New Super Mario Bros. U has some extra game modes, notably the challenges and boost rush modes.
Challenges is appropriately named, because it does provide quite a challenge. The first category is speed runs, basically. You have to complete a level (or part of a level) in a certain amount of time. If you’re fast enough, you can earn a medal. But if you’re just playing like you normally would, you won’t get a medal…in fact, you won’t even survive the challenge. You have to run nonstop, you have to make daring leaps through enemies’ paths, and so on. It would take lots of trial and error (and memorization) to find out the proper path you’d have to take.
Other categories require you to perform certain tasks. For example, in this level, there are three Dry Bones. Jump on them repeatedly, without ever hitting the ground, to earn 1-ups. And Dry Bones stay “dead” for a while after you crush them, so you’ll have to kill some time by bouncing off the walls. And if you touch the ground for even a split second, your game is over. To earn a gold medal, you’ll need to earn 30 1-ups. Very tedious and not fun at all.
Fortunately, the boost rush mode is a little better. It has regular levels, but the screen scrolls automatically to force you along. As you collect coins, the screen scrolls faster and faster. Your job is to complete the level in as short a time as possible. It’s fairly enjoyable, but I still prefer the regular story mode.
And if anyone is interested, here is a picture of my “records” screen, from the secret island:
To be honest, I don’t even know what some of that stuff means, or how things like fireworks are activated.
I have now posted my New Super Mario Bros. U review. Check it out on the JVGS Wii U Review page.
…a haunted house…
…and a tower filled with traps and hazards.
The game was short and easy. A couple parts may seem tricky at first glance, but it’s all just a matter of recognizing patterns and planning your steps hops carefully. Each level has safe spots where you can sit still and observe the patterns for each upcoming obstacle. There are no time limits, and each of the 17 levels takes no more than 5-8 minutes to complete. But the game is definitely fun while it lasts. There are also some extra mini-game levels in the Frogger’s Arcade mode, so I still plan on giving them a try soon. You can expect the review within a couple days.
