Easily the best game on the Wii U and one that can proudly stand alongside Nintendo's greatest, even if it doesn't quite top the Super Mario Galaxy games.

Endlessly inventive, with a gleeful disregard for regular structure or formula; The best range of power-ups in any Mario game; Excellent co-op action and superb graphics

Poor use of the GamePad, that actually gets in the way of playing the game if you're on your own; Those annoying save messages

Beneath the warm familiarity of 3D World lies one of the strangest Mario games in years - and that's wonderful news.

Super Mario 3D World is a brave release as it strives, without any hint of apology, to hit on a formula to satisfy the majority of 2D platforming fans and the smaller - but still sizeable - legion of 3D Mario devotees.

Mario, despite himself, has diversified his income over the years. In addition to master plumber, he's become a championship series go-kart racer, a tennis superstar, a baseball MVP, and he's even thrown a few massive parties.

Tons of variety in each level; New and returning power-ups; Exploring the map with four players; Princess Peach to the rescue; Tons of levels and replayability; Even more hidden secrets; Fantastic soundtrack and voice work; Off-TV play on Wii U Gamepad; Miiverse functionality and stamp collecting,...

Not a "true" 3D Mario game; Tons of levels and replayability

But thankfully, that's not the case. It takes the same philosophy of short, sweet stages and expands them just enough to work flawlessly in a living room, whether playing alone or with three friends in tow.

After almost three decades of consistently stunning Mario games – including last year's Super Mario 3D Land on 3DS, and the ground-breaking Wii series Super Mario Galaxy – few would doubt that Nintendo's lost its touch when it comes to weaving platform-hopping magic.

Super Mario 3D World may seem a tad simplistic from the beginning when compared to the epic Super Mario Galaxy 2. It's a feeling which is no doubt caused by the game being a successor to handheld title 3D Land rather than any of the console Super Mario games or a new offshoot for the series.

It's an absolute joy to play; and one of the most refined gameplay experiences available; Plenty of innovation with power-ups and platforming mechanics; leading to an incredible final level; Tons to do; with plenty of variety throughout; Visually and musically a step up from previous Super Mario...

…but not quite the advancement 3D Mario deserves right now; It's limited by its design as a co-operative game; A few framerate and camera issues hinder some of the fun

It's a sad day when a Super Mario release is met with muted enthusiasm, but that's been the trend regarding our favorite overall'd plumber. Releasing with the seeming regularity of a Call of Duty game, each new addition to Nintendo's flagship franchise is technically and mechanically sound, but...

Every moment is a delight; Multiplayer is actually fun; not frustrating

Painfully brief; Too easy for Mario fanatics