This year marked the grand return of Nintendo’s iconic plumber in his most recent side-scrolling adventure, “Super Mario Bros. Wonder.” This game is considered to be the first new 2D Mario game since 2012. Recently released for Nintendo Switch, the game follows Mario and the gang, who visit the flower kingdom, until Bowser shows up and wreaks havoc on their floral world.
While the story is vaguely similar to past Mario games, this game is a huge step forward for the franchise. The game provides a fresh updated visual style that breathes new life into the Mario Bros franchise. Starting with the character animation, all the playable characters feel more fluid and expressive.
When Mario enters a pipe he reaches back for his hat and the Goombas have snot bubbles in their nostrils as they nap. When Mario turns into an elephant he squeezes his giant, round body into the warp pipes, and tries to make himself as small as possible, when crouching under a low row of blocks.
This game also introduces a large roster of characters this time around. With almost 12 characters to choose from; besides Mario and Luigi, you can play as Peach, Daisy, two colored toads, Toadette, four Yoshi’s, and Nabbit from, “New Super Mario Bros U.” Unlike the previous games where it was just Mario, Luigi, blue Toad, and yellow Toad, this game changes the selection of characters up a bit, making it more fun for four player co-op.
As for the level designs, this time around they’re more vibrant and atmospheric. Each level has a different unique style as you travel across the 6 main worlds throughout the game. All of the levels have a difficulty rating, ranging from 1 star levels which are the easiest, to 5 star levels which are the hardest.
The goal of the levels is to collect 2 wonder seeds, while one of them is achieved at the end of each level, there’s another one that’s hidden and must be achieved through the game’s newest ability, the wonder flower. The wonder effects give off a colorful, trippy vibe that makes the experience more fun and whimsical. Some effects include warp pipes moving like caterpillars, singing piranha plants, and riding a bulrush stampede.
Besides the wonder flower, the game introduces three new power ups. The bubble Mario can blow large bubbles to take out enemies, and drill Mario can turn into a drill to dig under small spaces, and on the ceiling. But, the biggest new power up introduced is the Elephant fruit, which turns Mario into a strong and mighty elephant. With this ability, Mario can use his trunk to launch small enemies into the air, and it also allows him to hold water.
“Super Mario Bros. Wonder” is truly the comeback of 2D Mario. It feels more colorful, alive, and creative unpredictably. This game shows that Nintendo still has what it takes to deliver a game that brings back a nostalgic sense of joy. It’s another fine masterpiece in the Mario franchise and it’s without a doubt the best Mario game in years.
