Super Mario 3D World distils everything great from the long history of the series into a delightfully enjoyable and surprising world. Pure enjoyment in video game form and the perfect reason to finally buy a Wii U.

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.

T here is something quite remarkable in how Mario, who is over 30 years old , has maintained his position as gaming's No 1 superstar. Yet titles as wonderful as 3D World should be an object lesson to his rivals.

I'll be completely honest from the get go; I'm a die hard Mario fan. Did you know Nintendo sent you an email to congratulate and thank you for getting all 242 stars on Super Mario Galaxy ? I do, because I got one.

The famous plumber's latest outing on Wii U is the most fun you'll have with a platform game this year, says Ashton Raze

Explore a whole new 3D world by yourself or with your friends in the first 3D Mario multiplayer plaformer for the Wii U console. Bowser has captured all of the Sprixies and it's up to Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad to rescue them and save the land from his clutches.

3D brings an exciting new way to play the; The cat costume is cute and OP; Collect stars and stamps

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

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 .