For the first time since the release of Super Mario World in 1991, a new scrolling 2D adventure has been released that can be played on non-portable consoles. The protagonist is everyone's favorite hero, Mario. Whether you're a traditional Mario fan or a new enthusiast, you might be a little rusty. New Super Mario Bros. Wii also introduces many new features you may not have known about, but in no time you can start stepping on Koopas and collecting points.
Steps
Step 1. Familiarize yourself with the format
It is one of the best-selling games for Wii, but it is very different from all the other games you will find on sale. Today's games are mostly 3D, but this is 2D (technically it's a fusion of 2D and 3D, called "2.5D"). You can only go in two directions: forward and backward. If you don't want to get started right away with this title, you can play some of its predecessors to familiarize yourself with the genre.
Step 2. Learn the controls
As this is a simple scrolling game, the controls are easy to learn. You will need to hold the controller horizontally so that your right thumb is next to buttons 1 and 2 and your left thumb is next to the directional pad.
- Directional arrows: choose the direction you want to move (right or left). When in the air, you can perform a ground dunk with the down arrow. When climbing metal grids (which you can find in castles), you will use all four arrows to move.
- Key 2: You can use this button to jump. Holding it down longer will jump higher.
- Button 1: Press and hold 1 to shoot. If you jump during a sprint, you will be able to jump much longer. Once you have acquired the Flower of Fire or Ice upgrade, on a 1 you will be able to dash and shoot.
- Button A: You will enter a bubble. This button is very useful in multiplayer games. When you are about to lose a life (by falling into a hole, or by hitting a monster), press A to save yourself. Another player will be able to pop the bubble when you are in a safe zone and you can start playing again without losing a life. This will not work in single player mode.
- The + button: Pause / Menu
Step 3. Learn about objects
There are many new and old items in New Super Mario Bros. Wii that will come in handy throughout the game. They can make a lot of difference in levels, so it's important to understand how they work.
- Mushroom: Turn Mario into Super Mario. Super Mario is taller and stronger and can take two hits before he dies.
- Fire Flower: A useful item to allow Mario to shoot fireballs. Press 1 to shoot fireballs. Hitting an enemy with a fireball will drop a coin. You will be able to kill almost all enemies with fireballs.
- Ice Flower. A new item added to the series. It allows you to shoot ice balls which freeze enemies in blocks of ice. You will be able to collect and throw blocks (and use them for many purposes).
- Mini Mushroom: An item that first appeared in the game prequel for the DS handheld device, New Super Mario Bros. This mushroom greatly reduces the player's size. Thanks to the mini mushroom you can pass in tight spaces, make higher jumps and remain suspended in the air longer. Be careful with this item though. It only takes one hit to kill Mario.
- Propeller Helmet: A new item that allows Mario to launch himself into the air and remain suspended much longer. To use this item, shake the Wiimote. Mario can be hit three times before he dies.
- Penguin Suit: Another new item. It allows you to slide on the ice and shoot ice balls at enemies. As with the Propeller Helmet, you will be able to take three hits before losing a life.
- 1-Up Mushroom: Gives you an extra life. They look like normal mushrooms, but they are green.
- Starlet: Makes Mario invincible. Any enemies you hit will be eliminated immediately. It also allows you to illuminate the caves in the "dark" underground levels.
Step 4. Know the enemies
You will meet many classic Mario enemies in this game. Knowing how to avoid and defeat them will help you a lot. Here are some of the most common:
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Koopa Troopa: The most common enemy you will encounter. Jump onto their shells to immobilize them and then kick them off if you wish. By kicking a shell against other enemies you will defeat them. Just make sure you don't hit yourself! Koopa Paratroopas have small white wings, which allow them to jump or fly. Jump on them to raise your wings, and they will start walking like normal Koopas.
Note: The difference between red-shelled and green-shelled Koopas is that the red ones remain on the platform where they are, while the green ones continually walk in a straight line, and only turn if they encounter a dead end.
- Goombas: Goombas are brown mushroom-shaped monsters that populate many of the game's levels. They are the weakest opponents in the game and can be eliminated by stepping on them. Paragoombas, like Paratroopas, have wings, which allow them to jump.
- Spikies: Strange creatures that take pointed balls from their mouth and throw them at you. They are often found high up, making them difficult to defeat. With the right timing and avoiding their balls, you can take them out by simply jumping on their head. Just be careful not to try to step on him when he's holding a spiked ball!
- Bullet Bill / Banzai Bill: As the name indicates, these enemies are black bullets with arms and eyes, which are fired from a cannon (usually from both sides). They can be frozen with an Ice Flower and used as platforms to reach secret areas. The Banzai Bills are huge, grinning versions of the Bullet Bills, found only in two levels (the second time being particularly large). Even though they are huge, they are easy to defeat. Just jump over them.
- Swoopers: In the underground levels, bat-like creatures will fly towards you from the cave ceiling. With a simple jump you can avoid them and by falling back on them eliminate them.
- Lakitu: A bespectacled Koopa riding a smiling cloud. They throw Spikes-like enemies, and this can give you a lot of trouble. If you can jump on Lakitu, usually thanks to Yoshi, you can use the cloud to fly around. After a few seconds, however, the cloud will disappear and another Lakitu will return.
- Wigglers: You'll only find them in the poisonous swamps of World 5. These are yellow caterpillar-like enemies that look harmless, but will still take a life from you if they touch you. The only way to defeat them is to perform a ground dunk on them, because if you just jump on them they will get angry, they will turn red and walk faster. You can also find giant wigglers underground. They are much faster than normal ones and can walk directly into the swamp. You can bounce on them without making them angry, but make sure they don't lead you straight into the swamp.
- Podoboos: In lava levels, two-eyed fireballs jump out of the lava. Make sure you avoid them. They can be frozen to eliminate them.
- Cheep-Cheeps: Many types of fish, called "Cheep-Cheeps" inhabit the water levels of Mario Bros Wii. Despite their harmless appearance, they are not friendly. The only way to get past them is to swim around them and avoid them, or to hit them with fire or ice balls. There are many types, so learn the habits!
- Dry Bones: You can find these enemies in castles and fortresses. These are skeletons that walk and look like Koopa; you can defeat them with just a star or by freezing them and throwing them.
- Pokeys: Segmented, pointed, cactus-like enemies that inhabit desert worlds. The only way to defeat them is to use a star, or eat them with Yoshi. If you eat the head with Yoshi, the whole body will disappear. In some cases, the thorns disappear for about 2 seconds. If you eat a whole Pokey with Yoshi, it will lay an egg with coins, mushrooms, or other upgrades.
- Hammer Bros: Elite members of the Koopa army usually found in groups of two or three. They throw hammers at you, so you'll have to use the right timing. Some of them are located on block platforms and can be hit from below. In other cases, you can take them out by stepping on them or hitting them with fireballs.
- Fire and Ice Bros: Hammer Bros that shoot ice or fire. You can always tell what kind of "Bro" it is from the color of the shell. The Hammer Bros have green shells, while the fire and ice ones have red and blue shells. It is best to avoid them, because their attacks have a great range (especially those of the Fire Bro). You can take them out by stepping on them, or, ironically, with fireballs or ice.
- Piranha Plants: Common enemies that usually come out of pipes. Some of them shoot fireballs.
Step 5. Learn each level
Each level is different and unique. Don't be discouraged if you fail to pass a level in the first few attempts. If you get stuck in a level for long enough, you will have the option to use the Super Guide, where you will be able to see Luigi show you how to pass the level. If you play with another person, work with them to pass the level.
Step 6. Defeat the bosses
Is very important. If you don't beat the bosses, you won't be able to progress through the game. Each boss is a Koopaling, a son of Bowser. They make their first appearance since Super Mario World. Each of them will try to defeat you in different ways, so watch their movements first. When you see a chance to strike, jump into the head of the enemy three times.
Step 7. Play with friends
This title is the first game in the Mario series to offer 4 players the chance to play. You and three friends can play together on the same team. Player one will always use Mario, while the other players can choose between Luigi, Blue Toad and Yellow Toad. All players have the same skills, so feel free to pick the one you like best.
Step 8. Stop at the Mushroom Houses
In these houses, you will have the opportunity to earn lives or items through mini games. You can access your possessions by pressing 1 on the map screen. Use the items in the levels you have difficulty in.
Step 9. Use the items to your advantage
For example, you can freeze enemies and use them as platforms. Use the propulsion helmets to fly and overtake the enemies below.
Step 10. Save your game
You can only do this after passing a castle. You cannot save during a level or between levels until after passing a castle. You will only be able to use "Quick Save" once during the game between levels.
Step 11. Find the secret exits
Some levels have more than one exit. If you discover a secret exit, you will receive benefits!
Advice
- If you can't find all the Star Coins, try walking through the walls to reveal the fake walls that obscure the view.
- Some enemies must be avoided and not fought.
- If you defeat Bowser a second time, you'll see a slightly different ending.
- You can defeat the Boos (ghost enemies) only with the use of the Starlet. They are shy, so if you look at them, they will stop moving towards you and will hide their face in their hands.
- Find cannons to quickly advance between worlds.
- You can play using the Nunchuk.
- Play with friends and collaborate with them. However, it is possible to complete all levels on your own.
- You can unlock World 9 levels by collecting all Star Coins in the other 8 worlds.
- Always save after passing a castle.
- Once you beat Bowser at the end of World 8, you can save after any level. You will also have access to World 9.
Warnings
- In multiplayer mode, if all players are in a bubble, the level will end and you will return to the Map screen. You won't lose a life though.
- Despite the simple and cheerful aspect of the game, many of the levels (particularly those of the last worlds) are difficult.
- You can only use "Quick Save" once for each file.
- After using the Super Guide, the unlockable stars on your profile will not sparkle.
