Overlooked platformer games thanks to Mario's existence

[demonfox13]

superchunk said:
While I can't comment on the main topic as I have not played any of those games; I can comment on the following part.

"Say what you want but NSMBW could have been much better as opposed to making such huge nods to the older games as opposed to reinventing itself just like SMB3 redefined the series."

I believe you are implying that NSMBW doesn't reinvent itself amongst other 2D mario games and with that I 100% disagree. Sure its Mario w/ a SMB3-esque overworld style and basic handling. However, the multiplayer system ads a level of playability that dramatically changes the core of Mario Bros. Playing single is completely different than playing with buddies.

That is the new benchmark of a quality platformer which will be copied by others. (Yes I know LBP did it first)

You are partially right and I failed to mention the multiplayer aspect of it, however I am comparing apples to apples by talking about the single player aspect in all these games. The multiplayer is an added and welcome layer, however I still feel they didn't go all the way, as online multiplayer. I am well aware about the communication issue and feel Ninty should have added voicechat support in the system since it isn't that hard. Implementing it in this game would definitely have added more for those nights where you don't have your friends over, guess what? You can call them up and tell them to hop on (diablo 2 style, make a game and have them join that game). That's where my criticism falls in. SMB3 redefined Mario in many aspects, not to mention that even graphically it was a huge jump. I will go as far as to say that Mario 64 did an amazing job at making a TRUE 3D game with tight controls and solid gameplay without hindering itself. I can't stress enough how many 2D games have trouble making it to 3D while retaining that amazing gameplay (Castlevania is an example, although I liked Lament of Innocence, SOTN still cannot be topped).

Back on topic, the multiplayer aspect felt like it was done halfway, as the online component would have added much more for those lonely nights (that is if you really care and like the multiplayer aspect, some prefer singleplayer). I know some will come to this board and mention lag being an issue, which should not really be. If RE5, KZ2, Uncharted2, SFIV, Tekken6 (notice various genres mentioned) are able to do it without problems, I am sure ninty would be able to as well considering that NSMBW is not graphically demanding and has great gameplay with tight controls.

Final note: wouldn't be a bad idea if say, you and your wife or roomate hop on and could have 2 other friends that live a few miles away join in.