We have yet more details on both of Wii U’s first-party launch window titles, following yesterday’s reports on New Super Mario Bros. U‘s new worlds and Nintendo Land‘s new confirmed mini-games.
New Super Mario Bros. U: Boost mode, Yoshis and multiplayer
Today we have new details on Mario’s new “Boost Rush mode”. While we touched on it briefly, we knew little more than it being a more challenging mode that automatically scrolls the levels. Now we know that players will begin a stage with multiple but limited lives, and collecting coins will cause the level to scroll faster.
“Boost mode” is a multiplayer mode where one player uses the GamePad to place blocks by touching the screen, which appear on the level for the other player to jump across. This was shown at the E3 demo this year as “Block Assist” mode. Four blocks can be placed at one time. This will surely give access to hidden areas, save the player from a falling to their death and assist in speed-runs.
The GamePad player can save their partner after they have lost a life by popping the bubble they are floating in. The touch screen is also used to stun enemies and manipulate the environment. Playing co-op allows the camera pan out more than it would in single-player, revealing hidden star coins and pipes that you otherwise wouldn’t see.
We also have more information on three of the Yoshi variations. The Pink Yoshi inflates after a shake from the GamePad or Wii Remote, taking Mario higher than a flying suit can; the Gold Yoshi illuminates dark rooms or caverns and stuns enemies; and Blue Yoshi shoots bubble projectiles at enemies.
The standard green Yoshi can eat fruit as was the case in previous games, and eating five will fill a meter, rewarding the rider with a power-up.
Speaking of power-ups, the confirmed list so far is a mix of old and new: Super Mushroom, Starman, Fire Flower, Ice Flower, Mini Mushroom, and Super Acorn.
Nintendo Land’s new trailer
Yesterday we told you about Balloon Tip Breeze, one of the newly-announced attractions in Nintendo Land. Now there’s a trailer so you can see it in action:
Using the stylus on the GamePad’s touchscreen, you must guide your character through 2D side-scrolling levels, in a similar fashion to Game Boy’s Balloon Kid. Popping balloons racks up high scores, while you must avoid enemies and spikes in an attempt to survive. The game is set over three stages: morning, afternoon and evening.
I must say that the number of dislikes on this video already gathering is a little confusing and rather disheartening. It shouldn’t be a shock to anyone that Nintendo Land was never a “hardcore” title, as much as I hate to use the term. The game appears to serve its purpose well: to be a fun little mini-game launch title that showcases the capabilities of the GamePad. Give it a chance!
[Sources: NintendoEverything via Official Nintendo Magazine UK via Official Nintendo Magazine UK]
