Why Super Mario Bros. Wonder Might Be the Best Iteration of the Game Yet
After a 10-year wait, the newest generation of the Super Mario Bros. side-scroller has launched: Wonder.
The latest iteration turns the entire series on its head, offering the most expansive roster of playable characters, vibrant and crisp graphics, and creative and challenging gameplay. Nintendo was kind enough to let me try out Super Mario Bros. Wonder ourselves—continue reading to learn more about everything I loved in this revolutionary offering.
A New Take on the Side-Scroller
The first Super Mario Bros. game traces back to 1985, and it's like night and day to compare it to Wonder. Let's first address the "elephant"—more on that later—in the room: the graphics in this game are otherworldly.
(Super Mario Bros. Wonder via Nintendo)
By all means, Wonder functions as a 2D side-scroller. But unlike Super Mario Bros. U, there is more depth in the character and map design that makes you forget it isn't 3D. When their actual three-dimensional take on the game, Super Mario 3D World, came out, I couldn't enjoy it because I struggle with depth perception. Wonder resolved my issues while still allowing me to enjoy its visual complexity.
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New Roster of Playable Characters
Previously, the Super Mario Bros. roster had Mario, Luigi, Toad, Nabbit, and maybe Peach. It always threw me off to go from Mario Kart, Mario Tennis or pretty much any other Mario game to Super Mario Bros. because I've never "mained" any of those characters.
With Wonder, Nintendo has 11 playable characters. Still, it doesn't include anyone I gravitate toward, but it's a giant step from Super Mario Bros. U and especially Super Mario 3D World. The new roster introduces Daisy and offers four Yoshis. It would be nice to see even more characters in the future, like Rosalina, Wario and Waluigi, but I'm satisfied (and excited) with what Wonder brings.
Exciting New Maps
With every new Super Mario Bros. game, the most exciting part, arguably, is the new maps. Wonder arrives with seven areas: the classic beginner land, Pipe-Rock Plateau, and six more terrains, ranging from water to desert. And, surprise! There's a secret, special world you unlock throughout the game.
As always, each section brings exciting new challenges. In the icy area of Fluff-Puff Peaks, you'll have to move with precision. Otherwise, you'll slide everywhere. Meanwhile, in Petal Isles, you must maneuver your way through twists and turns while shaking your remote to swim fast.
Each map is exciting to look at and even more fun to play—you will be far from disappointed.
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Unique Power-Ups
While Wonder removes some features we loved, like boosting your teammate, it compensates by adding four new power-ups.
The game begins by offering the Elephant Fruit, which allows players to transform into, well, an elephant. In your supersized form, you can whack enemies out of the way with your trunk. After you walk over a water spout, you can spray piranha plants. It also just looks super adorable on all the characters.
(Super Mario Bros. Wonder via Nintendo)
Later on, you will discover the Bubble Flower, which allows you to shoot bubbles, and the Drill Mushroom, which places a drill on your head to give you extra strength during "combat."
I'm unsure if the Wonder Flower is technically considered a power-up, but it changes your gameplay. It triggers a chance in the level—for example, it can prompt a group of bulls to charge toward your characters.
Each of these power-ups completely differentiated Wonder from previous Super Mario Bros. games. It really changes the way you strategize during each level and can also make some other parts more challenging.
(Super Mario Bros. Wonder via Nintendo)
Online Multiplayer Functionality
Unlike Super Mario 3D World, online co-op is emphasized more with Wonder. There are multiple exclusive online levels to incentivize you to purchase the Nintendo Switch Online membership. I've never tried playing online, except with Animal Crossing, but curiosity is getting to me—and I'm almost on the cusp of purchasing it.
Though, in general, I'm not the target market for online gameplay. However, I think it's a nice feature for more competitive players of Wonder.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is out now on Nintendo Switch for $59.99.
Can't get enough of Mario and Luigi? Read HERE for our definitive ranking of the 10 best-selling Mario games on the Nintendo Switch.