The Epic Revival: Unleashing the Magic of Super Mario Bros Wonder and Its Timeless Power-Ups

Highlights

Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces the enigmatic Wonder Flower, which promises chaotic new experiences.

The level design of the game will be uniquely unconventional and filled with surprises, making it ideal for incorporating classic power-ups to create enjoyable platforming challenges. Although the game primarily emphasizes innovative concepts, its extensive background and influential status within the gaming industry provide ample reason to honor and incorporate older content.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder could revolutionize the 2D Mario platformer genre with its unique features. The mysterious Wonder Flower promises to offer thrilling and unpredictable experiences on the fly. In addition, the game introduces Daisy as a playable character for the first time and introduces an elephant-themed power-up. While it's refreshing to witness innovation in a Super Mario game, Super Mario Bros. Wonder could benefit from incorporating elements from the franchise's past. Classic power-ups could seamlessly integrate into the game thanks to the Wonder Flower's unpredictable nature.

Nintendo has not yet disclosed the full extent of the Wonder Flower's impact on level design in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. However, it is clear that players should anticipate the unexpected. The game's initial trailer showcased levels morphing in unexpected ways and Mario himself undergoing transformations. The upcoming installment is about to push the boundaries of Super Mario level design, which is precisely why reintroducing old power-ups would be fitting. Depending on the surprises Nintendo has in store, previous Mario abilities could play a crucial role in constructing exciting platforming challenges within the dynamic and ever-changing levels. This not only adds a nostalgic touch but also blends seamlessly with the distinct Mario experience Super Mario Bros. Wonder aims to provide.

Old Power-Ups Can Empower Super Mario Bros.' New Wonder Flower

Super Mario items have continuously evolved and showcased creativity throughout the franchise's history. The Hammer Suit and Frog Suit, introduced in Super Mario Bros. 3, allowed Mario and Luigi to utilize unique abilities such as mimicking a Hammer Bro's skills or enhancing swim speed. The New Super Mario Bros. games expanded the repertoire with additions like the Mini Mushroom for shrinking and the Blue Shell for sliding, among many others.

With Super Mario Bros. Wonder benefiting from a rich selection of power-ups, the Wonder Flower can leverage this extensive catalog. By manipulating levels and introducing new challenges like water flooding or altering terrain size, the game's central gimmick encourages players to approach each level differently. Classic Mario power-ups serve as valuable tools to provide alternative strategies. It is essential that players can overcome each Wonder Flower effect without relying solely on a specific power-up. However, incorporating a variety of classic items adds replayability and depth to the levels.

To encourage players, a level that becomes flooded with water could introduce the Frog Suit, allowing them to speed through the area. Alternatively, the Ice Flower from New Super Mario Bros. would enable players to remain on top of the water and avoid swimming. Additionally, when levels change shape and size, the Mini Mushrooms and Mega Mushrooms could provide exciting ways to navigate around new obstacles by altering the player's size. During a Wonder Flower segment, Nintendo could even consider adding, subtracting, or swapping effects of these items to keep players on their toes.

While it is likely that New Super Mario Bros. Wonder will focus on new ideas, as evidenced by its strong emphasis on innovation, it is worth considering the celebration of the series' rich history. Games like Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario 3D World have shown a tendency to look forward rather than backward. However, as the potential beginning of a new generation of Super Mario games, Super Mario Bros. Wonder should incorporate a few classic mechanics into its bold new vision.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder releases October 20 for Nintendo Switch.