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Super Mario Bros. Wonder: What makes the new 2D platformer so special
For a long time, the 2D games in the Mario series were overshadowed by their third-dimensional counterparts. But Super Mario Bros. Wonder changes all that: a package full of charm and surprises.
In recent years, the 3D games in the Super Mario series have always received more favourable reviews from the trade press and fans than the 2D spin-offs. Most recently, Super Mario Odyssey was able to build on the success of titles such as Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy. And even though the classic style of Mario games got a real boost with New Super Mario Bros. on the Wii, they were never able to match the quality of releases such as Super Mario Bros. 3 or Super Mario World.
One point that was often heard was that the new entries in the 2D Mario genre had lost much of the "immediacy" of older games. Fans also wanted more fresh ideas and a little more charm and character. Things that characterised the earlier games.
Red Bull speedrunner David "GrandPOObear" Hunt felt the same way. After starting his runner career with Super Mario Bros. 3, he focussed on various rom hacks of Super Mario World. And even though he occasionally played games like New Super Mario Bros. or Super Mario 3D World, there was never the same spark.
Fast through the level! That's the aim of a speed run
© Nintendo
Something that is not the case with Super Mario Bros Wonder. The game was an instant hit for David. And he wasn't alone. The title is racking up more and more dream ratings and is highly praised by the community. The speedrun scene has also welcomed Mario Wonder with open arms. But what makes the game different from its predecessors? Why is it this game in particular that has brought 2D Mario back into the zeitgeist?
The comeback of the second dimension
One factor is, of course, the timing. With the release of the Super Mario Movie, the popularity of the Nintendo mascot has only increased. It was foreseeable that a new title would be released in the wake of this film to capitalise on the success of the big screen adaptation. And, of course, it was only natural to assume that an average game would also have enjoyed great success as a result. However, the product that has now been released in the form of Super Mario Bros Wonder is anything but average. It is probably the best 2D Mario game that has found its way onto a gaming platform since the 16-bit era.
In terms of gameplay, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is not quite as "crisp" and direct as the games on the Super Nintendo or Nintendo Entertainment System, but it plays much faster and more dynamically than the parts of the New Super Mario Bros. series. A big plus point for connoisseurs.
Where the game really shines, however, is when it comes to how much charm and identity has been packed into the presentation. All the characters have been given new models with cute animations. Even small actions like walking through a pipe are accompanied by playful movements that will easily put a smile on your face.
The new animations and models are very charming
© Nintendo
It's also very refreshing that Nintendo has broken away from its tradition here and isn't setting players in the Mushroom Kingdom again. This time, Mario and co. are transported to the neighbouring Flower Kingdom. This offers enough familiar approaches, but enough new ideas to set it apart from the Mushroom Kingdom.
The game also tries out new ideas: Although you can play different characters such as Mario, Luigi, Peach or Toad, with a few exceptions they all play identically. In the past, each character had different characteristics. For example, Peach could float for a short time and Luigi could jump higher than Mario. Now you can choose how you want to customise your hero. This is done via badges, which you can obtain by completing special challenges, for example. You can always equip a badge and use it to modify your moveset (or sometimes other features of the game). For example, you can sail through the air for a short time, climb walls or activate a small boost in the water. Badges can be changed at any time before each level and after losing an extra life.
The elephant is the new power-up in Super Mario Bros. Wonder
© Nintendo
And sometimes it is also relevant to experiment. Super Mario Bros Wonder is not a difficult game on the whole, but some stages are still quite challenging and certain badges make them much easier to master. The game will still throw more at you in some places than you are used to from other games in the series. Fortunately, the level of difficulty of a (possibly optional) stage is displayed on a star scale.
If all else fails and you simply cannot make any progress, you can also choose from characters such as the thieving rabbit Nabbit, who cannot be defeated by hitting enemies. Only if you fall into an abyss or are crushed by your surroundings will you lose a life with him.
Wondrous miracle seeds
Another new feature are the Wonder Seeds, which give Super Mario Bros Wonder its name. These are the most important collectible in the game. When you complete a stage, you receive a seed and can then use it to unlock further levels. However, stages can contain more than just one of these seeds. You will often be rewarded with one after collecting a miracle flower and surviving the subsequent gameplay sequence. And these miracle flower sections are the highlight of the game. They distort reality and present new, creative approaches every time, some of which you weren't expecting. Whether your opponents suddenly perform a musical number, gravity changes or the level is overrun by a horde of dinosaurs. It is always exciting to see what will happen as soon as you collect such a flower.
Crazy things happen when you touch a miracle flower
© Nintendo
The fact that stages can contain several wonder seeds and also offer other collectibles means that the levels offer great replay value. If you really want to discover everything Super Mario Bros. Wonder has to offer, you'll be busy for a while.
There are several miracle seeds per level
© Nintendo
The overall package is really excellent. It's been a long time since a 2D Mario has felt as good as Super Mario Bros Wonder. Anyone who has been waiting for the comeback of this type of platform game will be absolutely delighted here and will not be able to stop smiling at the loving presentation. A real gem for the Nintendo Switch.
