta jugar otro, son literalmente lo mismo. Si juegas Mario Bros 1, Mario Bros 3 y Mario World veras que son juegos muy distintos en mecanicas, fisicas estetica, porpuestas, pero aqui no, la serie new esEs casi un mod de New Mario Bros DS (creo que Nintendo creo al Mario Maker cuando desarolló esa serie). Si te has juagado cualquiera NEW Mario Bros (DS, Wii, 3DS Wii U, Swicth) no hace falta jugar otro, son literalmente lo mismo. Si juegas Mario Bros 1, Mario Bros 3 y Mario World veras que son juegos muy distintos en mecanicas, fisicas estetica, porpuestas, pero aqui no, la serie new es siempre la misma wea. Aqui al menos tiene el merito de introduzir el multijugador para 4 players en la misma pantalla… Expand
  21. DolphinReviews
    Jul 20, 2022
    6
    It's a decent 2D Mario platformer. A lot of chaotic fun with a group of friends.
  22. Darren
    Nov 28, 2009
    7
    Good game overall and will keep fans of Mario happy. The multiplayer is lacking unless you have 4 players. I was hoping for something like the star battle game on the New Mario Bros DS which made for more fun and frantic playing.
  23. Reviewer
    Jul 3, 2011
    7
    New Super Mario Bros Wii has brought Mario back to consoles for the first time in many years. The game is worse than it's DS counterpart that was made two years ago. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy this game, but always in the back of my mind I was thinking "man this is like a bad version of the DS Mario." This game does improve the power ups and swimming portions of Mario games (plus ifNew Super Mario Bros Wii has brought Mario back to consoles for the first time in many years. The game is worse than it's DS counterpart that was made two years ago. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy this game, but always in the back of my mind I was thinking "man this is like a bad version of the DS Mario." This game does improve the power ups and swimming portions of Mario games (plus if you like a challenge you will find it here), but the controls are not as tight as its DS version, and the graphics aren't improved at all. I love good 2D games that are original, and while Mario Wii does fit the first part, it falls short of being original.… Expand
  24. oddozz62
    Sep 6, 2010
    7
    An impressive game with a variety of co-op game play. Not exactly up there with Mario bros for the DS, and can get very Frustrating at times when falling or dying at the last bit of the game. I do think the items you can save for later levels is a good idea. All in all an above average game but isn't the best Mario game ive ever played.
  25. TristonDaShorty
    Jan 5, 2012
    7
    Same old super mario bros, still quite fun. My only gripe is that its repetitive, and I just think repetition sucks in most cases. This version is harder than all the previous versions of the game that Ive played, which in most cases makes in more fun. Its rare to be totally challenged in a mario game for me, but this one did it. I liked this game.
  26. Zegilgamesh
    Dec 29, 2012
    7
    It's a four-player, 2.5D, side-scrolling Mario Game. What you see is what you get, and although we could and should ask for more, that's good enough for me.
  27. star_gazing
    Mar 18, 2013
    5
    it's not that this game doesn't play right; it plays smoothly, and is a standard platformer for today. The problem is is that now Mario has become a re-hash lover. It's been clear that Nintendo has made it's run with the franchise, and is now just making it into the cash cow that it always has been. The design is no different from any other mario game, the added upgrades don't add toit's not that this game doesn't play right; it plays smoothly, and is a standard platformer for today. The problem is is that now Mario has become a re-hash lover. It's been clear that Nintendo has made it's run with the franchise, and is now just making it into the cash cow that it always has been. The design is no different from any other mario game, the added upgrades don't add to anything really. I don't know how people still buy into this when I could play the original Super Mario Bros. and have the same experience as this game. Speaking of Super Mario Bros. I don't know why people praise that game; it's so uninspired and generic, there's not a variety to be had, it feels too basic, and other games that came out around the time were so much more developed. It was simplistic, this game is simplistic too, but so much more. Super Mario Bros would get a 7, this game gets a 5. If you don't like, oh well. Play the game and tell me it's a brand new Mario experience.… Expand
  28. sJagstang
    Mar 14, 2013
    7
    New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a solid 2D Mario game but it fails to capture the magic of previous Super Mario Bros. games, It is fairly challenging but I wouldn't say it's hard. The gameplay is great with very good controls using the Wii Remote held sideways, the game has a great amount of content that can be enjoyed solo or with up to 4 people and is definitely worth playing for any MarioNew Super Mario Bros. Wii is a solid 2D Mario game but it fails to capture the magic of previous Super Mario Bros. games, It is fairly challenging but I wouldn't say it's hard. The gameplay is great with very good controls using the Wii Remote held sideways, the game has a great amount of content that can be enjoyed solo or with up to 4 people and is definitely worth playing for any Mario fan but if you are looking for the best 2D Mario game to play, You would be better off playing New Super Mario Bros. U or Super Mario Bros. 3/Super Mario World.… Expand
  29. MetalShadowX
    Nov 26, 2013
    7
    I'm not sure if it's the controls or that it played too much like the original NSMB, but I didn't really feel this game that much. I wish I did. Sorry.
  30. TheBrak
    Feb 23, 2014
    7
    This game shows that a mediocre Mario game is still a pretty good game. The gameplay is exactly what you would expect from Mario game. I cant say that the level design is bad but none of the levels are memorable at all. The parts in the game where you use the wii mote feels forced at best and took me out of the game. Overall i think that the game is fun but forgettable compared to some ofThis game shows that a mediocre Mario game is still a pretty good game. The gameplay is exactly what you would expect from Mario game. I cant say that the level design is bad but none of the levels are memorable at all. The parts in the game where you use the wii mote feels forced at best and took me out of the game. Overall i think that the game is fun but forgettable compared to some of the better Mario games.… Expand
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Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best Wii Game of 2009
1
#1 Most Discussed Wii Game of 2009
1
#1 Most Shared Wii Game of 2009

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
87

Generally favorable reviews - based on 80 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 75 out of 80
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 80
  3. Negative: 0 out of 80
  1. Zentendo
    90
    Enjoying Mario in the genre that saw him born is always a great pleasure, even if you are not a fan of the platform titles. Nintendo returns to its specialty: to offer hours and hours of fun by giving us games with their own personality and a shellproof gameplay.
    Read full review
  2. GamePro
    80
    That sense of cohesiveness isn't always present in New Super Mario Bros. and it makes for an uneven experience that's difficult to score.
    Read full review
  3. Wired
    80
    New Super Mario Bros. Wii is an excellent game with friends, and I had a great deal of challenging fun with the solo mode. But if you’re looking for a new Mario adventure that’s tailored to creating the maximum amount of fun for just one person, you’ll have to wait for next year’s Super Mario Galaxy 2.
    Read full review
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