We'd been meaning to pick up a Wii U for some time, but financial constraints put the system out of our price range even after the price drop. Fortunately, we were able to get an excellent deal here, and purchased this bundle for as much as we paid for our original Wii! This bundle gives much of the same feel as the old SNES SMW + All-Stars bundle, if you're the kind of person that enjoys classic Mario platforming. If you wanted New Super Mario Bros U anyway, opt for this bundle over another; you'll get a better deal for your money!
The system itself is wonderful. It's been getting something of a bad reputation due to it's poor sales compared to Nintendo's projections, but that doesn't mean it's a bad system at all. Nintendo has largely just been having a poor time advertising it, and it took them too long to get enough of their classic first party franchises into the party. That's really what makes a Nintendo system, not the hardware. However, those concerned about Nintendo's recent trend of gimmicky-controllers and peripherals should try out the system at a store before buying. I was worried initially too, but getting the controller in my hands convinced me that it simply looked clunky, but felt quite smooth. I have since become quite fond of it. Many games on the system allow (or even downright require, in multiplayer instances) you to use the old Wii Remote + Nunchuck combination instead of the gamepad, or even the Classic Pro Controller (although you'll have to buy that separately) for those who just want to hold a normal controller in their hands. Another particularly noteworthy improvement over the Wii is that this system has download management; you can now buy a game or try a demo off the Nintendo E-Shop, and play something else while it downloads, without interruption. To go with that, through December 2014, all purchases made in the e-shop from a Deluxe Wii U will earn 10% back in points that can be redeemed for store credit. Not a huge offer, but something worth noting if you plan to buy a lot of your games digitally.
Onto the game(s), Super Mario Brothers U is simply more of what you would expect from the NSMB series. I loved the original DS one, but only played the Wii version while visiting family, so NSMBU manages to feel fresh for me. If you have enough Wii Remotes, you can play with up to four other people -- four people running around on screen, and one more using the gamepad to draw blocks and generally help the other players. It's a good mode for people who aren't very good at platforming. Players can also drop in or out at any time. That being said, multiplayer has basically no consequences for death, allowing for all levels to be completed (and specifically, all Star Coins to be obtained) with minimal effort. Those looking for an old-school challenge can still play the game in single player, where death means restarting the entire level and losing any Star Coins obtained (in-level checkpoints do retain Star Coins earned before that point, however). Long-time fans will probably not find 100% completion overwhelmingly challenging, but should enjoy it as solid platforming nonetheless. There are also hordes of challenge runs that require even more skill to complete, especially for the highest ranking medals. These range from simple time trials to completing a level without collecting a single coin, or even without touching the ground! Perfectionists will be banging their heads even if they manage a gold medal -- there is always room to improve your score.
Of particular interest, I did not expect Super Luigi U to be very amazing -- simply an expansion of the base game. However, although it uses the same overworld map, the levels are all entirely different, and have a much faster-paced focus. The platforming physics differ from NSMBU, with much higher jumps that are put to good use.There are no midway points, and each world tends to throw much more at you than their counterparts in NSMBU. Throw in the challenge of collecting Star Coins, and you have difficult, intense, fulfilling stages that don't overstay their welcome or drag on. In many ways, I find it superior to the base game! As an additional, off-the-record challenge, each level in Super Luigi U contains some (usually hidden) art of Luigi within. It can be fun to search for these easter eggs, especially with friends or family.
All in all, if you're a Nintendo fan and want to get your hands on a Wii U, this is an excellent bundle start with. From there you can pick up all the other big games that are out now, and you'll have a reliable library for your system in no time. Have fun!
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Reviews with images
Risky, but Amazing!
I won’t lie, I was skeptical with the 50/50 chance of it working as there’s mixed reviews, but the risk was completely worth it! The Wii U works perfectly, came in good, but slightly used condition with most the pieces, (missing Game Pad stylus and charger stand), but it’s all in perfect working condition and I had no issues with set-up! Overall, aside from the slight risk, I love this product!
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Fonctionne pas bien
Reviewed in Canada on June 8, 2023
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Reviewed in Canada on June 8, 2023
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