GREAT READS

Super Marios Bros. Wii

Wii

Did you know that we now carry Xbox and Wii games? Not only that, but we carry my personal favorite game, Super Mario Bros. Wii!

He's managed to do it again. Bowser, the "King of the Koopas," has managed to kidnap Princess Peach. At some point he'll have to learn that women don't like to be forced into marriage with malevolent reptiles, but I suppose his minions must be uncomfortable suggesting traditional wooing methods. (I'd avoid suggesting anything to an ill-tempered firebreather, too. Tends to be a bit of a wildcard.) Bowser also has failed to learn that two Italian plumbers and their two mushroom-shaped friends will never cease their search-and-rescue mission.

But Bowser better drop the arrogance. Mario and Luigi have proved themselves to be pretty adaptable. Obstacle course in the sky? Oh, let me just wear my trusty propeller hat. Villains on ice? Thank goodness for that penguin suit I just discovered in those floating bricks. You gotta hand it to them -- they're pretty resourceful.

There's a lot to love about this game. It combines the straightforward, point-A-to-point-B approach of the first generation Mario game with the wrist-shaking, wand-waving fun we've come to expect with the new console. The best feature is easily the multi-player capability. Instead of waiting your turn, you and your friend can conquer the level together. And if you tend to "die" frequently, you're in luck, because it won't stop your friend from progressing. In fact, you will even be able to jump right back in! Now that's a friendship saver if I ever heard one.

This game is rated "E for Everyone" and is a great one for the whole family. While kids will be able to pick it up easily, Super Mario Bros. Wii is no cake walk. There are some advanced techniques you'll need to master as you progress, and some levels are just plain hard. But this is a game you'll love playing over and over. Side missions will keep you entertained even when you've beaten the game. A+ game for sure!

Recommended by Leah Youse