“The more things change, the more they stay the same.” It’s a phrase becoming truer with Nintendo’s handling of the Super Mario franchise. Evidence of this was seen back in 2006 with the release of New Super Mario Bros. for the DS (their first 2D outing since Yoshi’s Island in 1995). Each subsequent title in the New series hardened this point.

In the upcoming, New Super Mario Bros. U (due November 18th at launch), Nintendo announced that players will navigate through a seamless map with named worlds and courses (a la Super Mario World). Since all the worlds are connected,  the game can be played in a non-linear fashion.

What else is “new”? Hit the break for the skinny.

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The world map will also feature a new character named Nabbit that players will need to chase down to recover stolen items. Additional gameplay can be harvested from two new announced modes.

Challenge Mode will task players with completing specific objectives. The four single-player Challenge categories are Time Attack, Coin Collection, 1-Up Rally, and Special miscellaneous challenges.

Boost Mode Challenges are multiplayer and require the Wii U owner to have a buddy to compete against. One player will use the GamePad and the other will use the Wii Remote controller for the Boost challenges.

No details are available if the clandestine Star Road and Special stages will make a return for this newest title (a fan favorite from Super Mario World).

[Gametrailers]