Wow, few points to make here, let's make them snappy, I suppose. The co-op in SMG2 is fun even for the practiced of thumb and finger, if you swap out. An advanced group of players can co-operate like very few other games will allow, especially in the later stages, purple coin runs, and green star nabs. The Mario player can focus on the primary objective, while the Luma player can collect power-ups (and hold them over Mario's behatted head, if they're feeling pesky), coins, and stars. Coordinating between players of "going for the coins on the left" or "holding the platform, go ahead and jump" allows for some carefully managed successful platforming, and there are plenty of occasions where it's needed. Alone and with a bud, Co-star mode has a lot of depth to it, especially when in the hands of the experienced players, and is still highly experiential to the newcomers who want to get a taste of the action, but aren't as used to the complex jump mechanics. And, if the first player ever gets too cocky, the second can always hold an enemy, then release at an inopportune moment, knocking Mario's plumber ass out into space, while throwing a smug look at player one.
Phew, okay, second point.
MasterV said:
Hey Ryan Smith, here's an idea. Instead of making your girlfriend sufer through complicated 3D games (because they are) and making her watch you play in SMG2, why not play TOGETHER in NSMBWii? Or do you fear that her ineptitude will hinder you ZOMGAwsome gaming skills and your progress? Teach her, put her in the GAME not inthe SIDELINES. That, my friend is where SMG2 fails in co-op.
I've encountered this point before, and I'll present the same argument here. The difference is that NSMBWii requires a lot of skill beyond a certain point, whether it be the timing, the foreknowledge of platforming tropes, or the intense coordination among players to achieve the goal, especially if you venture beyond more than two players. Since the lady in question seems to not be as familiar with the tricks and traps of the games, it's gonna be harder for her. In SMG2, she can get the full experience, take stabs at the puzzles, and confront the enemies without having to go through the grind of learning the tricks and feats that the more experienced gamers have learned. Remember, what we know is part memory and part experience, and the new gamers have little to none of either. Giving them that opportunity to play the game, getting a little better, is a good step towards getting them to understand more about how to play. Learning the methods and means are a little more complicated, and require a gradual curve. Daredevil running the Grandmaster galaxy, for instance, will not happen the first time you pick up the controller. That takes help, concentration, and focus, and those things all require knowing how to game. Conversely, getting there, learning how to long-jump-wall-kick-wall-kick-spin to reach a star, that's where the game shines in teaching the players (a move which, or a slight variant thereof, is asked of you in the later levels and stages of NSMBWii, without ever telling you that that's what you'll need to do).
Okay, last point, for sake of a tip of a hat.
Hulyen said:
I think the lego games do this fairly well also, taking into mind the 'drop in drop out' mechanic. The games are pretty all-ages friendly to begin with, but co-op is a blast with almost anyone; if a player gets frustrated or overwhelmed, they can drop out for a minute, then jump back in once the obstacle is cleared.
This is a fantastic point. They might seem childlike and kiddy, but the Lego games of recent fame are a great way to introduce her to some well-rounded, steadily and fairly progressive platforming. It'll start easy, and work it's way up to being more complicated the more you play. Never the most challenging, and great fun to play with someone who doesn't have the experience at gaming. Lego Indiana Jones or Star Wars are great, because if she's familiar with the movies even slightly, she'll laugh and have fun at the cute graphics and animations, while having fun with the challenges that they present.
