Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

Where to Play

Screenwise Verdict

This is what family gaming should look like: four people on a couch, controllers in hand, alternating between genuine cooperation and hilarious betrayal.

New Super Mario Bros. Wii holds up remarkably well 15+ years later. The gameplay is tight, the difficulty curve is fair, and the multiplayer creates organic moments of teamwork and chaos that you just can't get from online gaming. Yes, kids will get competitive. Yes, someone will 'accidentally' bounce off their sibling's head into a pit. That's not a bug, it's a feature.

The safety profile is pristine—no microtransactions, no online strangers, no concerning content. Just classic Mario platforming with enough challenge to keep kids engaged without being punishing. The skill-building is real (coordination, timing, spatial reasoning), even if the enrichment stops there.

It's not going to change anyone's life or teach deep lessons, but it's a rock-solid, genuinely fun game that brings people together in the same room. In 2025, that's worth something.

Age Fit

Best for ages 5-14, though the 4-player party aspect means parents and older teens might jump in too. Younger kids (5-7) can handle easier worlds with help; older kids (10+) will appreciate the challenge of later levels and the strategic chaos of multiplayer.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

92

Classic Mario charm with cooperative gameplay that genuinely encourages teamwork (or hilarious chaos). ESRB rated E with only Comic Mischief. Violence is cartoonish jumping on enemies and throwing shells—nothing remotely concerning. The multiplayer can get competitive (parents report 'rowdy' moments), but that's just kids being kids in a healthy gaming context.

Imaginative

75

Solid platforming creativity with new power-ups (Propeller Mushroom, Penguin Suit) and varied level design. It's imaginative within the Mario formula, but this is still a traditional side-scroller—you're not building worlds or creating content. The exploration is linear and guided, which is fine but not groundbreaking for fostering open-ended creativity.

Safe

98

About as safe as gaming gets. No in-game purchases, no loot boxes, no online chat. Users can interact locally (couch co-op), which is parent-supervised by default. Zero monetization manipulation. ESRB E rating confirmed. The only 'safety' concern mentioned is kids getting competitive during multiplayer, which is just normal sibling/friend dynamics.

Enriching

68

Develops hand-eye coordination, timing, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving through platforming challenges. The co-op mode teaches collaboration and communication (or conflict resolution when someone throws you into a pit). But it's primarily entertainment—there's no narrative depth, educational content, or meaningful themes beyond 'rescue the princess.' Fun and skill-building, but not particularly enriching beyond motor skills.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Genuine couch co-op for up to 4 players—rare in modern gaming and perfect for family game nights
Zero predatory monetization: no microtransactions, no loot boxes, no online strangers—just pure gameplay
Develops coordination, timing, and spatial reasoning through progressively challenging platforming
The 'helpful vs. chaotic' multiplayer dynamic naturally teaches kids about cooperation and consequences
Still plays great in 2025—the 2.5D graphics and tight controls have aged remarkably well

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What to Watch For

Multiplayer can get heated—kids will absolutely throw each other into pits, and that's part of the fun (but manage expectations)
Some levels get genuinely difficult; younger kids may need help or get frustrated in later worlds
The competitive aspect means not every kid will enjoy sharing the screen—some prefer solo gaming

Conversation Starters

"When you picked up your teammate in a bubble, were you actually helping them or just messing around?"
"Which power-up is better for teamwork—the Propeller Mushroom or the Penguin Suit? Why?"
"Have you figured out any strategies to get through that tricky level together, or are you just winging it?"
"What's the funniest way someone 'accidentally' made you lose a life?"

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