The latest 2D Mario is, for lack of a better word, wonderful. It combines everything you loved as a kid about SUPER MARIO WORLD on SNES with better graphics, play control, options, and even more challenging stages. It’s scary to think that this is the first new side-scrolling Mario since the WiiU. And it’s also frightening how consistent Nintendo continues to be in developing Mario video games.
What sets WONDER apart from the previous installments are a few key items:
- Badges will become your new best friend. With abilities that help you power up to complete levels.
- Wonder seeds turn a level into a fun psychedelic experience without the physical side effects.
- Online mode capabilities and multiplayer are remarkably deep.
With that said, WONDER doesn’t revolutionize the franchise like BREATH OF THE WILD did for Zelda. Nor is it even a leap forward like the criminally underplayed BOWSER’S FURY. It’s more comfort food with a twist, like a new recipe from Trader Joe’s (see Pickled Popcorn and Cheeseburger Burrito). It’s oddly familiar, with just enough originality to set it apart.
SUPER MARIO BROS. WONDER is available on Nintendo Switch.
