Believe it or not, it’s been over 10 years since Nintendo released a new classic side-scrolling adventure for its best-selling mascot, Mario. And, while there’s a smorgasbord of such Mario games to choose from on the Nintendo Switch, a new one is coming later this year, much to the surprise of many.
Confirmed at the June 21 Nintendo Direct, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is Nintendo’s latest take on the established Mario formula and it’s definitely something.
The gameplay trailer, which reveals that the game is coming out on the Nintendo Switch on October 20, has drawn mixed reactions from fans but not necessarily because it’s bad – it’s just different.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder marks a nostalgic return to the 2D side-scrolling action that has been a hallmark of the series. Its imminent release continues Mario’s big year after the success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie and the opening of the Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Following the recent spinoffs and 3D ventures, Super Mario Bros. Wonder represents a refreshing retreat to the side-scrolling roots of the franchise. The game’s design shares similarities with the New Super Mario Bros. series but is markedly updated with new visual embellishments, adversaries, and power-ups. One of the most unusual additions is a power-up for Mario that transforms him into an elephant. This showcases how the new game breaks boundaries, adding an extra layer of fun and novelty to the traditional Mario experience.
The Wonder Flower is a new gimmick introduced in Super Mario Bros. Wonder that adds an innovative gameplay twist. If you touch the Wonder Flower, it triggers an array of wonders, altering gameplay in unique ways, such as animating pipes or summoning a horde of enemies. This provides an unpredictable and dynamic gaming experience, ensuring that players will always be on their toes.
In addition to the fresh gameplay mechanics, Super Mario Bros. Wonder deviates from the standard “New” Super Mario Bros. style with redesigned characters and an improved art style. The game’s visuals move away from the visual consistency of the last 18 years, offering a more detailed backdrop and a subtle redesign of characters. These artistic shifts enhance the gameplay experience, presenting a familiar world with a new and improved look.
One of the most exciting features of the new game is its multiplayer capability. Super Mario Bros. Wonder supports up to four-player co-op, and it includes a lineup of playable characters such as Mario, Luigi, Toad, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, and Yoshi. This makes the game a perfect pick for friends and families seeking shared gaming experiences.
Interestingly, the last original 2D game starring Mario was Super Mario Maker 2 in 2019, combining the series’ traditional platforming action with a level creation system. Nintendo is touting Super Mario Bros. Wonder as the first new sidescrolling Mario game in over a decade. The last two traditional 2D Mario games were New Super Mario Bros. 2 on 3DS and New Super Mario Bros. U on Wii U.
This year has been huge for Nintendo and we understand now why it’s still extremely bullish on the Nintendo Switch. Super Mario Bros. Wonder follows the release of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, another high-profile outing for the console.
With Super Mario RPG, a remake of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, also coming out later this year, Nintendo’s next annual report should only solidify its belief in the hybrid console.
