Even after all these years, there's something special about a new Super Mario game. Gamers of all ages enjoy the pudgy plumber's excursions through the Mushroom Kingdom, and the moustachioed hero has become an icon amongst hardcore and casual gamers across the globe. With the Wii U arriving in the not-too-distant future, it won't be long now until consumers get their hands on the upcoming New Super Mario Bros. U.

What better way to build anticipation for the game's impending arrival then to check out some new screenshots of New Super Mario Bros. U in action, accompanied by some interesting new gameplay details.

As revealed in the latest issue of Game Informer magazine, the Wii U's iteration of the New Super Mario Bros. series will be jam-packed with content that's based on the franchise's illustrious past. Familiar enemies such as Torpedo Ted and Monty Mole, along with more traditional baddies like Koopa Troopas and Goombas, make their presence known within the latest batch of screenshots.

The story will also remain untouched, with Peach being kidnapped by Bowser and Mario teaming up with his friends to squash the sinister turtle's evil plans. The Koopa Kids are said to be making their triumphant return for New Super Mario Bros. U, and they'll be joined by their trusty henchman Boom Boom. Each world will pit Mario against one of Bowser's kin, and Boom Boom will once again fill the role of a mid-stage boss.

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A grand total of seven worlds have been confirmed by Game Informer, and other than one area called Layer Cake Dessert, this game shouldn't be a cake walk. Accompanying the previously mentioned Layer Cake Dessert are Sparkling Waters, Acorn Plains, and Frosted Glacier, and they'll also be joined by a few worlds that are reminiscent of the Forest of Illusion, Sky World, and one area that's surrounded by some sort of immense tornado. All of these levels are on a single map — just like Super Mario World — giving it a nice nostalgic feel for anyone who's experienced the earlier games.

'Boost Rush' mode was also detailed. The new feature cranks up the difficulty of New Super Mario Bros. U by making the levels automatically scroll, which in turn make it much harder to stay alive when attempting to maneuver around the bad guy-plagued environment.

Information regarding the Wii U's launch date and price is scheduled to hit in just a few hours' time, and we can hopefully expect a concrete release date for New Super Mario Bros. U there. In the meantime, stay tuned to Game Rant for more info on NSMB2U as it becomes available.

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Source: Game Informer (via Nintendo Everything & All Games Beta)