The Epic Comeback: Super Mario Bros Revives an Ancient Foe

Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces a unique gimmick that not only alters the game, but also brings back one of Mario's oldest adversaries. While Bowser has traditionally been Mario's main enemy throughout his adventures, he has faced off against various other villains as well. Given the distinctiveness of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, as evident from the trailer, it may be fitting to deviate from the usual villains and feature a familiar foe from Mario's past.

As Mario's latest 2D venture, Super Mario Bros. Wonder marks a return to traditional side-scrolling gameplay after a prolonged absence. The gameplay showcased in the trailer bears resemblance to the New Super Mario Bros. series, albeit with some innovative twists. The most notable addition is the Wonder Flower, which triggers stage-altering effects when collected. These effects have the potential to create unprecedented and unforgettable levels within the Super Mario universe. This fresh mechanic opens doors to entirely novel design concepts that would have remained unexplored otherwise.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Could Be Wart's Return From Subcon

The Super Mario Bros. Wonder game reminds us of Super Mario Bros. 2 due to the introduction of familiar characters like Birdo and Shy Guys. This game takes place in the dream world of Subcon, similar to Super Mario Bros. 2. The dream-like effects of the Wonder Flower's abilities suggest a connection between the two games.

A focus on dreams could mean the return of Wart, the villain from Super Mario Bros. 2. Although not as well-known as Bowser, Wart is a formidable ruler of the dream world. Mario and his friends prevented Wart from conquering Subcon in the past. Since then, Wart has not made a proper comeback, so his true abilities remain unknown. However, as a powerful figure from the dream realm, it is likely that he possesses extraordinary powers.

If the effects of the Wonder Flower are connected to Wart and the power of the dream world, it could potentially foreshadow the challenges that a new encounter with this character might involve. The introduction of Wonder's new features in Super Mario Bros. has already generated excitement due to their potential contributions to the game. A confrontation with an adversary who possesses the power of dreams could result in an intriguing battle, with the ability to manipulate reality on a whim. Such a fight could establish Wart as a formidable and significant threat, surpassing the impact of his initial appearance.

Compared to other classic Super Mario titles, Super Mario Bros. 2 does not receive as many references. Hence, the return of Wart as a villain would be a genuinely surprising development. While details regarding Super Mario Bros. Wonder have not yet been confirmed, considering the recent announcement of the game, it presents the best opportunity in years for Wart to rejoin the series. Although featuring a comparatively lesser-known character may entail some risk, reintroducing one of Mario's earliest and most enduring adversaries in Super Mario Bros. Wonder would add another distinctive element to the game.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be released on October 20, 2023 for the Nintendo Switch.