Nintendo's classic characters return in a platforming adventure for up to four players. Nintendo knows exactly what they're doing with the Mario games and have released another solid title; it doesn't break much new ground, but they're good at what they do, and this one is polished to a shine. The graphics are fun and colorful and the controls are excellent, but its the four-player social aspect that really makes this one a good pick for kids (and up!) Recent Mario games have hybridized the traditional platformer and the 'Mario Party' series, resulting in a multiplayer free-for-all that, as with most Mario games outside the RPG/Paper Mario universe, is feather-light on plot but Thwomp-sized in the fun department. Peach is playable, which is nice (we really don't need to see her get kidnapped for the millionth time, and she's proven to be plenty capable in the past), though I still would have like to see a few more female options; what about Rosalina or Daisy? 25% isn't equal representation. ( )