Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. The name alone evokes memories of challenging platforming, vibrant worlds, and the pure joy of overcoming obstacles with friends and family. Originally released as a launch title for the Wii U in 2012, this gem was given a second life on the Nintendo Switch in 2019 as Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe. But with the ever-growing library of games available on the Switch, is this Deluxe version still worth your hard-earned money? Let’s dive deep and explore all facets of the game to help you make an informed decision.
What Makes Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Stand Out?
Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe isn’t just a simple port; it’s a refined and enhanced version of a beloved title. It bundles together New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U, offering a massive amount of content right out of the box. This alone makes it a compelling package for anyone looking for a substantial Mario experience.
The core gameplay is classic 2D Mario, but with a modern twist. You’ll be running, jumping, and stomping your way through a vast world map filled with cleverly designed levels. The difficulty curve is well-managed, starting relatively easy and gradually ramping up to truly challenging stages that will test your platforming skills.
The inclusion of both games is a huge selling point, effectively doubling the amount of content available. New Super Luigi U offers a completely different experience, featuring shorter, more difficult levels with a tighter time limit, focusing on Luigi’s unique, slippery movement.
A Look at the Gameplay Mechanics
At its heart, Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe adheres to the tried-and-true Mario formula. You control Mario (or Luigi, Toad, or Toadette) and navigate through side-scrolling levels, collecting coins, power-ups, and defeating enemies. The controls are tight and responsive, allowing for precise movements and satisfying jumps.
The game introduces a few new power-ups, most notably the Super Acorn, which transforms Mario into Flying Squirrel Mario. This power-up grants the ability to glide through the air and cling to walls, adding a new layer of strategy to level traversal.
The level design is a major highlight of the game. Each level is meticulously crafted, filled with hidden secrets, challenging platforming sections, and a variety of enemies to overcome. The world map is also beautifully designed, offering multiple paths and branching routes, encouraging exploration.
The Multiplayer Mayhem
One of the defining features of Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is its multiplayer mode. Up to four players can play simultaneously, creating a chaotic and hilarious experience. Playing with friends or family adds a whole new dimension to the game, turning even the most challenging levels into cooperative adventures.
However, the multiplayer can also be frustrating at times, especially with less experienced players. Players can accidentally bump into each other, causing unexpected deaths and hindering progress. Communication and coordination are key to success in multiplayer mode.
Despite the potential for chaos, the multiplayer mode is undeniably fun and adds significant replay value to the game. The ability to revive fallen players by bumping into them in their bubble form adds a strategic element to the cooperative gameplay.
What’s New in the Deluxe Version?
The transition from Wii U to Nintendo Switch brought with it some significant improvements and additions. The most notable change is the inclusion of Toadette as a playable character. Toadette has a unique ability to transform into Peachette when she grabs a Super Crown, granting her the ability to float and perform a double jump, making her an ideal choice for beginner players.
The Deluxe version also includes all of the downloadable content (DLC) that was previously released for the Wii U version, ensuring that you have access to the complete Super Mario Bros. U experience. The graphics have also been slightly enhanced, with sharper visuals and more vibrant colors.
The addition of Toadette and the inclusion of all DLC content make the Deluxe version a definitive edition of the game. These additions significantly enhance the overall experience and provide more options for players of all skill levels.
Toadette and Peachette: A Game Changer?
The introduction of Toadette and her Peachette transformation has had a significant impact on the game, particularly for new or less experienced players. Peachette’s floating ability and double jump make it much easier to navigate the challenging levels, allowing players to progress further and experience more of the game.
However, some purists argue that Peachette trivializes the game and removes some of the challenge. While this may be true for experienced players, Peachette is a welcome addition for those who struggle with the game’s difficulty.
Peachette provides an excellent entry point for new players, making the game more accessible without sacrificing the core Mario experience.
Performance and Visuals on the Nintendo Switch
Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe runs smoothly on the Nintendo Switch in both docked and handheld modes. The game maintains a consistent frame rate, ensuring a fluid and responsive gameplay experience. The visuals are crisp and vibrant, taking full advantage of the Switch’s capabilities.
The game looks particularly impressive on the Switch’s handheld screen, with the colorful worlds and detailed characters popping off the screen. The ability to play the game on the go is a major advantage of the Switch version.
The game’s excellent performance and enhanced visuals make it a joy to play on the Nintendo Switch.
Addressing Potential Drawbacks
While Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic game, it’s not without its drawbacks. One common criticism is that the game’s difficulty can be overwhelming for some players, even with the inclusion of Toadette. The later levels can be incredibly challenging, requiring precise timing and skillful execution.
Another potential issue is the lack of significant new content compared to the Wii U version. While the addition of Toadette and the inclusion of DLC are welcome, some players may feel that it’s not enough to justify a repurchase if they already own the original game.
Despite these drawbacks, Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe remains a highly enjoyable and worthwhile experience for most players.
The Difficulty Factor: Is it Too Hard?
The difficulty of Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a point of contention for many players. While the early levels are relatively easy, the difficulty ramps up significantly in the later stages. Some levels require near-perfect platforming skills and can be incredibly frustrating for those who are not accustomed to challenging Mario games.
However, the game also offers a variety of power-ups that can help to mitigate the difficulty. The Super Acorn, in particular, is a game-changer, allowing players to glide through the air and avoid tricky platforming sections. The inclusion of Toadette and Peachette also makes the game more accessible to new players.
While the game can be challenging, the difficulty is ultimately fair and rewarding. Overcoming a difficult level after multiple attempts is incredibly satisfying and provides a sense of accomplishment.
Is it Worth the Double Dip?
If you already own Super Mario Bros. U on the Wii U, the question of whether or not to purchase the Deluxe version becomes more complicated. The main selling points of the Deluxe version are the inclusion of Toadette, the inclusion of all DLC, and the ability to play the game on the go.
If you are a hardcore Mario fan who wants to experience the complete Super Mario Bros. U experience with all of the available content, then the Deluxe version is worth considering. However, if you are content with the original Wii U version, then you may not feel that the Deluxe version offers enough new content to justify a repurchase.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to “double dip” depends on your individual preferences and priorities.
Who Should Buy Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe?
Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is an excellent choice for a wide range of players. It’s perfect for:
- Newcomers to the Mario franchise who are looking for a classic 2D platforming experience.
- Families who want a fun and engaging game to play together.
- Experienced Mario players who are looking for a challenging and rewarding experience.
- Anyone who enjoys platforming games in general.
If you fall into any of these categories, then Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is definitely worth considering.
Concluding Thoughts: A Timeless Classic Reimagined
Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a fantastic addition to the Nintendo Switch’s library. It offers a vast amount of content, challenging gameplay, and a fun multiplayer experience. The addition of Toadette and the inclusion of all DLC make it the definitive edition of the game. While the difficulty may be overwhelming for some players, the game is ultimately fair and rewarding.
Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is a timeless classic that has been reimagined for a new generation of players. It’s a must-have for any Nintendo Switch owner who enjoys platforming games.
Is Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe still a good game for newcomers to the 2D Mario series in [Current Year]?
Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe remains an excellent entry point for newcomers to the 2D Mario franchise. Its forgiving difficulty curve in the main story, coupled with the inclusion of the New Super Luigi U campaign (which offers a significantly harder challenge), provides a balanced experience for players of all skill levels. The wealth of levels, vibrant visuals, and the accessible multiplayer features make it a compelling and enjoyable introduction to the classic Mario formula.
The game’s straightforward controls and intuitive level design make it easy for beginners to pick up and play. Power-ups are plentiful and provide various ways to tackle challenges, while the ability to play as Nabbit in New Super Luigi U offers an even easier mode for those who struggle. Furthermore, the game’s cooperative multiplayer encourages teamwork and can alleviate the difficulty for less experienced players, making it a fun and accessible experience for families and friends.
How does Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe compare to other 2D Mario games on the Nintendo Switch in [Current Year]?
Compared to Super Mario Maker 2, Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe offers a curated and polished experience with meticulously designed levels crafted by Nintendo’s expert team. While Super Mario Maker 2 allows for endless user-generated content and creativity, it lacks the consistent quality and deliberate pacing of Deluxe. This makes Deluxe a more reliable choice for players seeking a traditional and refined 2D Mario experience.
Compared to the original Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe features modern graphics, updated mechanics, and a significantly larger scope. While the original holds historical significance, Deluxe offers a much more substantial and visually appealing adventure. It benefits from decades of refinements in platforming design, resulting in a smoother and more engaging gameplay experience compared to its retro predecessor.
Does Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe offer enough new content to justify a purchase if I already own the Wii U version in [Current Year]?
The “Deluxe” version on the Nintendo Switch offers significant improvements over the original Wii U version. Besides the portability offered by the Switch, the Deluxe version includes both New Super Mario Bros. U and New Super Luigi U campaigns in a single package, along with the addition of Nabbit and Toadette as playable characters. These characters offer different playstyles and accessibility options, making the game more approachable for a wider audience.
Beyond the included campaigns and characters, the Deluxe version features slightly tweaked level designs in some areas, making the game feel fresh even for returning players. Performance improvements on the Switch provide a smoother and more visually appealing experience compared to the Wii U. These enhancements, coupled with the convenience of playing on the go, make it a worthwhile upgrade for fans of the original.
Is the multiplayer experience in Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe still fun and engaging in [Current Year]?
The multiplayer in Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe remains a chaotic and hilarious experience, ideal for parties and family gatherings. The cooperative gameplay encourages teamwork and communication, but it can also lead to accidental bumping, unintentional deaths, and plenty of laughs. The game’s forgiving nature ensures that even with the inevitable chaos, players can still progress and enjoy the shared adventure.
However, it’s important to note that the multiplayer can be overwhelming for some players, especially those seeking a more focused and precise platforming experience. The screen can get crowded with multiple characters and projectiles, making it difficult to navigate. Nevertheless, for those who enjoy a lighthearted and unpredictable cooperative experience, Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe’s multiplayer is still a major selling point.
How challenging is Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, and is it suitable for different skill levels in [Current Year]?
Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe offers a balanced difficulty curve that caters to a wide range of skill levels. The main Super Mario Bros. U campaign starts off relatively easy, gradually increasing in difficulty as players progress. Power-ups are abundant, and checkpoints are strategically placed to minimize frustration. The inclusion of the playable character Toadette, who can transform into Peachette and gain access to a double jump, further eases the experience for novice players.
For more experienced players, the New Super Luigi U campaign provides a significantly greater challenge. Its shorter levels, strict time limits, and increased enemy density demand precise platforming skills and quick reflexes. The option to play as Nabbit in this campaign, who is immune to enemy damage but cannot use power-ups, offers an alternative approach for players seeking a unique challenge. This dual approach to difficulty ensures that the game can be enjoyed by both casual players and seasoned platforming veterans.
Does Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe offer sufficient replay value after completing the main story in [Current Year]?
Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe offers substantial replay value even after completing the main story and the New Super Luigi U campaign. Each level contains three Star Coins to collect, which unlock additional content and challenges. This encourages players to explore every nook and cranny of each level, master their platforming skills, and discover hidden secrets.
Beyond the Star Coins, the game features a variety of challenge modes and time trials that test players’ skills in different ways. Completing these challenges and achieving the best possible times adds another layer of depth and encourages players to revisit levels with new strategies. The sheer number of levels and the varying difficulties ensure that there’s always something new to discover and master.
How well does Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe hold up visually and audibly in [Current Year]?
Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe boasts vibrant and colorful visuals that hold up remarkably well even in [Current Year]. The game’s crisp HD graphics and smooth animations bring the Mushroom Kingdom to life, creating a visually appealing and engaging experience. The character models are expressive and well-designed, and the environments are richly detailed, making each level a treat to explore.
The game’s soundtrack is equally impressive, featuring a catchy and upbeat score that complements the gameplay perfectly. The music is memorable and uplifting, enhancing the overall sense of fun and excitement. The sound effects are also well-crafted, providing satisfying feedback to player actions and adding to the immersive experience. The combination of strong visuals and audio creates a timeless aesthetic that remains enjoyable even by today’s standards.