Hey! Cut it out! Ok, let's go, waitwaitwait, ah crap! STOP!!!
New Super Mario Bros. Wii marks the return of 2D Mario games to consoles - I believe the first since Super Mario World. Although it is in some ways a return to the classic formula that made Mario the king of gaming, Nintendo does their staple move of taking what made those games great, and expanding it, making it a unique yet still immensely enjoyable experience.
Obviously, the biggest change to New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the inclusion of cooperative play for up to 4 players. I personally love this aspect, and having 4 players on screen trying to make it from A to B completely changes the game from what you would encounter in single player. This is mostly due to the fact that with 4 players on screen the game descends into absolute chaos, where something as simple as a hop over a small gap or taking down a lone goomba can bring about the death of one or more players. Multiple players makes the game notably more difficult, and even more notably hilarious. I would encourage anyone interested in this game to play from start to end with as many players as possible, because it really is an experience everyone should have. Since the penalty for dying is minimal, just have fun with it, and embrace your allies even as they use you as an unwilling platform to make it across the gap while dooming you to fall into it.
Even if you don't have people to play with (or prefer not to), the levels in New Super Mario Bros. Wii are still a thing of beauty, keeping that classic Mario charm. Most levels aren't too difficult simply to beat, but getting all the coins from each level can prove to be a good challenge, and since the coins are used to unlock the mysterious 9th world, what Mario fan can resist? Overall, this isn't an incredibly long game, but since you can play it alone and with friends for a totally different experience, as well as replaying your favorite levels or the levels you didn't get all the coins in, I'd say that NSMBW has a solid amount of replay value.
There are some other minor additions in the game that make it feel more like a Wii exclusive. Flicking the Wiimote makes you do a spin attack, and there are multiple sections where tilting of the Wiimote is used to move platforms and other crazy things. The new helicopter suit also employs the Wiimote, requiring a flick to send you flying through the air. Other non-motion controlled new content is the penguin suit, which is adorable, and the ice flower. All these new features really complement what you already like about Mario and add some new twists. Realistically, this may not be the second coming of Super Mario World for those who wanted it, but it is Mario 2D platforming in a refreshing, innovative, and still just plain fun way. For that, I'd recommend this game to just about anyone.
