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Best Platformer Since Super Mario Bros. 3

I've been a fan of the Super Mario Bros. series of games since I played Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt at about age five, and when I heard that a new side-scrolling Mario platformer was coming to Wii I couldn't wait to play it. Super Mario Bros. 3 is still my favorite game of all time, but New Super Mario Bros. Wii is the first Mario title to truly rival it.Some people have been misinformed about New Super Mario Bros. Wii and believe that it is a port of New Super Mario Bros. for DS; that assumption couldn't be farther from the truth. NSMB Wii is a completely different game with entirely new stages/level designs, power-ups, world maps, newly added game mechanics, and story (although yes - Peach has been kidnapped again). The Magic Mushroom, Starman, Fire Flower, and Mini Mushroom (NSMB DS) all return, and exclusive power-ups such as the Penguin Suit, Ice Flower (which differs from the Super Mario Galaxy version), and Propeller Mushroom are available for the first time. Yoshi also shows up in various levels; though once you reach the flag pole at a stage's end Yoshi must be left behind. As far as stage designs go, you'll do everything from riding large flying sting rays, to carrying a luminescent block through a pitch-black underground level, to clearing clouds that obscure the next platform by using a spin technique. There are also MANY hidden passages, star coins to find, and alternate exits to discover.The stage environments are beautiful and colorful, the character models look great, and I haven't experienced any slow-down regardless of how much activity is taking place on-screen. Play control is exceptional, but then solid play control is a hallmark of the whole Super Mario series. You'll end up playing through levels multiple times if you want to find everything, and there are hint movies as well as an in-stage assist to aid less experienced players. The excellent single player mode is ideal for thorough exploration (and the best way to experience the game in my opinion), and the multiplayer mode is great, frantic fun for up to four players simultaneously that's sure to add plenty of replay value to an already wonderful game. I don't think you have to be a dedicated Mario fan or even an admirer of the classics to enjoy NSMB Wii (though it certainly doesn't hurt), and when it comes to fun, creative gameplay there's really no game for Wii or any other current console that I more highly recommend. I think most gamers that give this title a chance will get a lot out of it, and players like myself that will recognize returning enemies and various elements from past Mario games will benefit from nostalgia.