I used to hate platformers. The thought of playing a 2D platformer filled me with dread. They always seemed tedious, lifeless, and dull, each one adding its own gimmick to the same formula. You go from one stage to the next, collecting some arbitrary item until you reach a boss at the end to save the day.
But then I played Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a game that completely changed my perspective on platformers. It is a platformer filled with creativity and life. The worlds and levels are beautifully crafted, and the characters interact with the world in a way that brings them to life. Going into a Warp Pipe, for example, is not just a simple action. Mario might lose his hat and need to retrieve it before descending, adding a touch of personality to the world and its characters.
Each world in Super Mario Bros. Wonder has its own distinct theme and personality. From grassy jungles to deserts, each level feels unique and different. Unlike other Mario games where worlds often feel repetitive, every world in Wonder offers something new and exciting. It’s a refreshing change from the usual platformer formula.
One of the standout features of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the introduction of Wonder Flowers. These secret flowers, found in each world, have the power to transform the world around you. The anticipation of discovering what each Wonder Flower does adds a sense of wonder and excitement to the gameplay. It breaks the traditional rules of platformers and adds a new level of creativity to the game.
While Super Mario Bros. Wonder is an exceptional game, it does have a few minor flaws. One of these is the lack of variety in end-world bosses. Throughout the game, you always end up fighting Bowser Jr., which feels lazy and uninspired considering the vast array of Mario villains. It’s a missed opportunity to showcase the imagination and creativity seen in the rest of the game.
The online multiplayer in Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a genius addition. Instead of traditional online co-op, the game features Dark Souls-like multiplayer where you can see other players as ghosts in your world. This adds a new perspective and allows you to learn from other players’ strategies. The ability to drop Mario standees in the world also adds a cooperative element, as you can help other players overcome difficult sections. However, it is disappointing that true online co-op with friends is not available.
In conclusion, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a fantastic platformer that defies expectations. Its charming world, replayability, and creative gameplay make it a joy to play. While it has some minor flaws, the overall experience is incredibly rewarding. Super Mario Bros. Wonder has made me appreciate platformers in a way I never thought possible.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A charming world that’s a blast to play in | Bit grindy for completionists |
| Replayability | Needs more varied end-world bosses |
| Hundreds of collectibles and secrets | The lack of online co-op is a bit disappointing |
| A masterclass in music and game design | |
| Surprisingly challenging |
A copy of this game was provided by Nintendo. Reviewed on Nintendo Switch.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
