A brilliant idea at every new level, coupled with a visual overhaul seemingly inspired by an animated film released earlier this year, makes Super Mario Wonder undoubtedly the best 2D Mario game ever released on a Nintendo console. Indeed, I do not know what inspired Nintendo to generate such incredible ideas so quickly; it often seems bordering on genius. Yes, I am aware that they have incorporated themes from hallucinogenic mushrooms into their games, which is also central to this game’s gameplay and narrative elements.
Hello Florian,Super Mario Wonder, praised as the finest 2D Mario game on Nintendo consoles, features innovative ideas and a visually striking design that echoes a recent animated film. The game’s quick succession of brilliant concepts is described as approaching genius, drawing inspiration from the series’ classic hallucinogenic mushroom theme, which is central to the gameplay.
Before delving into detailed explanations and the core gameplay, what is the story behind this Mario game? Some might argue that it doesn’t matter because it’s just another Mario game without much of a storyline. However, there are some notable changes in Super Mario Wonder. Unlike previous entries where we find ourselves in the Mushroom Kingdom, this time we start in the Flower Kingdom governed by Prince Florian, a cute little caterpillar. After Bowser acquires the Wonder Flower, also known as Prodigious Flower in French, his kingdom merges with that of Prince Florian and he transforms into an enormous ship causing widespread destruction across various worlds. It falls to Mario and all his friends to assist Prince Florian in reclaiming his lost prosperity and stability. Unlike other installments, there is no princess kidnapping; instead, she becomes a playable character for the first time. The selection screen offers 12 characters: Mario, Luigi, Peach (who I would love to see donning her animation film outfit), Daisy, two Toads, a Toadette, four Yoshis, and a Carrot. All these characters play similarly, except for the Yoshis and Carotins, which are designed with younger players in mind as they are immune to damage but can still perish by falling into pits. Additionally, Yoshis retain their traditional abilities such as swallowing enemies, spitting them out, and briefly gliding through the air, making them ideal choices for children seeking a more relaxed gaming experience.
Champi, Fleur, Same Same
As previously mentioned, Super Mario Wonder transports us to the Flower Kingdom, but at its core, it remains largely consistent with past entries in the series. Players continue to navigate through diverse biomes spread across seven levels, including underground areas, underwater environments, snowy regions, deserts, volcanic terrains, cloudscapes, waterfalls, and more. The game now offers greater freedom of movement within certain open spaces, although this does not fundamentally alter the gameplay experience. After four decades of linear level design, this added flexibility is a welcome addition. Players can select levels based on their difficulty ratings (indicated by stars), which introduces an extra layer of challenge. Although no particular level is overwhelmingly difficult, some do require skill, composure, and patience to complete. The goal remains to revisit each level multiple times in order to collect all rewards and discover hidden paths. Among the game’s innovations are the ‘can-can’ flowers, recognizable by their wide-open mouths, which engage in dialogue with players for the first time in a 2D Mario game. While this feature may initially feel disorienting due to the lack of speech from other characters, it contributes to an engaging atmosphere that we found thoroughly enjoyable.
A LIVING GAME
One aspect we particularly appreciated in Super Mario Wonder is its graphics. The game presents a vibrant display of colors and positive energy. It took time, but Nintendo has finally infused more life into its characters and worlds, achieving this with relative ease. The visual style leans toward a cartoonish look, reminiscent of the animated film. It appears rounder and more charming, resembling an animation film rather than a traditional video game—though I may be exaggerating slightly, you get the idea. Importantly, the game features numerous new animations. Movements are richer and better segmented; there are details everywhere, such as Mario or Luigi losing their hats when entering a pipe and catching them in time. Observing our characters look around after emerging from a pipe adds an endearing touch. Such small details abound, along with various facial expressions added for both our characters and enemies. Everything is beautifully animated, and the backgrounds are filled with dynamic elements, creating a real spectacle. I’ve never experienced this level of immersion in a 2D Mario game before, often pausing to appreciate what’s happening on screen.
Whenever Mario or his friends collect a Wonder Flower, the level transforms into a whirlwind of colors and unusual visuals, reminiscent of Van Gogh on LSD painting his thoughts. This visual spectacle is striking and unique for a Mario game, but it significantly changes the layout of levels and disorients players. Pipes come to life, the environment shakes or tilts, dinosaurs appear, and various strange phenomena occur, indicating that Nintendo has embraced creativity and indulged in this innovative approach.
TRANSFORMATION!
Certainly, what would a Mario game be without transformations? In this episode, three new metamorphoses are introduced: elephant, bubble, and drill. As an elephant, Mario and his friends can use their trunks to fend off enemies, destroy blocks, or even send enemy projectiles back at their source. With the elephant form, it is possible to break through walls and run through narrow cracks. Additionally, when approaching a body of water, they can store it in their trunk to water the ground, causing plants or coins to appear. In summary, players will likely use this ability frequently to uncover treasures.
We prefer the badges
A new idea of genius at each level, along with a visually stunning overhaul inspired by an animated film released earlier this year, positions Super Mario Wonder as undoubtedly the best 2D Mario game ever released on a Nintendo console. Indeed, it is remarkable how frequently Nintendo comes up with such brilliant concepts; at times, their innovation seems almost genius. Yes, one might wonder if they have been influenced by some of the game’s own themes, such as consuming hallucinogenic mushrooms, which play a central role in its gameplay.
In essence, Super Mario Wonder remains a classic platformer in structure and mechanics. However, it is these small additions that enhance the experience, making each new level feel like a constant discovery. The gameplay is thoroughly enjoyable, with the precise control and character movement that only Nintendo can achieve, whether it’s inertia, jumps, or overall expertise in this genre. It is indeed excellent work, particularly given the innovative content where Nintendo has excelled. Additionally, the game offers cooperative play throughout, though I cannot comment extensively on this feature as I have not tested it.
If you’re eager to dive deeper into the groundbreaking features of Super Mario Wonder, be sure to check out Marcus Thompson’s insightful piece titled “Super Mario Bros. Wonder: 15 Minutes of Commentated Gameplay – All New Features Revealed,” published on August 31, 2023. Marcus highlights the game’s bold departure from traditional settings and mechanics, introducing players to the enchanting Flower Kingdom and its unique challenges. From interactive flowers bestowing transformative powers to dynamic new graphics that redefine the series’ aesthetic, this blog post is a must-read for any Mario enthusiast looking to uncover all the novelties Super Mario Wonder has in store [Read the article].