New Super Mario Bros. U for the Wii U brings together a wealth of Super Mario fun along with multiplayer challenges. A nice trip down memory lane.

It's all the things you love about Super Mario. You're hopping on top of turtles. Grabbing items that let you fly or shoot fireballs. Hitting blocks with your head. Looking for secret tunnels. Timing your jumps with pinpoint precision.

The multiplayer adds to the challenge. For the person who has the tablet, they can even make blocks appear on the screen for you, building you a ladder or safety net in essence. So if you're falling to your doom, they can save you. If you want to get up to that cool thing above you, they can create a ladder.

I wouldn't say the game is groundbreaking, but that's not the point. The game is like comfort food. It's like your favorite chocolate bar that you curl up with while you watch your favorite TV show. You know and love the characters. You know how all the screens work. You laugh out loud as your friend misses that jump and you barely save him.

The game is appropriate for all ages, and easy to learn. It's got a nice challenge to it, and at the same time it makes sense. You know what you have to do, and it's just a matter of actually doing it.

Are there any down sides here? If someone is looking for a completely new experience, this probably isn't the game to get. There are plenty of other games out that "push the envelope" in terms of new styles of graphics and innovative gameplay.

But for the tried-and-true lover of Mario, this is definitely fun to play and good for all ages.

Well recommended.

I purchased this game with my own funds in order to do this review.

Buy New Super Mario Bros. U from Amazon.com