New Super Luigi U is a superb 2D plat former, but lacks an online multiplayer and challenge modes.
Presentation - New Super Luigi U is a follow up sequel to New Super Mario Bros. U that was released during the holidays in 2012. This time around, Luigi gets to save Princess Peach by himself if you're playing alone. He retains his floaty jump and low traction from older games such as Super Mario Bros. 2 (American Doki Doki Panic version).
Unlike the last game, Mario is not even a playable character and this is the very first time that he doesn't even make a cameo appearance. Personally, I think that it's messed up because Mario let Luigi hang with him as a playable character in New Super Mario Bros. U even though Mario was player one for the whole time. Instead, Mario should at least be a playable character, but just don't let him be player one. Keep Luigi as player one, but remove one of the Toads and add Mario at least.
The rest of the playable characters in multiplayer mode are Blue Toad, Yellow Toad, and Nabbit, who can't use power-ups, but is immune to enemies (meaning that he can't get hurt by them). However, he can still die by falling off ledges and getting crushed into walls. Playing as Nabbit is a better option than playing as Yellow and Blue Toad especially levels where there a ton of enemies to avoid. Since he can't get hurt by enemies, he doesn't really even need to use power-ups. He can still collect power-ups for himself and earn 1-ups (extra lives from green mushrooms). The other players can switch between Nabbit and the two Toads anytime before they begin a new course.
Once you beat the final boss in New Super Luigi U, you can save anytime without quick saving and obtain a Mario block which has Luigi jumping normal like his brother again. You can switch between the Mario and Luigi block anytime as well. Also, the time limit will increase (I think).
There are 82 newly designed courses that are more challenging than the levels in New Super Mario Bros. U. Also, there are hidden pictures of Luigi in each level. The catch this time is that the time limit is reduced to around 100 seconds during each level. Also, the length of the courses are much shorter, so the reduced time limit really isn't that big of a deal. You might still want to hurry up and not spend too much time collecting the three big coins on each level. Like the previous game, there are three file saves for you and your friends. Unfortunately, there are no challenge modes such as Boost Rush mode, which means that New Super Luigi U lacks in the content department. There are still no online modes either.
Graphics - The visuals haven't been improved much from New Super Mario Bros. U. Other than the different level designs, New Super Luigi U visually looks the same as its predecessor. This game still visually looks fantastic if not realistic at the same time.
Sound - Again the music is exactly the same from New Super Mario Bros. U. The tracks and sound effects still sound fantastic.
Game play - The controls are not much different from New Super Mario Bros. U, but Luigi can jump higher in this game. The other characters control exactly the same from the previous game. At least the controls are still tight and responsive as it was before.
Lasting Appeal - With the lack of challenge modes such as Boost Rush Mode from New Super Mario Bros. U and online multiplayer, New Super Luigi U doesn't have much content to offer. The frantic local multiplayer is still there where you can play with up to 5 players while one person uses the Wii U game pad. Despite its short comings, all Luigi fans who own a Wii U should definitely pick up a copy of New Super Luigi U and continue to celebrate "The Year of Luigi" before 2013 ends. Don't worry because Nintendo will most likely celebrate "The Year of Luigi" again in 2023 and maybe even release a Paper Luigi title by then.
The Good - Luigi's first very own 2D plat former, impressive level designs that are challenging with a reduced time limit, Nabbit is a unique character to play as because he can not get hurt by enemies, frantic 5 player mode mutliplayer with tight and responsive controls
The Bad - Mario isn't a playable character, no challenge modes such as Boost Rush Mode from New Super Mario Bros. U, and no online modes either
Presentation - 7
Graphics - 10
Sound - 10
Game play - 10
Lasting Appeal - 8
Overall GameSpot score 9.0 out of 10