Walkthrough Tech to be Introduced in New Mario

What?  These platforming games to tough for you?  Do you get intimidated by a side-stepping Goomba, while a Hammer Bro. is tossing tools at you from a set of bricks from above?  Fearful you just can't hold down the extra button to run fast and get the timing down to blast through a level?

Apparently you wouldn't be alone, then, as Nintendo looks to rectify the situation for newer and less technique-savvy gamers.  If you remember Nintendo's walkthrough patent technology (below), then you may have an understanding of Nintendo's in-game solution.

The news here is that the demo technology will start to be used in upcoming games, specifically New Super Mario Bros. Wii.  Is this the end of times for core gamers? Here's a few ideas on what we can expect, specifically with this new Mario game.

First, the demo tech "takes over" play when a character desires and essentially shows a developer's play-through of the game.  The patent showed off a few different modes for the demo software.  "Scene Menu" and "Digest" were introduced, which allows players to skip through different levels or scenes of play and watch the developer's play through the game, respectively.

While we're not certain the actual walkthrough mode within the games that use it will contain all these modes, we can call into question the space that it will use.  New Super Mario Bros. Wii will contain, as we know now, 80 levels (capable of multi-play or single-play), which seems to roughly be the size of most 2D Mario platformers (NES games included).  While it will be a retail copy, many are curious how Nintendo will make the $50 purchase worthwhile.  Will "Demo Play" be taking up disc space?

But let's flip this.  I know a number of gamers that find themselves frustrated at 2D platformers, uncertain how to land different jumps at high speeds and bounce from enemy to enemy.  The fact is, any bit of help that Nintendo can give to these gamers will hopefully make the multiplayer experience more rewarding.  Let's hope.

Miyamoto update: Wii processing power

As an aside, MTV Multiplayer reminds us of what won't be taking up disc space: online play.  It seems that mastermind Shigeru Miyamoto played up the Wii's processing power during his E3 roundtable, and noted that the only way this multiplayer mode is possible in the game is due to it.

However, the Wii's processing power may also be keeping online play out of the game. While we wait for more information, what additional modes, power-ups, or game elements would you like to see included?  My vote is for a level editor.

Source: Nintendo Everything