For almost two decades, Nintendo has maintained a dual-track approach to Mario games. 3D titles like Super Mario Odyssey pushed boundaries and offered innovative gameplay, while 2D entries like New Super Mario Bros. U stuck closely to the classic formula established in the 1980s. Although well-made, these 2D games often lacked the revolutionary spirit of their predecessors. Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the first truly original 2D Mario game in over a decade, changes all that. This Nintendo Switch title delivers a much-needed revitalization of the 2D Mario formula, resulting in what might be the best 2D Mario game ever.
Exploring the Flower Kingdom and its Wonders
Super Mario Bros. Wonder takes Mario and his companions to the vibrant Flower Kingdom. Bowser’s arrival, however, quickly throws the kingdom into chaos as he merges with the castle. Mario and his allies embark on a quest to defeat Bowser and restore peace. The game features a more dynamic world map compared to previous titles. Instead of a linear path, players can freely explore certain areas and choose their courses, reminiscent of Super Mario 3D World. Each course displays a star rating indicating its difficulty, allowing players to strategically select their challenges. Progressing to the next world requires collecting Wonder Seeds, obtainable by discovering Wonder Flowers within each level. This flexible structure adds a layer of exploration and replayability, as I was surprised to discover hidden courses even after completing the main campaign.
The Wonder Flowers are central to Super Mario Bros. Wonder‘s innovative gameplay. Found in nearly every course, these magical flowers dramatically alter the environment in unique and unexpected ways. Transforming into a Goomba or bringing Warp Pipes to life are just a few examples of the surprising effects. The constant introduction of new Wonder Flower transformations keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, encouraging exploration and discovery.
The meticulous design of each course shines throughout Super Mario Bros. Wonder. The game consistently introduces novel ideas and mechanics, preventing any sense of repetition. Unlike some platformers that prioritize difficulty over enjoyment, Super Mario Bros. Wonder strikes a perfect balance. While challenging courses exist for seasoned players, the game remains accessible and enjoyable for players of all skill levels. This thoughtful approach to difficulty ensures a rewarding experience for everyone.
Facing New Foes with New Abilities
While familiar enemies like Bowser Jr. and Piranha Plants make a return, Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces a host of new adversaries. Skedaddlers, Outmaways, and Bloomps join the Mario universe, adding a fresh layer of challenge and discovery as players learn their unique behaviors and attack patterns.
To combat these new threats, Mario and friends gain access to new power-ups. The Bubble Flower allows Mario to shoot bubbles that act as both projectiles and platforms, offering versatile offensive and defensive options. Elephant Mario, with his powerful trunk, provides a more direct approach to enemy encounters.
Badges, another significant addition, further enhance gameplay. These equippable items grant unique abilities, from the Grappling Vine Badge for swinging across gaps to the Safety Bounce Badge for recovering from falls. Badges add a layer of customization and strategic depth, allowing players to tailor their playstyle.
A Visually Stunning and Dynamic Adventure
Super Mario Bros. Wonder boasts a significant visual upgrade compared to its predecessors. Inspired by the animated fluidity of The Super Mario Bros. Movie, the game features expressive character animations and dynamic environments. Even classic enemies like Goombas and Koopa Troopas exhibit a renewed vibrancy. This enhanced presentation elevates the overall experience, making previous 2D Mario games feel static in comparison.
The audio design complements the vibrant visuals. While voice acting remains consistent with previous entries, the Talking Flowers add a welcome layer of humor and personality, reacting to events and cheering on the player.
The music in Super Mario Bros. Wonder is exceptional, featuring a blend of new compositions and returning favorites. Rhythm-based levels seamlessly integrate music into the gameplay, creating memorable and engaging experiences.
A Diverse Roster and Multiplayer Options
Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers a diverse roster of 12 playable characters. Mario, Luigi, Peach, and several Toad variations offer standard gameplay, while Yoshi and Nabbit cater to younger or less experienced players with their immunity to damage. While the Yoshis retain their signature moves, the inability to use power-ups and badges presents a slight trade-off.
Multiplayer options enhance the social aspect of the game. Local multiplayer supports up to four players, while online modes offer competitive races and cooperative ghost-saving features.
A True Mario Masterpiece
Super Mario Bros. Wonder sets a new standard for 2D Mario games. Unlike the New Super Mario Bros. series, which sometimes felt derivative, Wonder establishes its own distinct identity with its overflowing creativity and personality. From its innovative gameplay mechanics to its dynamic presentation, this title stands as one of the best games on the Nintendo Switch. Nearly 40 years after the original Super Mario Bros., Nintendo has once again demonstrated its mastery of the platforming genre.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Super Mario Bros. Wonder releases October 20th, exclusively for Nintendo Switch. This review was conducted using a code provided by the publisher on a Nintendo Switch OLED.
