For decades, the Super Mario saga has been the heartbeat of gaming enthusiasts, driving us to leap, sprint, and occasionally let out a yelp of sheer frustration. Amidst crumbling AAA titles in the gaming world, Nintendo and the Mario franchise stand tall, consistently delivering fresh content while staying true to the cherished roots. Every now and then, a title emerges that doesn’t merely extend the story but reshapes it.
Super Mario Wonder is precisely that game. This Super Mario Wonder review seeks to uncover the brilliance of Mario’s reinvigorated journey in 2D side-scrolling, but with a flair that is set to alter what we anticipate from the series.
Now here is the craziest part. Mario is transitioning from the iconic Mushroom Kingdom to the enigmatic Flower Kingdom, coupled with inventive gameplay mechanics and power-ups, this isn’t just Mario as usual – it’s a revolution. Join us as dig into the enchantment, challenges, and breakthroughs that position Super Mario Wonder as the shining jewel in Nintendo’s illustrious lineage.
Table of Contents
From Mushrooms to Petals: The Transition to the Flower Kingdom
For long-standing fans of the Super Mario series, the Mushroom Kingdom has become a familiar stomping ground, a place where our beloved plumber has embarked on countless adventures, rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser’s clutches time and time again. Its iconic green hills, hazardous lava pits, and shifting sand dunes have provided the backdrop to many childhood memories. But as the curtain rises on Super Mario Wonder, we are greeted with an unexpected yet enchanting sight: the Flower Kingdom.
The Lore Behind the Shift
In the world of gaming, where sequels are aplenty, it’s a daring move to change the setting of a classic series. However, as the narrative unfolds in Super Mario Wonder, the shift is more than just a visual or topographical change—it’s a deeply ingrained aspect of the storyline. Without giving away too many spoilers, the Flower Kingdom isn’t a mere replacement; it’s a parallel realm with its own set of mysteries, legends, and rulers. This is a land where petals hold power, where the flora is as much a friend as it is a foe, and where the age-old battle between Mario and his adversaries takes on fresh nuances.
Hints are scattered throughout the game that allude to a deeper connection between the Mushroom and Flower Kingdoms. Ancient paintings, hidden scriptures, and whispered tales among NPCs suggest a history intertwined by fate and perhaps even family. Could there be a reason, a shared past, or a prophecy that ties Mario’s destiny with this newfound kingdom? As players delve deeper, they’ll unearth truths that might reshape their understanding of the entire Mario universe.
How the New Kingdom Alters Gameplay Dynamics
But it’s not just the narrative that’s impacted by the transition. The very mechanics of the game adapt and evolve in this new realm, offering a fresh challenge for seasoned players and an exciting starting point for newcomers.
The Flower Kingdom is alive, more so than any environment Mario has ever navigated. Vines act of their own accord, petals float in the breeze offering temporary platforms, and even the ground beneath Mario’s feet may bloom or wither based on player actions. It’s a dynamic ecosystem where every action has a reaction, making players think twice about every jump, stomp, or fireball.
Power-ups, a staple of the series, also find new expressions in the Flower Kingdom. While some old favorites return with botanical twists, a slew of new abilities rooted in the kingdom’s nature challenge players to rethink strategies and approaches. And it’s not just Mario who’s affected. Enemies, too, have evolved, adapting to their flower-filled surroundings, making for innovative showdowns and encounters.
This new kingdom also introduces terrains and climates that add layers of complexity to level design. Rain-soaked meadows, wind-swept plateaus, and bioluminescent nocturnal forests provide not just visual delights but gameplay challenges. Weather patterns are unpredictable, and players must be ready to face sunny skies and sudden downpours, each affecting gameplay in distinct ways.
More Than Just Mario: A Diverse Cast of Playable Characters
The Super Mario series, while primarily focused on the titular plumber in red, has over the years introduced a myriad of characters who’ve brought their own flair to the gameplay. Super Mario Wonder continues this tradition but takes it a step further by offering a more extensive roster of playable characters than ever before, each with unique abilities, lending a distinct gameplay experience.
Mario: The Timeless Hero
Starting with the series’ stalwart, Mario remains at the core of the adventure. His balanced skills—whether it’s his jumping prowess, his nimbleness, or his iconic fireball attack—make him the jack-of-all-trades in the game, suitable for newcomers and Mario purists alike.
Luigi: The Acrobatic Brother
Luigi isn’t just a green-clothed replica of Mario. In Super Mario Wonder, he shines with his higher jumps and slightly floatier descent. However, he’s also a tad more slippery on terrains, making his controls a delightful challenge for players seeking to master his acrobatics.
Peach & Daisy: The Royal Powerhouses
Both Princess Peach and her counterpart, Princess Daisy, make their return as playable characters. Peach, with her signature ability to float briefly, brings a more measured pace to the gameplay. Daisy, on the other hand, introduces a brand-new ability tied to the Flower Kingdom’s essence, giving players a taste of the new world’s magic.
Toads: The Energetic Explorers
The Toad brigade are not mere side characters in this installment. Their smaller stature allows them to access hidden paths and crevices. While they may not jump the highest, their rapid pace and nimbleness make them ideal for speed-runners and those who love zipping through levels.
Yoshi: The Trusty Steed
Yoshi, Mario’s loyal dinosaur companion, isn’t just a mode of transport this time around. With his flutter jump, ground pound, and ability to gobble up enemies, he’s a fully-fledged character. Super Mario Wonder introduces new fruit mechanics exclusive to Yoshi, adding layers to his gameplay and strategy.
Nabbit: The Mischievous Rogue
Nabbit, previously a side character and occasional antagonist, makes his debut as a fully playable character. Known for his penchant for swiping items, Nabbit has a unique gameplay mechanic: he’s immune to enemy attacks, making him perfect for younger players or those who wish to focus on exploration without the threat of foes.
A Symphony of Skills
What sets Super Mario Wonder apart is the way each character’s skills intertwine with the game’s levels. The Flower Kingdom’s diverse terrains and challenges mean that no one character is the ‘best’ for all levels. Players are encouraged to experiment, discovering which character suits their playstyle or offers the most advantage in a particular level.
Moreover, with multiplayer mode allowing friends to hop in, the combination of characters adds another strategic layer. Balancing a team with diverse skills—be it the jumping finesse of Luigi, the floating grace of Peach, or the enemy-gobbling antics of Yoshi—can make the difference between success and a ‘game over’.
Power Up and Play: Innovative Power-ups in Super Mario Wonder
Power-ups have always been at the very heart of the Super Mario experience. They introduce an element of surprise, transform gameplay dynamics, and offer players novel strategies to tackle challenges. Super Mario Wonder introduces us to a fresh batch of power-ups that not only amplify the fun but also deepen the strategic layer of the gameplay. Let’s dive into the trio of newly revealed power-ups that are set to redefine our Mario escapades.
Elephant Fruit: Swing, Slam, and Surprise
In the whimsical world of the Flower Kingdom, players will encounter the Elephant Fruit. This curious item, bearing the likeness of the majestic elephant, grants our heroes the ability to temporarily morph into elephantine forms.
Once transformed, players can utilize a powerful trunk swing to knock enemies off their path. But it isn’t just about offence. The trunk also acts as a versatile tool. Need to reach an item on a higher platform? Swing the trunk upwards. Detect a hidden path beneath? Use the trunk to uncover secrets. The Elephant Fruit, with its blend of combat and exploration utility, promises to be a game-changer in certain intricate levels.
Bubble Flower: Float, Bounce, and Bewilder
Remember the sensation of blowing bubbles as a child? The Bubble Flower power-up encapsulates that whimsical delight. Upon obtaining this power-up, players can emit a stream of buoyant bubbles. These aren’t your ordinary soap bubbles though.
Enemies that come into contact with these bubbles find themselves momentarily trapped, rendering them harmless and allowing players to either pop them or use them strategically. The bubbles also have a dual purpose. Players can jump onto them, using them as transient platforms to navigate gaps or reach elevated terrains. The Bubble Flower, thus, introduces both defensive and navigational dynamics to the game.
Drill Mushroom: Dive Deep and Discover
The Drill Mushroom is arguably the most intriguing of the new power-ups. Resembling a regular mushroom but with a twist—literally—it grants players the ability to drill through specific grounds and ceilings.
This isn’t just about creating shortcuts. The Flower Kingdom hides its secrets well, and the Drill Mushroom is the key to uncovering them. Players will find themselves drilling into hidden chambers filled with coins, discovering alternate routes that bypass challenges, or even stumbling upon entire secret levels. It’s a power-up that encourages exploration, beckoning players to think beyond the visible path and delve deeper into the game’s intricacies.
Innovative Gameplay with the Badge System
In Super Mario Wonder, Nintendo introduces yet another layer of depth and strategy to Mario’s adventures: the Badge System. It’s a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to reinvention, showcasing their desire to keep gameplay fresh, engaging, and customizable.
Choose Your Power: The Badge Collection
The Badge System is not just a minor addition; it is a game-changer. From a collection that seemingly boasts at least 30 distinct badges, players have the liberty to equip any three before a level, allowing for myriad gameplay combinations.
For the completionists out there, collecting every badge becomes a game within the game, with each badge unlocking a unique ability or advantage. Some badges might offer passive boosts, such as increased coin collection or enhanced jump height, while others can introduce transformative gameplay mechanics.
Customize and Strategize
The beauty of this system lies in the freedom it provides. Depending on the level or the challenges anticipated, players can modify their badge setup to best suit the situation. For example, in levels with hard-to-reach platforms, a badge that grants a floaty jump might be the perfect choice. Or, in coin-heavy levels, opt for a badge that doubles coin collections. The possibilities are endless, and the right combination can make difficult levels more manageable or offer new ways to achieve that coveted perfect score.
A Nod to Rogue-like Elements
Interestingly, the Badge System introduces an aspect of the game reminiscent of the rogue-like genre, where adaptability and experimentation are key. By offering varied abilities that can greatly alter gameplay mechanics, players are encouraged to experiment with different badge combinations, ensuring that no two playthroughs are entirely the same.
Endless Replayability
One of the most significant benefits of this Badge System is the replay value it adds to the game. Beyond just completing levels, players now have the incentive to replay them with different badge setups, unlocking new paths, secrets, or simply experiencing the level in a whole new light.
Multiplayer Mayhem: Join Friends in Super Mario Wonder
Multiplayer gaming has always been a big draw for many Mario titles, and Super Mario Wonder doesn’t skimp on this treasured feature. As the latest addition to the illustrious Super Mario series, it pushes the envelope in terms of collaborative gameplay, making it a truly shared experience that can be enjoyed by players of all ages.
Seamless Synchronization
Diving into the Flower Kingdom doesn’t have to be a solo affair. Right off the bat, Super Mario Wonder offers a seamless multiplayer experience, allowing you and your pals to jump into the game together. And it’s not just about having an extra set of hands or feet on deck. The game mechanics have been intricately designed to capitalize on team strategy. Some levels, for instance, might require coordinated efforts where one player uses a power-up to clear a path while the other collects coins or tackles enemies.
Character Choices and Dynamics
While the choice of character has always influenced gameplay in previous titles, Super Mario Wonder takes it to a whole new level. Each character comes with their unique abilities and quirks, adding layers of strategy to the multiplayer mode. So, whether you’re teaming up as Mario and Luigi, or perhaps Peach and Toadette, the dynamics of gameplay shift, offering a fresh perspective every time you decide to switch characters.
Competitive Modes
While collaborative gameplay is a blast, there’s nothing like a little friendly competition to spice things up. Super Mario Wonder introduces new competitive modes that pit players against each other in a variety of challenges. Race against the clock, compete for the highest score, or see who can collect the most coins in a given time frame. These modes are not just about speed and skill, but also about strategy, as the timely use of power-ups can dramatically shift the odds in your favor.
Shared Joy and Challenges
Multiplayer mode isn’t just about competition or collaboration—it’s about shared experiences. Facing off against a particularly challenging boss or navigating a tricky level becomes a collective memory. It’s these shared moments of triumph, or sometimes hilarious defeats, that make the multiplayer mode in Super Mario Wonder a truly special experience.
The Legendary Voice Retires: Mario’s Transition to Global Ambassador
Over the years, one of the most iconic aspects of the Super Mario series hasn’t been just the high-flying jumps or the invigorating power-ups—it’s been the unmistakable voice of Mario himself. That cheerful “It’s-a-me, Mario!” has been etched into the hearts of millions, becoming synonymous with the character and, by extension, Nintendo as a whole.
End of an Era
News of the retirement of the legendary voice behind Mario was met with a mix of surprise and nostalgia by fans around the world. For decades, Charles Martinet, the voice actor who brought Mario to life, added layers of personality to the character. From the jubilant shouts of victory to the adorable yelps of surprise, Martinet crafted a vocal persona that turned Mario from a mere game character into a beloved global icon.
A New Role: Mario’s Global Ambassador
But as the old saying goes, when one door closes, another opens. While the iconic voice might be taking a step back from the games, Mario isn’t retiring to the Mushroom Kingdom for a life of leisure. Instead, he’s taking on a brand-new role as Nintendo’s Global Ambassador. This shift, as intriguing as it is, signifies Mario’s stature not just as a video game character, but as a global phenomenon.
What does this mean for Mario and, by extension, for us fans? As Nintendo’s Global Ambassador, Mario will likely be at the forefront of the company’s outreach and promotional efforts. This might include appearances at international events, starring roles in Nintendo-centric promotions, and perhaps even engagements in philanthropic activities. The beloved plumber will serve as a bridge, connecting fans, cultures, and generations through the universal language of fun and games.
What’s Next for Mario in Games?
The burning question on everyone’s mind is: What will Mario sound like in future games? With the voice that defined him stepping down, there’s natural curiosity surrounding the auditory future of our favorite plumber. Nintendo has kept details under wraps, but it’s safe to say that the company understands the gravity of this transition. While changes are inevitable, Nintendo’s track record indicates they’ll approach this new era with the reverence and creativity it deserves.
A Vibrant Red Arrival: The Mario-Inspired Switch OLED
Nintendo has a storied history of celebrating significant game launches with special edition consoles, and Super Mario Wonder is no exception. As we journey with Mario into the enigmatic Flower Kingdom, we also see the release of a dazzling piece of hardware: the Mario-themed Switch OLED.
Eye-Catching Design
Launching on October 6th, just two weeks ahead of Super Mario Wonder, the new Switch OLED stands out from its predecessors with a vibrant, bright red design. But it’s not just the color that catches the eye. On closer inspection, the back panel showcases intricate details: a subtle silhouette of Mario himself, leaping into action, with classic coins sprinkled in the backdrop. It’s these fine touches that show Nintendo’s commitment to celebrating its flagship character.
Upgraded OLED Experience
While the Mario-inspired design is a big draw, the hardware itself is not to be overshadowed. This Switch comes with an OLED screen, promising crisper visuals and more vibrant colors, a perfect match to showcase the lush and colorful environments of the Flower Kingdom in Super Mario Wonder.
A Collector’s Dream
Such special edition consoles are not new for Nintendo. Historically, they’ve marked significant game releases or anniversaries with uniquely designed hardware. Remember the Zelda-themed Switch for “Tears of the Kingdom” or the previously released Mario-themed Switch for “Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury”? These consoles quickly became sought-after items for collectors, and the Mario-themed Switch OLED is expected to follow suit.
With preorders already opened at major retailers like Nintendo and Best Buy, anticipation is sky-high. The community buzz suggests it will be a hot commodity, not just for Super Mario Wonder enthusiasts but for Nintendo aficionados at large.
Final Thoughts and Verdict on Super Mario Wonder Review
After delving deep into the myriad facets of Super Mario Wonder, it’s evident that Nintendo is on the brink of delivering another masterpiece in the Mario franchise. This game promises not just a continuation but a redefinition of what fans have come to expect from the series.
From the captivating shift from the Mushroom Kingdom to the Flower Kingdom, the introduction of unique characters and power-ups, to the ingenious Badge System, and the exclusive red Switch OLED tie-in, there’s a potpourri of innovation and nostalgia blended seamlessly. And with multiplayer capabilities, this game ensures hours of fun with friends and family.
Yet, despite the plethora of information we’ve dissected, there’s still so much lurking beneath the surface. The nuances of level design, easter eggs waiting to be discovered, the challenges and rewards of mastering each badge combination — the anticipation is palpable.
But here’s the real deal: will it be worth it? Given everything we’ve seen and heard, the answer leans heavily towards a resounding “yes.” Our Verdict? Super Mario Wonder is shaping up to be a must-have, not just for Mario aficionados but for anyone who appreciates rich, immersive gaming experiences.
Release and Pre-Orders
For those eagerly marking their calendars, remember: October 20, 2023, is the day the Flower Kingdom opens its gates. Pre-orders are already live, so it’s advisable to secure your copy as early as possible. And if you’re the type who relishes bonus in-game content or tangible collectibles, it might be worth giving your local retailers a ring. Many are offering exclusive pre-order bonuses that will further enhance your journey through this dazzling new kingdom.
