Yes, the NSMB shtick was getting tired by this point & it did feel like Nintendo was just kinda going through the motions. But a solid 2D Mario is still a solid 2D Mario. Sick of the series by this point or not, NSMBU is, at the end of the day, still inoffensive. The level design’s still entertaining, the world map is even more expansive, baby Yoshis' abilities added a fresh twist to the formula & everything looks, plays, feels & sounds as you’d expect. Feels recycled? Sure. But definitely not bad.

New Super Mario Bros. U offers classic side-scrolling Mario action with a polished, vibrantly colorful presentation. While familiar in many ways to fans of the series, the levels present fun challenges and clever twists, particularly in later stages. The inclusion of multiplayer adds a chaotic dimension to the experience, and the Boost Rush mode delivers fast-paced thrills. Yet, New Super Mario Bros. U doesn't revolutionize the formula, offering a solid but ultimately safe entry in the beloved Mario franchise.