After years of the “New” series playing it safe, Super Mario Bros. Wonder takes 2D Mario in a bold, creative direction — and it absolutely works.
The Wonder Effect
The headline feature is the Wonder Flower, which transforms each level in unexpected ways when collected. Pipes might start walking, the perspective might shift, you might turn into a Goomba — the possibilities feel endless and the game never repeats the same trick twice. It’s the most surprising Mario game in decades.
Art and Animation
The visual overhaul is stunning. Characters are more expressive than ever, with fluid animations that give them real personality. The Flower Kingdom setting allows for vibrant, diverse worlds that feel fresh compared to the grass-desert-ice-fire formula.
Multiplayer That Actually Works
The online multiplayer, where you see ghost-like shadows of other players, is a stroke of genius. You can’t grief each other but you can help by leaving standees as checkpoints. It makes the world feel alive without the chaos of traditional co-op platforming.
Score: 9/10 — A joyful reinvention of 2D Mario. Creative, gorgeous, and endlessly surprising. Essential for any Switch owner.
Leave a Reply