Super Mario Wonder: A Whimsical and Insane Journey
By
October 19, 2023
Super Mario Wonder, the latest installment in the beloved Super Mario franchise, offers gamers a fascinating mix of classic platforming with surreal and mind-bending setpieces. Developed and published by Nintendo, this 2D platformer showcases the franchise’s trademark level design and innovative gameplay elements.
A Return to the Traditional
Super Mario Wonder embraces the traditional 2D format that the series originated from. While there are moments where players can explore the background plane, the game predominantly operates within two dimensions. This decision allows for a laser-focused approach to level design and platforming challenges.
Players will find that Super Mario Wonder demands precision and quick thinking. While early levels may present unexpected challenges, the game gradually ramps up in difficulty while still maintaining a fair and enjoyable experience. It’s the kind of game that keeps players constantly engaged and on their toes.
Enter the Wonder Flower
One of the standout features of Super Mario Wonder is the inclusion of the Wonder Flower setpieces. Each level introduces a new Wonder Flower, which, when touched, triggers a reality-defying and whimsical sequence. Successfully completing these setpieces not only rewards players with a sense of wonder, but also with a Wonder Seed, acting as currency within the game’s overworld map.
The overworld map serves as a hub for unlocking new levels. By collecting Wonder Seeds and progressing through levels, players can unlock more areas, with each completed area weakening the defenses of Bowser’s Castle. Additionally, players can acquire new abilities through Badges, reminiscent of Super Mario Odyssey, adding a layer of variety and strategic decision-making to the gameplay.
Visual Excellence and Singleplayer Focus
The aesthetic presentation of Super Mario Wonder is undeniably pristine. The visuals are crisp and vibrant, capturing the charm and whimsy that the series is known for. Furthermore, the sound design compliments the visuals, creating an immersive and delightful experience.
While Super Mario Wonder delivers an exceptional singleplayer campaign, it should be noted that the game’s cooperative multiplayer mode and online features were unfortunately unavailable for review at the time of writing. However, the singleplayer experience alone is more than enough to captivate players and showcase the game’s strengths.
A Familiar Joy, But Lacking Impact
Despite its many strengths, Super Mario Wonder falls short of the impact left by recent releases, such as Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario 3D World. Perhaps the rise in popularity of functional 3D platformers has spoiled the expectations of players, making it harder for traditional 2D Mario games to stand out.
Nevertheless, Super Mario Wonder remains an excellent and enjoyable 2D platformer. With its superb level design, stunning visuals, and mind-bending Wonder Flower setpieces, the game is a testament to Nintendo’s dedication to creating immersive and entertaining experiences. While it may not be the best Super Mario game in recent years, it is certainly a title worth exploring.
Score: 8.5/10
Disclosure: Nintendo provided a copy of Super Mario Wonder for review purposes.
<< photo by Onur Binay >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
