• Hey Guest. Check out your NeoGAF Wrapped 2025 results here!

I'm not enjoying Super Mario Bros. U...two questions.

B

brawly

Member
Reason: I think it's basic and boring. I tried to get into it a few years ago, didn't like it then either. I'm also playing Donkey Kong C:TF (much superior 2D jump and run), aswell as Super Mario 3D World (much superior Mario game), so I guess that doesn't help.

My two questions?

1) Should I skip it and move straight to Luigi U? I hear that's much more challenging.

2) Should I still give Mario Maker a shot? I love the let's plays I've seen (
dashie
), but I'm unsure.

What's the consensus on Mario Bros U.?
 
Depending on how far you are, it might be worth sticking it out a little more in NSMBU. It starts out easy, but eventually does get a lot more challenging.

That said, if you want challenge right off the bat, yeah, skip to Luigi.
 
I found it was alright, but I played it co-op and it was fun for us.

But your two options are also both indeed better than NSMBU. Especially if you have someone to play with for MM.
 
brawly said:
Reason: I think it's basic and boring. I tried to get into it a few years ago, didn't like it then either. I'm also playing Donkey Kong C:TF (much superior 2D jump and run), aswell as Super Mario 3D World (much superior Mario game), so I guess that doesn't help.

My two questions?

1) Should I skip it and move straight to Luigi U? I hear that's much more challenging.

2) Should I still give Mario Maker a shot? I love the let's plays I've seen (
dashie
), but I'm unsure.

What's the consensus on Mario Bros U.?
Click to expand...

The New series is just a "hold them over to till the real mario game is out" series since the first one. They are relatively cheap and quick to make, and while the later levels can certainly be challenging, it's still mostly just there to fill a scheduling void.
 
Most hardcore players seem to enjoy Luigi U a lot more.

I found Luigi U a bit too hard, but I also did not play NSMBU and had not recently played NSMBWii.
 
it doesn't help the NSMB series' best levels are in the latter half. they always start slow.

Luigi U could be more interesting because that game is in a rush since the very start.
 
Luigi U is tougher out the gate, but if you aren't liking NSMBU you probably won't like Luigi U either. I'd say it's only a bit better (but I think both are easily among the best 2D Mario games).
 
1.) Yes. Luigi is actually challenging. I was pretty bored by NSMBU, which is why I find it crazy when people try to convince me that it's better than world.

2.) Hell yes, maker is sublime.
 
Eh, it's only basic for the first world or so, then it starts throwing lots of interesting concepts at you. The level design and amount and quality of ideas are as good as 2D Mario gets. Every level is very unique, so it's tough to judge the game based on a few levels at the beginning.

As for Mario Maker, of course it's a great game, but it's a different kind of game. The tools are extremely limited compared to NSMBU so often people make things using them that are very un-Mario.
 
I really liked NSMB U. It had some great stages and a really good final battle.

You should really try Mario Maker though. Creating your own levels is a blast.
 
As a 2D Mario platformer only SMW is better in my opinion. But if you don't like it much, that's ok too.

I especially love the interconnected world map and its secret paths and exits. Behind the boring artstyle there's an inspired game with great mechanics. It gets harder towards the end. I had to give up getting those last star coins.

If you're not into creating Mario levels on your own, playing through random user created levels is a lesser experience than playing through NSMBU. You won't be getting a sense of being on an adventure playing a random bunch of levels, which is a big con for me. Try it out anyway, its a great overall package.
 
brawly said:
Reason: I think it's basic and boring. I tried to get into it a few years ago, didn't like it then either. I'm also playing Donkey Kong C:TF (much superior 2D jump and run), aswell as Super Mario 3D World (much superior Mario game), so I guess that doesn't help.
Click to expand...

Your assessment of this game is correct.

The amount of hype people give this game for having technically "more complex" level design with technically "new" ideas blows my mind.

I had no problem sticking with it because I love the gameplay loop of 2D Mario anyway, but there's nothing world-shaking about this game.
 
Luigi U is much more shorter and harder. I liked it more because it always felt like you had to memorize the levels to beat it.

Mario U is great and has more interesting and long levels but the beginning in particular is a tad to easy. it gets harder though.

mario Maker is a different beast. its pretty much people going crazy. (there are really well designed levels for sure.)
 
If it's not for you at the moment, I'd say shelve the main game till you're feeling like giving it another try, and in the meantime maybe try the Challenge Mode which is quite difficult IMO or NSLU which...is harder for sure than NSMBU but you still may not find as difficult as you like (though I think it's mostly easier than Challenge Mode). I don't know if CM unlocks are based on main game progress, though. But if you try both of those in brief, and they're not working for you, just shelve them for now and try them again in one day in the future if you're feeling like it. Too many amazing games out there to stick with one you're not feeling once you've given it a real shot (which in this case based on what you said in the OP you definitely have).

If you're jonesing for another tougher platformer, maybe try one of the other DK games if you haven't played all of them. Oh, and SMM is very, very different IMO than NSMBU, since the levels are almost all user-created. So, yeah, if you're interested definitely give it a whirl. Same physics engine but very different gameplay experience between the level making and the user-generated content.
 
KojiKnight said:
The New series is just a "hold them over to till the real mario game is out" series since the first one. They are relatively cheap and quick to make, and while the later levels can certainly be challenging, it's still mostly just there to fill a scheduling void.
Click to expand...

nah bro. NSMBWii was really a blast (especially in multiplayer). agree that the DS outings are really lackluster though (even the first one)
 
I would drop it and continue enjoying the superior TF and 3D World if I was you. NSMBU has excellent mechanics, but it does feel a bit basic and boring as a whole.

Luigi U won't likely change your opinion, I didn't find it any more enjoyable than NSMBU really.

Mario Maker is great and there's plenty of great community levels to enjoy.
 
I found the later levels to be a great challenge, especially when going for all the star coins. One could argue that it's basic, but that doesn't take away from the strong level design and solid challenge that the later levels bring.
KingdomHeartsFan said:
This is one of the weaker 2D Mario games. I'd only recommend it to someone that is really into 2D Mario games.
Click to expand...

I'd disagree thoroughly with this. I felt it was easily the strongest of the NSMB series.
 
I'm at the second world atm btw, didn't make it this far last time (as in, didn't stick with it)

I hate how it throws you out of the level after each death. What were they thinking...
 
I think the game is one of the best 2D-plattformers ever, also much superior to Tropical Freeze (which in itself is excellent). But I guess it is true that it starts out a bit slow. I would suggest sticking with it, the controls are excellent as always, and the level design imo is also really good, especially later on. Visually, it is pretty boring though, no doubt about that.
 
brawly said:
I didn't have a Wii. Played the one on DS though, remember liking it a lot more.
Click to expand...

how is that even possible. the DS one is the definition of a really boring mario game with really poor new items (super mushroom was just the same as a star and the boomerang suit and ice suit didnt bring much new to the table. mini mario of course was great)

NSMBWii has multiplayer (which is a huge deal. the game changes substantially) and much more interesting items (helicopter hat) and levels
 
It doesn't measure up to DK and 3D World but that's a reflection of the quality of those titles more than a mark against NSMBU.

For me personally playing a flood of platformers all at once isn't really the best way to enjoy each game to it's max potential.
 
Mesoian said:
1.) Yes. Luigi is actually challenging. I was pretty bored by NSMBU, which is why I find it crazy when people try to convince me that it's better than world.

2.) Hell yes, maker is sublime.
Click to expand...

NSMBU is better than World because it has more levels with better level design and variety and quality of level concepts. World is like the easiest Mario game 3rd shortest.
LegendofLex said:
Your assessment of this game is correct.

The amount of hype people give this game for having technically "more complex" level design with technically "new" ideas blows my mind.

I had no problem sticking with it because I love the gameplay loop of 2D Mario anyway, but there's nothing world-shaking about this game.
Click to expand...
It's not technically "more complex". The levels have a ton more variety of ideas that previous Mario games and the level design blows previous games out of the water.
 
NSMBU does get more interesting in the later worlds, and the star coins can be pretty devious. But if you're not feeling it, don't feel compelled to finish it. Luigi isn't a huge departure, so I don't think it will change your opinion. DKCRTF is a much better game than either, though.

Mario Maker's quite worth it, however. It's fun to create your own levels, and there are quite a few good levels to enjoy. There's also a lot of garbage, but that's easily skippable.
 
brawly said:
I didn't have a Wii. Played the one on DS though, remember liking it a lot more.
Click to expand...

there you go.

NSBM for Wii and the WiiU game are meant to be a couch multiplayer experience and they both differ a lot from the (3)DS "New" Mario games It's just not for you.

for your single player Mario needs, you have the Galaxy games and to a lesser extent the Mario 3D Land game.

I won't comment on Mario 3D world, as I am not sure how it fares as a single player game.
 
KojiKnight said:
The New series is just a "hold them over to till the real mario game is out" series since the first one. They are relatively cheap and quick to make, and while the later levels can certainly be challenging, it's still mostly just there to fill a scheduling void.
Click to expand...

No. Even NSMB DS brought as much to the table as SMW did. There's nothing cheap about them except the music. They're all worthy as continuations of 2D Mario in that they advance the series with mechanics, new features, and increasingly improved level design philosophies. It's easy to tell a lot of effort went into them, especially NSMBWii and NSMBU.

I don't get the need to dismiss them because they added "New" to the beginning of their names.
 
I also didn't care much for Mario U, the scope of the final level was disappointing to me and the rest of it was pretty typical in my experience, I liked the 3ds version much more though the opinion you'll hear on here is usually flipped.

Mario Maker is a different beast, it's just fun to make your own levels and play other people's levels, especially if you know them in real life.
 
I don't think any of the New Super Mario Bros games are anything special. Just a bunch of random levels. All of them have stage 1: Mushroom Kingdom, Stage 2: Sand level, Stage 3: Water level: Stage 4: Snow level: Stage 5: Jungle level: Stage 6: Lava level, Bonus stage: Star world

I can't remember whats different about any stage. New Mario Bros, Wii, 2, U, 3D Land and World are all identical.
 
sphinx said:
there you go.

NSBM for Wii and the WiiU game are meant to be a couch multiplayer experience and they both differ a lot from the (3)DS "New" Mario games It's just not for you.

for your single player Mario needs, you have the Galaxy games and to a lesser extent the Mario 3D Land game.

I won't comment on Mario 3D world, as I am not sure how it fares as a single player.
Click to expand...

Eh, NSMBWii and NSMBU are great single player games. Multiplayer changes them into something else and feels more like an extra. I prefer to play them single player.
 
It's hard to say if we don't know your tastes. NSMB U didn't try to push the envelope in terms of graphic design or mechanics.

Rather, I'd call it very well designed comfort food gaming with a lot of content. There are a ton of levels and they mostly all have great level design. The secrets are hidden well enough to be satisfying, but not too frustrating. The power ups are fun and the game keeps you on your toes with different level types. The graphics are warm and inviting.

But in terms of aesthetics and basic play control, it's really more New Super Mario, but executed much better than in the 3 previous games. So you tell us if that sounds appealing to you.
 
sphinx said:
there you go.

NSBM for Wii and the WiiU game are meant to be a couch multiplayer experience and they both differ a lot from the (3)DS "New" Mario games It's just not for you.

for your single player Mario needs, you have the Galaxy games and to a lesser extent the Mario 3D Land game.

I won't comment on Mario 3D world, as I am not sure how it fares as a single player game.
Click to expand...

I don't think I have anyone to couch co-op with ;_; wish I did.

SporeCrawler said:
how is that even possible. the DS one is the definition of a really boring mario game with really poor new items (super mushroom was just the same as a star and the boomerang suit and ice suit didnt bring much new to the table. mini mario of course was great)

NSMBWii has multiplayer (which is a huge deal. the game changes substantially) and much more interesting items (helicopter hat) and levels
Click to expand...

I'm not saying it's better, it's been years, I just remember putting a lot of hours into it.
 
sphinx said:
there you go.

NSBM for Wii and the WiiU game are meant to be a couch multiplayer experience and they both differ a lot from the (3)DS "New" Mario games It's just not for you.

for your single player Mario needs, you have the Galaxy games and to a lesser extent the Mario 3D Land game.

I won't comment on Mario 3D world, as I am not sure how it fares as a single player game.
Click to expand...

the thing is Wii and WiiU are great as single and multiplayer game.

DS and 3DS are just simple and dull single player games.
 
I found it lacking charm and felt like same old same old.

I traded it in a while back. Mario Maker on the other hand I truly adore - bursting with charm and an absolute blast.
 
I never really liked the NSMB series. They always felt... a bit lacklustre? Like they didn't put much effort in. The design is very same-y, the levels are almost always very easy, the music is saccharine garbage, they just feel very low effort. Luigi was the one I enjoyed the most because it actually made the levels feel engaging, but even then it's a poor shadow of DK:TF.
 
While I still prefer SMW and SMB 3, I loved NSMBU, it had very tight level design, the branching paths on the world map and secret exits were so much fun to discover, the Squirrel Suit is one of the best power ups of all time and the Baby Yoshi's are great (especially blue baby Yoshi which is like having your own portable Oxygen Destroyer). It would have been nice if there were more stages with creative backgrounds like the ghost stages with the swirling Van Gogh style art. Oh yeah, the Special World stages are well done and the final battle with Bowser is great and incorporates the Clown Car in a smart way. And don't forget the Nabbit Chase stages. Just a great package all around, I also don't know why folks find NSMBU ugly, I can see why people find the art style repeitive but this game has some crisp, lovely visuals. That said, it sounds like you prefer the core older styles, so Mario Maker may be more suited to you and both the editor and user created levels offer endless replay value. Or maybe think about Mario 3D World which is an incredible game.
 
So I just started Luigi U...is it the exact same game? Same levels but harder? Because then I'm dropping Mario Bros U right now.

I don't want to play this game twice, might aswell go with the hard version (+ I prefer Lui)
 
brawly said:
So I jsut started Luigi U...is it the exact same game? Same levels but harder? Because then I'm dropping Mario Bros U right now.

I don't want to play this game twice, might aswell go with the hard version (+ I prefer Lui)
Click to expand...

NS Luigi U has all-new levels, the only thing they have in common is they share the same assets. It's a completely different game. The amount of levels is the same, but they are much shorter and focus on pure platforming challenge (i.e. less exploration)
 
brawly said:
So I just started Luigi U...is it the exact same game? Same levels but harder? Because then I'm dropping Mario Bros U right now.

I don't want to play this game twice, might aswell go with the hard version (+ I prefer Lui)
Click to expand...

Same world map, different levels.
 
brawly said:
So I just started Luigi U...is it the exact same game? Same levels but harder? Because then I'm dropping Mario Bros U right now.

I don't want to play this game twice, might aswell go with the hard version (+ I prefer Lui)
Click to expand...

It shares the same world map. Levels are all unique.
 
I dug NSMBU, but most of my favorite stages were the ones past the desert. I think after world 2 you can go freely between worlds 3 and 4 so Id give those a shot first and if they dont click with you just skip straight to Luigi U. Its a faster, more challenging game.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

New Super Mario Bros 20 Years Later: Thoughts?
27
155
Hudo replied
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Switch 2 - Gameplay
Trailer 
30
627
poodaddy replied
The Super Mario Galaxy Movie’ Powers Up To $122M WW In First Two Days
46
685
Oberstein replied
Super Mario Bros Remastered 1.1 Update! The Best Gets Better
Trailer Indie 
21
833
IbizaPocholo replied
  • Poll
What game is better? Super Mario 3D World or Super Mario Wonder?
35
384
Osthyvel replied
Top Bottom