Super Mario Bros. Wonder is here, and you’re in for a delightful surprise once you power up your Nintendo Switch.
As you hit that power button, you’ll get immersed in the legendary world of Mario, and it’s clear this iconic franchise has no intention of slowing down. It’s evolved and reinvented, taking the classic 2D platforming gameplay to new creative heights.
Jumping right into the action, you’ll find platforming through the stages is an absolute joy. Mario and his friends have never looked or felt better, and their world is a true visual treat. The vibrant and expressive art style breathes life into every character and element, enchanting the game’s world. And let’s remember the soundtrack, a collection of catchy tunes you’ll be humming long after you turn off your Switch.
What sets Super Mario Bros. Wonder apart are the inventive level designs. Each course introduces a new and creative gimmick to keep you on your toes. From bouncing off hippo-like creatures to rolling through lava on circular rocks, the game presents these mechanics in a way that lets you learn and master them seamlessly. The anticipation of how each stage gimmick will evolve is a constant source of excitement, leaving you eager to see what’s next.
The game introduces exciting power-ups, such as the Drill Mushroom, Elephant Fruit, and Bubble Flower, each bringing fun and practical ways to explore the stages. But the real star here is the Badge system, which allows you to augment your character’s abilities. Whether gliding with the Parachute Cap or detecting secrets with the Sensor, these badges add a new layer of depth and strategy to the game. The Crouching High Jump, in particular, stands out for its versatility.
The true showstoppers in Super Mario Bros. Wonder are the Wonder Effects. These level-changing warps introduce unexpected gameplay mechanics, including top-down sequences, slow-motion action, and thrilling chase sequences. You’ll never know what to expect when you grab a Wonder Flower – it might turn Mario into one of Bowser’s minions, take him into outer space, or make the entire stage break out into song. These effects breathe fresh life into the game, taking boss battles to a different level.
While there are only a few boss battles, the Wonder Effects add unique twists. However, most battles feature the same character with the same move set, which could use more variety. Fortunately, the final battle is a standout moment, using Wonder Effects to deliver a creative, enjoyable fight that will stick with you.
While Super Mario. Bros Wonder offers a primarily solo experience, there’s also limited multiplayer gameplay. It’s disappointing that there’s no online cooperative play, but local multiplayer with friends is a blast and less chaotic than previous games. You’ll enjoy the camaraderie while tackling the challenges, except riding Yoshi, as characters can’t directly interact with each other during these sequences.
Online play with friends exists, but it’s limited. You’ll appear as ghosts separately, reviving each other but with minimal interaction. Course races can be set up, but they take away from what makes the game special – the joys of exploring secrets and experiencing Wonder Effects at your own pace.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a delightful surprise from the moment you start it on your Nintendo Switch. While gameplay may feel familiar, Nintendo’s ability to innovate and surprise in unique ways keeps the experience fresh and exciting. The 2D Mario series continues to evolve, and Super Mario Bros. Wonder showcases that there’s still plenty of creativity left in this iconic franchise’s tank. Get ready for a memorable adventure that will have you hooked from start to finish.
