Review - Super Mario Bros. Wonder
"Onward and upward!"
Publisher - Nintendo
Developer - Nintendo EDP
Director - Shiro Mouri
Producer - Takashi Tezuka
Writer - Yuji Watanabe
Composers - Koji Kondo, Shiho Fujii, Sayako Doi, Chisaki Shimazu
Genre - Platformer
Platform - Nintendo Switch
Mario is the most iconic character in the history of video games. Even if you ask non-gamers who Mario is, they know exactly who you’re talking about. Even the side characters in his games have nearly the same recognition. Not only is Mario the mascot of Nintendo, but he is also the mascot for ALL video gaming. He is to gamers what Mickey Mouse is to Disney fans. However, most of our memories of 2D Mario are left to the first games of the 2D era of gaming. Whether it’s the first Super Mario Bros. and conquering castles, wearing the Tanooki suit in Super Mario Bros. 3, or riding Yoshi in Super Mario World in glorious 16-bit pixel art, 2D Mario has made many childhood memories for those old enough to have been there. Sure, there’s the DS/Wii era New Super Mario Bros. series, but those didn’t have the same unique and memorable moments that the older ones had. Many children of the 3D and HD eras are fonder of the 3D Mario titles, and with options like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Odyssey, who could blame them.
So, when Super Mario Bros. Wonder was revealed, many asked what this would be. The long-awaited true sequel to Super Mario World? Or is it just another New Super Mario Bros. type of entry to the legend’s catalog of many titles? Well, I can tell you that Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the best 2D Mario game since Super Mario World and belongs to be mentioned in the same breath as those nostalgic titles of pixel days.
Plot and Characters
Not surprisingly, this isn’t a game with some deep plot. Mario and company are visiting the Flower Kingdom and Prince Florian. Naturally, Bowser shows up to mess things up and touches the Wonder Flower to merge with the Prince’s castle. From there, you go across the kingdom to collect Royal Seeds to weaken his power and be able to reach him. It’s your typical Mario storyline, but no damsel in distress as in the past. There are more moments through the game talking to the inhabitants and Prince Florian, but it’s the simple Mario setup we are used to.
There is a good amount of characters to select, and I mean that. There are multiple Yoshis, Nabbitt, Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy (making her return after a long time), two types of Toad, and Toadette. This adds to the replayability to see how the new power-ups are with each of them. Yoshi and Nabbitt are almost invincible, made for new gamers and kids to play them.
Gameplay
Mario Wonder plays both in the typical old ways and new ways. It’s one part classical 2D Mario and another part new ideas. The gameplay revolves around Wonder Seeds. It’s not necessary, but there is always one per level, and it changes things up in unique and fun ways. World 1-2, in particular, has one of the most fun gaming moments I’ve had. During the levels, flowers talk to you and say anything from snarky comments to funny comments to cheering you on. I can see why someone might find them annoying after a while, but I felt they added flavor to the game and enjoyed their interactions.
The game is also extremely approachable for kids. As a dad who wants to get my daughter into video games, I think this game has the best chance to do it. Not only is this a perfect game for kids, but the option to pick Yoshi or Nabbit is also welcomed. They don’t take damage from enemies, but you still have to watch out for the rest. It’s a good way for a toddler or young child not to get too frustrated and keep playing. Some levels add more difficulties but aren’t forced on you. This makes the game approachable but keeps the options for more challenge for those seeking it. I will say if you are a seasoned gamer, even when adding the difficulties, it’s an easy game. Some levels have secret Wonder Seeds that can expand the world maps and unlock secret levels.
The world map is more like the map in Super Mario 3D World than the New Super Mario Bros. series map. This adds interesting exploration to what usually is a basic way to go to the next level. I even found secret pipes and areas in worlds by exploring, giving you some taste of the sandbox styles 3D Mario games. There’s even an area that acts sort of like a hub and also works as the world of the water levels, which I really thought was a cool idea.
Visual Presentation
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is a gorgeous game for a 2.5D style Mario game. It looks good, especially when using particles and the zany parts the Wonder Flower activates. The animations are subtle but add so much personality compared to the dry look of the New Super Mario Bros. series. When a character gets a power-up, you see their reactions in the animation. When they go through a pipe, they react in an almost Disney Silly Symphonies way. You’re playing in a cartoon despite not having that identity. The mixing of music in certain levels to the actions you’re doing adds to the flavor of personality this game has. And that’s the keyword – personality. This game is filled with it.
The enemies are surprisingly varied, and I was taken aback by how many different enemies there are depending on the world you’re in. There are some returning enemies from old games and some completely new. However, this does bring me to my biggest dislike of the game… the boss battles. Now, the final boss is, in my opinion, the best boss fight in a 2D Mario game, but the bosses for the rest of the game are shockingly dull and lazy. All boss fights are fighting against Bowser Junior. You read that right; it’s a near copy and paste against Bowser’s son, just slightly different arenas to face him. It shocks me a game with such personality delivers some of the dullest boss fights I’ve ever played in a Mario game. Luckily, that’s the only real con I had, and I admit that it’s a subjective one.
Soundtrack and Score
It’s not just that 2023 has been stacked with memorable games. 2023 has also brought us some darn good gaming soundtracks; this one isn’t an exception. Mario games have always delivered a good soundtrack with the jazz and upbeat type of music the series is known for. This entry mixes new music and some easter eggs of old music from those NES/SNES 2D Mario games. Add in the moments where music and gameplay crossover, and you have one of the most memorable soundtracks of 2023. As for the new voice of Mario provided by Kevin Afghani, he does a great job. Get rid of your fears of Charles stepping down because Kevin hits it out of the park and will be a welcome voice to many future Mario games and generations to come. This is one of those games I’ll probably listen to the music in the background when doing tasks. Koji Kondo, the master of video game music, did help - but all the composers involved did a great job with this. It’s a contender for the best soundtrack of 2023.
Final Thoughts
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the 2D Mario we have been waiting for. Sure, I think the bosses outside of the final one are downright lazy and boring, but it doesn’t take away from the personality and (yes, I know) WONDER that this game gives you. It’s a game that I think will not only stick with us longtime fans of the world’s most famous plumber, but I think it will be a major childhood game for millions of kids out there. This is, like most Mario games, a MUST PLAY video game. It’s pure Nintendo magic with their most beloved character, and delivers. We will be playing and talking about this one for a long time. The G.O.A.T is back!
Pros
One of the most fun games you can play
Filled with personality and variety
Perfect for kids and very approachable
It is beautiful and a great overall presentation
The soundtrack and score are among the best of the year
World Map is pretty interesting
Final boss is my favorite 2D Mario final fight
Con
Boring and lazy boss fights (or fight, since its the same)
What I Loved Most
World 1-2, it’s Piranha Plants singing!
Verdict - MUST PLAY 🤩
This is a video game that you must try to play at least once in your life. A true master class.