Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars doesn't rely on much of a narrative to hook players. Mario has been cursed and transformed into a wind-up toy version of his former self, and players must use a stylus to guide the character and his friends through levels without allowing them to fall in a pit of spikes or find other ways to die. The new release includes 6 worlds and over 80 levels that ensures players are getting a lot of content for their money when the title is first downloaded. Nintendo has also announced 2 new levels designed and uploaded by the company will be made available for the next 50 weeks following the game's launch, which is a really nice bonus for players wanting to pick up the new Nintendo eShop title.
Gameplay in Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is virtually the same as the most recent releases in the series; players must guide Mario and friends through levels by activating springs, stretching conveyors and more with the use of the game's touchscreen and a stylus. Both platforms use touch controls, but neither have any really innovative uses for their platform's unique technologies. The opening levels of the game's campaign are a bit too far on the easy side, but the game quickly opens up with more complex puzzles that make players feel great when they finally guide the toys to safety.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is made available for Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. The game seems to play a bit better on the portable system that allows players to take the game and save files with them, and the stylus is simply easier to use on a smaller screen, but playing the game on a larger screen for Nintendo Wii U definitely has its own advantages. Nintendo fans will be able to choose which version of the game they want to play with purchase, because Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars unlocks for both Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS when the game is purchased on either platform.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars introduces the all new Workshop where players can use unlocked items and stage pieces to create their own custom levels and upload them for other players to try in their own game. Additional items can be unlocked by using stars found in levels, but players can also be tipped stars when players download custom levels from Miiverse and enjoy the stages enough to leave some bonus currency for the level's creator. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars automatically shows the Top 50 levels to try out, and more can be sorted through to find the best custom levels the community has available online.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars packs a lot of content for players to enjoy from the game's 80+ default levels and custom Workshop levels. Players will have fun replaying levels to earn stars and unlock custom level pieces to create their own stages for hours of entertainment too. The game also packs special stamps for players to collect and add to messages on Miiverse to give players even more reasons to keep playing the game.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars has the same great presentation that players have come to expect from Nintendo made games. The cute toy versions of Mushroom Kingdom favorites look great across both platforms, and there are some really catchy themes included in the game to help keep players interested in the title. The game's controls are fine as well. Sorting through so many custom levels in Miiverse can be a bit bothersome once a player has tried out most of the Top 50, but a few rough around the edges menus are not a big knock against a mostly strong presentation.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is a game worth picking up for puzzle fans playing on Nintendo Wii U or Nintendo 3DS. The game's default levels are mostly satisfying, and the additional content available for players that head online and look for it makes the game well worth its price tag. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars doesn't make a ton of innovations for the series, but there is enough content included in the game to keep longtime fans happy while giving newcomers a great introduction to the Mario vs. Donkey Kong series. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars supports cross-purchase, so pick up copies for Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS with one purchase today.
Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars is now available for Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS and can be purchased for the MSRP of $19.99. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tippibng Stars is rated E by the ESRB for Mild Fantasy Violence. For more information on the game, check out the official Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Tipping Stars website.
Game Features:
- Single Player
- Over 80 Levels
- One Purchase for Copies on Nintendo Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
- Build Custom Levels in the Workshop
- Share Stars and Unlock New Items
Game Information:
Developer & Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms: Nintendo Wii U & Nintendo 3DS (reviewed)
Release Date: March 5, 2015