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Using Mario Wii's Super Guide makes Miyamoto regretful photo

During a demo of the upcoming New Super Mario Bros. Wii with creator Shigeru Miyamoto, I finally had a chance to see the much-talked-about "demo play" in action. This mode, actually called "Super Guide," is the mode everyone whined would "let Nintendo play the game for them," essentially taking out all of the difficult and skill.

In practice, that's not entirely true. Miyamoto openly admits that New Super Mario Bros. Wii is a difficult title, more so the relatively easy to complete New Super Mario Bros. DS. Playing even the earliest stages of the Wii title, this is obvious; jumps are trickier and enemies are more plentiful, making quick thinking and timing all the more important. Not everyone, Miyamoto says, will have the skill set (or the patience) to complete every world. But he sure wants them to. 

That's where "Super Guide" comes into play.

When a players dies eight times on one of the game's 80 stages, they'll have a chance to hit a green "Super Guide" block. This will trigger a video in which you'll watch Luigi play through the stage. This isn't designed to give away all of the game's secrets -- it won't show you hidden paths or all of the hidden coins, for instance.

It will however give players the opportunity to see how the stage could be completed. At any time, the player can jump into the action and take over, which would give them the opportunity to let the game itself guide them through some of the nastier sections. If the player decides, letting the game complete the level will allow them to move to the next stage.

According to Miyamoto, there are a few disadvantages to using the "Super Guide." Players who persevere and decide not to use any "Super Guide" blocks will be awarded with something special (like some cool indicator on the game's title screen), where as those who rely on them will miss out. There's another downside to using the guides -- shame. 

"I find that when [the "Super Guide" block] does appear," he says. "I kind of feel regretful and guilty that I've let that happen. So I've often found that playing the game, when that happens, it kind of inspires me [to say] 'I've already done this bad, now I have to clear the level on my own.'"

So let's come clean right now folks -- will you or will you not be using New Super Mario Bros. Wii's "Super Guide" when the game ships on November 15? Or will you, like Miyamoto, take it as that extra bit of kick in the pants to get your gaming act together? 


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51 comments | showing # 1 to 50

Magnalon's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:36
Magnalon
In before the hate.

It will probably be easy, and the "hard" talk is probably just PR speak to combat the NSMB DS naysayers, but I will buy the game regardless.
Naim Master's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:37
Naim Master
He should seppuku for super-guiding.
eternalplayer2345's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:37
eternalplayer2345
Wow, this is being implied in the exact opposite way I expected, I like this so much better than what I had thought would happen. I also think that having this probably caused nintendo to make this game even harder. It's great to know that Miyamoto had the right idea when it came to this thing.
Thaliard's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:38
Thaliard
They might as well not include the option for me, because I will not be using it. However, I do think it's a good idea that will help less experienced players get into a game and not lose interest. Like my mom. PLAY MORE GAMES, MOM!
The Silent Protagonist's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:40
The Silent Protagonist
Wow, that feature wasn't going to be as bad as I thought. They ended up implementing this in a similar way to what Capcom did with the Devil May Cry games after the original. You died a few times and an easy mode option opened up.

The exception here is that Super Guide wouldn't make the game easier, just tutor you. That is sort of a kick in the pants, just like DMC 3 suggesting the Easy Mode. It kinda does make you want to do better on you own.

I think Nintendo struck a good balance here in adding the option. I'd never use the Super Guide, but now that they've shown what it is about, I can't really see a problem with it. Maybe this will give them more incentive to make the other games more challenging, too.
GEMPadre036's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:40
GEMPadre036
I won't be using this. I feel like Miyamoto, in that it would encourage me to try harder. Plus, I don't think my combination of Gamer Pride and "slight" OCD would let me use it.
anchorman84's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:42
anchorman84
Really difficult? Oh man, are we talking Lost levels difficulty here? Is Miyamoto having another bout of pachinko addiction induced depression?
Doomsday Forte's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:50
Doomsday Forte
Well, this addresses what I've been feeling towards the Mario 2D games lately, that you can literally not fail unless you really try. Come on, I wasn't the only person who racked up 99 lives in NSMBDS, right? Of course, I also abused the Mega Mushroom in 1-1, but that was pure fun. Never once did I get close to seeing the Game Over screen.

Can't wait to see how hard this will get.
Sockapal's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:54
Sockapal
BRING ON THE PAIN!
Magnalon's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:55
Magnalon
Just throwing this out there: there hasn't been a truly hard Mario game since Lost Levels.

YET - ALL of the main series iterations over the past few decades were GOOD. I expect this to be like every other Mario ever: not challenging, yet well made, well designed, and satisfying. Plus this has multiplayer (hint: New Super Mario Brothers DS' single cart Luigi vs. Mario was AMAZING! BUY IT!).
ration's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:59
ration
wow i literally saw no marketing for this game whatsoever
Fernando Rocker's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 22:59
Fernando Rocker
Here are some other details:

- Each 'Super Guide' playthrough was done by someone on the dev team (Aparently, some are by Miyamoto too).

- Super Guide playthroughs reveal secret actions as well.

- One secret revealed shows that hitting a coin block 10 times will send out 5 more coins on the 10th smash.

- Super Guide won't reveal secret paths or hidden items.

- Even when a player takes over for a 'Super Guide' play, the screen will still indicate that the level is being played in 'Super Guide' mode.

- If you beat the game without making a single 'Super Guide' block pop up (die 8 times on the same level), you will get a special title screen reward.


And here is a new trailer... as you can see, the difficulty of the levels does indeed look way harder than NSMB on the DS (the player playing in the trailer has a lot of skills).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxgn9cRBeGU
artha14's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:07
artha14
No matter how hard mario 2d games have been I've beaten most. Super Mario brothers 3 is my greatest accomplishment. EVAH.
Infinitys End's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:11
Infinitys End
After watching that trailer... this looks to be the SMB game that we've all wanted... since the releease of Yoshi's Island. So that was 95...makes it almost 15 years! WOOOOOO!!! Can't WAIT for this shit!
HadesGigas's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:12
HadesGigas
I hope Mario ends up wearing a tutu if you use the Super Guide, like 'Splosion Man did if you used Way of the Coward. (Which was the same concept, except you coul just skip the level if you died a lot).
anchorman84's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:13
anchorman84
@ Fernando Rocker

that was an awesome trailer. renewed my faith in the game. oh man, the 4 player madness will be awesome.
VGFreak1225's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:19
VGFreak1225
I still think there are better alternatives to this, but this is much better than I expected. On that note, screw the guide. If this game is kick-in-the-mushroom hard, I'm not going to allow myself to give in to it. It's been to long since the last truly challenging Mario platformer, and I'm willing to die ten times on one area to finish it.
GohanGVO's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:22
GohanGVO
Hmm. I was under the impression that Super Guide was AI-controlled to navigate the level automatically (similar to this) as opposed to a video (I remember Stephen Totilo remarking in an article that it is all in-engine as opposed to pre-taped).
mrplow8's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:24
mrplow8
Baby Mode is for pussies. I won't be using it.
Arianol's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:24
Arianol
There's no point in buying a game if you're going to let the AI play it for you, so no, I will not use the SG block. Ever.
Nick Chester's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:27
Nick Chester
Gohan, you are right, it's not a video per se. But that is exactly what miyamoto (or his translator) called it.
GohanGVO's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:30
GohanGVO
Fair enough. Perhaps he called it a "video" because you are watching the gameplay occur without interacting with the game.

Oh, and I will not be using Super Guide. And I will be encouraging my 7 year old nephew not to, either. If he DOES succumb to its tempestuous nature, then he shall be met with FORTY LASHINGS*.

* not
Fernando Rocker's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:33
Fernando Rocker
GohanGVO

It's not a video... it's basically a "ghost" like the ones used in racing games, like Mario Kart.

But instead of being a Mario "ghost", Mari is replaced by Luigi and a sign saying that you are using Super Guide appears. If you use Super Guide, a sign will appear even on the stage selection screen, and the sign will dissapear only when you finish the level by your own.
Monodi's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:50
Monodi
Now the game sounds pretty amazing. Cannot wait!
gamadaya's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/15/2009 23:53
gamadaya
They can say it will be hard all they want, but it will probably be easy to medium by NES standards. People have really turned into pussies. For me, a game has to crush my spirits and make me reevaluate my stance on hard games for it to really be considered hard. I don't know why I like games like that, but I do. Maybe because of the feeling you get when you finish. Come out the other end of Ninja Gaiden NES still alive and with your sanity intact and you'll get a nice self esteem boost.
Klempky's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 00:06
Klempky
All I know is that by God, I still wanna beat SMB3 in one life so I'll be damned if I fall back on Luigi to do my dirty work.
GohanGVO's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 00:08
GohanGVO
@Fernando Rocker

I know it is not a video. I was responding to what Mr. Nick Chester wrote about what Miyamoto's translator said.
Xzyliac's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 00:20
Xzyliac
That's...really awesome.

It would just suck if your AI glitches up on you in a particularly complex area.
Electrium's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 00:29
Electrium
Interesting. I definitely won't plan on using it, but this is a friendly feature. I'm glad they're not letting you use it and get away with it.
pedrovay2003's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 00:47
pedrovay2003
Wow, chengli42 is a bot with AI, isn't he?

Anyway, I won't be using this feature. I don't like people or things helping me out.
Zarathustra's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 01:08
Zarathustra
I definitely won't use it. I have no problem dying 80 billion times to beat something. Unless it's N+. That game makes me cry.
Bear Guts's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 01:36
Bear Guts
I won't use it myself but I think it's a smart idea. Finally we have a real compromise between hardcore difficulty and casual gaming. No-one has to use it, and it's a boon for those who do - I've never understood what the whiners were complaining about.
Im OK's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 01:39
Im OK
I probably won't use it, unless they're talking hard like this or something.
Magnalon's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 01:57
Magnalon
@Im OK
Where can I find that hack? Classic video!
Modern Robot's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 01:58
Modern Robot
Hey, if they put in poison mushrooms and crazy cross breezes from Lost Levels, this is going to be wiimote breaking goodness.
Magnalon's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 01:59
Magnalon
Nevermind, found out the name - Super Mario Frustration
super2j's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 02:04
super2j
never ever evaaaaa use that. it will make me cry at night to do so
GoldenGamerXero's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 02:14
GoldenGamerXero
As someone who completed "The Lost Levels" I really don't get what gamers obession with difficulty is. I prefer the well designed "Easy" levels in the newer games anyways. I like it when a game takes more consideration of how I'm going to play rather than constantly spamming enemies on screen then calling it hard to boost somebody's gamer ego.
GEMPadre036's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 02:24
GEMPadre036
@Zarathustra
I wouldn't even use this on N+. Then again, it's also my favorite game ever, so maybe I have a knack for it and its multi-death style.
Also, I laugh at those of you who post that you won't use it, then end up dying 8 times on a level, give up, and turn to it for help. I'm not saying everyone will, just that the odds that at least one person who commented on here will are pretty high.
SetoChaos's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 03:26
SetoChaos
No, I won't be using it. Thankfully since you will be awarded for not using it, I can prove it too :)
Artemus's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 03:38
Artemus
I'll check this "new" function out, but I will not be using it.
Never.
Ever.
Like all Super Mario games before it, this game will be nothing short of amazing. can not wait! November 15th, baby!
Gilgamesh1317's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 03:41
Gilgamesh1317
Personally I will not be using the Super Guide. I feel pretty confident that I can fight my way through all the levels, I doubt it's going to be hard.
kingtobo's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 05:43
kingtobo
I'm not all that great at platformers (I've never even completed a single 2D Mario game) but I definitely won't use it. Beating a level or game just isn't fun and satisfying if I'm letting the game do it for me. I'd much rather play a level 100 times than see the next level with the knowledge that I didn't make it there legitimately.
Rifter01's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 06:11
Rifter01
I'm excited for this, and quite happy knowing Miyamoto implemented it properly. And, no I won't use the super guide, but, it would be OK by the way it's implemented. Should someone need to use it, it doesn't seem to break the game experience at all.

I think Miyamoto has achieved something that should make everyone happy -quite the accomplishment, and it is reassuring to have a New ol'school Mario to play.
Ball Buster's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 07:02
Ball Buster
That sounds like it's implemented pretty well, actually. I'd have to castrate myself if I used it, but it sounds fair enough. I just don't like how you can jump in in the middle of the demo. It'd work better if it made you still do it all yourself.

How is the player ever going to get better at the game if he or she can just skip all the "hard parts?" It's just like when little kids ask their older siblings to beat a level for them. Sure, it'll get to the next level, but it'll only get harder from there, Thus, an endless cycle of begging for help.
atastysammich's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 07:08
atastysammich
And where was this feature when we were taking it up the ass from Lost Levels, hmm?
WhiteX's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 07:32
WhiteX
Bring it on, mario!
PEICanada7's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 10:09
PEICanada7
"wow i literally saw no marketing for this game whatsoever"

Well it doesn't come out for another month, so they wouldn't be advertising it on TV yet. Just wait till it gets closer to the release date!
Chack's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 12:01
Chack
I don't want to watch any more videos or screenshots of the game. I want it to be a mountain of surprises like Mario Galaxy was to me. I want to play it and of course, I won't make use of the "Super-Guide" feature, that's no gaming at all.
dwolfwood's Avatar - Comment posted on 10/16/2009 12:22
dwolfwood
Of course I'll use it at first, but mainly just to see it in action. However I prefer to beat my own games, not watch someone else play them for me.
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