Super Mario 3D World is vibrant, fun and reaches a new level of excellence for the franchise, creating the right kind of cat-astrophe.

An extremely well-assembled title that not only shows that Nintendo knows best when it comes to the Wii U, but also that the Mario franchise is far from a dead horse.

The defining characteristic of the Mario games has, in recent times, become their willingness to bring exciting new ideas into a level, push them, and then immediately abandon them in favour of something new.

Super Mario 3D World was released on the same day as the PlayStation 4 made its bow in the UK - but the famous Italian plumber is no less significant to the arena of gaming because of it. Indeed the release marks the day the Wii U became more than "that other console".

Beautiful graphical design that makes the most of the 720p output resolution; superb and inventive variety in levels; multiplayer is hilarious; Mario is back to his very best

It's hard to keep up in four-player multiplayer; later levels can get super-tough; only 720p but who cares

There's a lot to sink your claws into in Super Mario 3D World , and the collection of levels contains very few misses. If you've been holding out on a Wii U purchase until it had an exclusive that was recommended without caveats, now may be that time, and if you already own the system, 3D World will...

Bright worlds; fun levels; well-orchestrated multiplayer

Being a cat is seriously broken

The problem with being great is that the next thing has to be even better. Either that, or you change gears and do something entirely different. Whether a writer, a rock star, or an actor, even the most creative people in the world can't keep topping themselves doing the same thing year after year,...

Working with my oldest son to collect stars

Falling to my death in a tough area because the camera couldn't keep up

The kids just love the game. Its perfect for the whole family. Super Mario has been a favorite for years. Overstock.com shipped it out fast. Got within 4 days. Nice!!!

Mario has been around forever, and it's impressive to see how Nintendo can continue to create a great gaming experience after all these years. This game has some great ideas and some wonderful level design.

Mario Mario Mario, ahh Mario. How long has the plumber with the moustache been plying his trade now? It is many a moon, but personally I have made very few trips into his world with Super Mario 3D World on the Wii U my first visit since Super Mario Galaxy .

Super Mario 3D World finally gives Wii U owners a big hitter to savour

It's Mario; Captain Toad's Fez-like mini-games; Friends and family can play together

We want more Captain Toad; Not as bold as Super Mario Galaxy; No online multiplayer