New Super Mario Bros. U: Deluxe Tips And Tricks
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the awesome world of New Super Mario Bros. U: Deluxe! This game is a total blast from the past with a fresh coat of paint, bringing classic 2D Mario action to the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a seasoned Mario veteran or new to the Mushroom Kingdom, this game offers tons of fun, challenging levels, and plenty of secrets to uncover. We're going to break down some killer tips and tricks that will help you conquer every level, find all those hidden Nabbit coins, and maybe even snag a few extra lives along the way. Get ready to power-up your gameplay and become a true Mario master!
Mastering the Basics: More Than Just Jumping
Alright, let's start with the absolute fundamentals of New Super Mario Bros. U: Deluxe. You already know how to run and jump, but there's so much more to it! One of the most important mechanics to master is the spin jump. Holding down the jump button while in the air allows Mario (or Luigi, or Toad!) to spin, which can help you gain a little extra height, slow your descent, and most importantly, break through certain blocks and defeat enemies that would otherwise hurt you. Practice using the spin jump regularly; it's not just for specific obstacles, but a crucial tool for general navigation and combat. Another often-overlooked technique is the wall kick. If you jump towards a wall, you can press the jump button again to kick off it, giving you an extra boost upwards or sideways. This is essential for reaching high platforms and navigating tricky vertical sections. Don't forget about the run boost! Holding the B button (or equivalent) while running gives you a significant speed increase, allowing you to clear wider gaps and break through certain tougher blocks. Mastering these basic movement techniques will radically improve your ability to traverse the levels and avoid those pesky Goombas and Koopa Troopas.
Think about how you approach each enemy. Instead of just jumping on everything, consider the situation. Can you get a running start for a more powerful stomp? Can you use a spin jump to defeat a tougher foe? Sometimes, it's better to avoid an enemy altogether, especially if you're low on health or trying to collect a specific item. The game also features a variety of power-ups, and knowing when and how to use them is key. The Super Mushroom makes you bigger and lets you break bricks, the Fire Flower lets you hurl fireballs, and the Super Acorn (from the New Super Luigi U pack, often included in Deluxe) allows for a controlled glide. Don't hoard your power-ups; use them strategically to overcome challenging sections or defeat difficult bosses. Sometimes, a well-timed Fire Flower can make a boss fight significantly easier. Conversely, if you're not actively using a power-up, try to conserve it for a tough spot ahead. This thoughtful approach to movement and power-up management is the first step towards truly dominating New Super Mario Bros. U: Deluxe.
Secrets Galore: Finding All the Nabbit Coins and Star Coins
Now, let's talk about the real treasure hunt: finding all the secrets in New Super Mario Bros. U: Deluxe! Every level is packed with hidden goodies, most notably the Nabbit coins and the Star Coins. Nabbit coins are small, purple coins that are scattered throughout levels, often in tricky-to-reach spots or hidden behind breakable walls. Collecting all of them in a level usually unlocks a special bonus. Star Coins, on the other hand, are larger, gold coins, and there are typically three hidden in each level. Collecting all the Star Coins in a world is often required to unlock secret paths and bonus levels, so they are absolutely crucial for 100% completion. The game is designed to encourage exploration, so don't just rush through each stage. Take your time, look around, and experiment with your moves. Sometimes, a hidden block might be invisible until you jump near it, or a secret passage could be revealed by hitting a specific switch or using a certain power-up.
Pay attention to the environment! Are there any suspicious-looking blocks? Any areas that seem inaccessible at first glance? Often, the game will give you subtle hints. For example, a line of coins leading off-screen might indicate a hidden area. Sometimes, you might need to backtrack slightly or use a specific character's ability (like Nabbit's ability to avoid enemy contact, which is super useful for getting certain items without taking damage). The Super Acorn's glide ability is particularly fantastic for reaching hidden platforms that appear to be too far away. Don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches. If you can't reach something, try a different power-up, a wall kick, or a running jump from a different angle. Remember, many of these secrets are designed to be challenging to find, so persistence is key. If you're stuck, don't get discouraged! There are plenty of online guides and videos that can help you pinpoint the exact locations of these elusive collectibles. But the satisfaction of discovering them on your own is immense, so try your best to explore thoroughly.
Character Spotlight: Who to Play As and Why
New Super Mario Bros. U: Deluxe isn't just about Mario anymore, guys! You've got a whole cast of characters to choose from, and each one offers a unique twist on the gameplay. Choosing the right character can make a significant difference, especially when tackling challenging levels or going for those hard-to-get collectibles. Let's break down who's who and what makes them special.
First up, we have Mario himself. He's your classic all-rounder, perfectly balanced with standard running, jumping, and spin jump abilities. He's a reliable choice for any situation and a great character for beginners learning the ropes. Then there's Luigi, Mario's taller, bouncier brother. Luigi has a higher jump than Mario but less control in the air, making him floatier. This can be both a blessing and a curse; it allows him to reach greater heights but can also make precise landings more difficult. Luigi's floaty jump is fantastic for crossing wide gaps or reaching high ledges if you can master his aerial movement. He also has a unique 'slip' mechanic when running, which can be fun but also lead to accidental falls if you're not careful.
Toad is another fantastic option, especially if you're looking for speed. Toads are generally faster than Mario and Luigi and have slightly different physics, making them feel a bit more agile. They're excellent for players who like to zip through levels and test their reflexes. If you're a completionist aiming for all the Star Coins and Nabbit coins, Toad's speed can be a real asset. Now, for the real game-changer, we have Nabbit. Nabbit is a unique character who cannot be harmed by most enemies! This is a monumental advantage, especially in later levels or when dealing with tricky enemy patterns. Nabbit can simply run through most enemies without taking damage, allowing him to focus on platforming and collecting items. While Nabbit can't use power-ups like the Fire Flower (he just grabs them and runs), his immunity to enemies makes him invaluable for exploration and for players who find the constant threat of enemy contact overwhelming. Lastly, we have Princess Peach (or Toadette). Peach has a special float ability by holding the jump button, similar to Luigi's floaty jump but often with more control. This makes her excellent for aerial maneuvering and reaching difficult areas. Toadette, when paired with the Super Crown, transforms into Peachette, who also has a float ability, making her very similar to Peach in terms of movement.
Consider the level design and your personal playstyle when choosing your character. If a level is heavily focused on verticality and precise jumps, Luigi or Peach might be your go-to. If you're struggling with enemy placement and want a smoother ride, Nabbit is your best bet. For pure speed runs, Toad is king. Experiment with all of them to see who clicks best for you. Don't be afraid to switch characters if you're finding a particular section too difficult with your current choice. The beauty of Deluxe is having these options readily available.