Back in June, during an interview with Game Hunters’ Marc Saltzman, Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, discussed a new Help feature in New Super Mario Bros. Wii that comes to the rescue of frustrated players. The feature takes over gameplay from the user in order to help gamers “clear troubled areas" allowing players to resume control " when they're ready.” In no time, hardcore gamers joined in a chorus of descent at the possibility of a game that simply takes the reigns when the action gets too tough.

Further information about the Help feature, actually referred to as Demo Mode, was released via a Nintendo Europe press release:

“New Super Mario Bros. Wii is also the first Nintendo game to feature a dynamic help system, which allows you to access a mode showing how a level can be completed if you are stuck. The best thing about this mode is that you are free to jump into the action you’re watching on screen at any time!”

The feature is optional, of course, intended to make the game more accessible to players of any age or skill level. New Super Mario Bros. Wii is not going after the hardcore market (we aren’t talking about Ninja Gaiden 2). Players who will be taking advantage of Demo Mode are children and grandparents. Maybe the animosity isn't actually about Demo Mode, maybe the current hardcore audience is just bitter that this young generation of gamers hasn't endured the controller chucking difficulty of Battletoads and Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!, or maybe they're just worried these Wii gamers will, after more practice, turn out like those brats in Back to the Future II, super-gamers that can play Duck Hunt without using their hands.

Super Mario Bros. Wii launches November 15, 2009 in North America.

Sources: Game Hunters, Nintendo News, Europe