Nintendo's short, stocky, Italian plumber is digital proof that 2D games are far from dead.
In just a month and a half, sales of New Super Mario Bros. Wii have exceeded those of Super Mario Galaxy in North America, according to life-to-date numbers through December released by the NPD Group, which tracks videogame software sales. For the record, Galaxy debuted in November of 2007, approximately two full years before Nintendo's multiplayer-enhanced 2D powerhouse.
Galaxy, widely considered to be Wii's best game by critics and players alike, has sold through 4.1 million copies since it released two years ago in the Americas. New Super Mario Bros. amassed 4.2 million in unit sales in about 45 days -- and it's showing no signs of slowing down, having bested retail juggernauts like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 in December totals to become the number-one seller for the month.
To be fair, Wii's installed base is significantly greater now than it was two years ago when Super Mario Galaxy debuted. It will therefore be interesting to monitor sales of Super Mario Galaxy 2, tentatively set for release later this year, to see how the sequel performs against New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii plays similarly to its DS counterpart of the same series, incidentally also one of the best-selling games this generation. Players take control of Nintendo's iconic mascot and then run and jump him through a series of colorful, obstacle-filled 2D stages inspired by such classics as Super Mario Bros.
The game was lambasted by critics for failing to innovate the genre beyond a new four-player compatible multiplayer mode, but was nevertheless praised for its tight controls and fun stages, especially when played with or against friends.
NSMB Wii holds an 8.9 (out of 10) press rating on IGN sister-site GameStats.com. By comparison, Galaxy remains one of the most critically acclaimed titles across any platform this generation with an 9.8 press rating -- overall, the highest accumulative press score of any Wii effort and number seven on the all-time list behind such games as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Resident Evil 4.
Massive November / December sales of NSMB Wii are likely the result of several factors combined. First, it represents the latest Mario game, which is always an event for Nintendo fans. The fact that NSMB Wii also shares so much in common with the beloved DS title likely worked to its benefit. Second, of course, it features a robust multiplayer mode, a major selling point. Third, Nintendo spared no expense in marketing the platformer, even going so far as to package it in an eye-popping red box that undoubtedly drew eyeballs and interest to retail shelves. And fourth, NSMB Wii arrived to storefronts on the heels of a Wii price reduction and renewed interest in the system.
