Unleashing a New Dimension: How Super Mario Bros Embraces Super Mario 3D World to Revolutionize Replay Value

The title Super Mario Bros. Wonder is already quite appealing for various reasons. The Wonder Flower, in particular, promises to bring a great deal of creativity to Mario level design, and the introduction of the intriguing new elephant-themed item suggests the possibility of more surprising power-ups to come. However, one of the most significant enhancements in Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the expanded playable cast. Not only does Princess Peach join in another exciting platforming adventure, but Daisy also finally gets the chance to embark on an adventure with Mario and Luigi, and Yoshi becomes a distinct character in his own right. Nevertheless, there is still potential for further development. Fortunately, Super Mario 3D World has already demonstrated that unlockable characters work extremely well in a Super Mario platformer.

3D World already had a strong lineup of characters including Mario, Luigi, Peach, and Toad, along with a few additional Captain Toad challenges. It also offered players the opportunity to unlock Rosalina once they progressed far enough in the game. Unlockable characters are not commonly seen in mainline Mario games, but Super Mario Bros. Wonder has the potential to make it a more prominent feature within the franchise. Despite already featuring a couple of highly anticipated characters, Super Mario Bros. Wonder could place a greater emphasis on hidden unlockable characters, scattering numerous Mario stars throughout the game and encouraging players to experience the game from a multitude of perspectives.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Can Double Down on 3D World's Rosalina

Introducing Rosalina in Super Mario 3D World proved to be a strategic move by Nintendo, despite her limited appearances in previous Mario games. Not only was she highly popular among fans, but Rosalina also showcased the potential for Mario platformers to explore the unique abilities of each character. Throughout the years, Mario games have given playable characters their own set of strengths and weaknesses, but Rosalina's spin attack distinguishes her in 3D World. It is a rarity for a Mario platformer character to possess an innate attack or special ability without the need for a power-up.

Expanding on this concept, Super Mario Bros. Wonder could introduce a larger roster of unlockable characters. While initial characters may only possess passive traits, Yoshi, for instance, could utilize his signature tongue ability similar to Rosalina's spin. As players progress, they could encounter classic Mario characters with distinct skills or profound strengths and weaknesses that significantly impact the gameplay. This approach would encourage fans to replay Super Mario Bros. Wonder, challenging themselves to master each level multiple times.

There are numerous other beloved Mario classics that have the potential to become more intricate characters in Wonder. Wario, for instance, stands out as an obvious choice; his trademark shoulder charge from the Wario Land games could serve as an excellent active ability for pummeling foes and shattering obstacles. Furthermore, Waluigi would make for an exciting unlockable character, particularly if his strong affiliation with Mario Tennis enables him to swat enemies aside and deflect incoming projectiles. If Nintendo wishes to take a daring approach, they could even introduce Donkey Kong, who could engage in the act of grabbing enemies and blocks to hurl them around.

If there's one area where 3D World's Rosalina in Wonder could be improved, it's how players unlock hidden characters. Currently, Rosalina is only accessible after progressing far enough in the post-game, making it quite late in the game. To enhance the experience, Wonder could introduce bonus characters throughout the main campaign. This could be achieved by creating special challenge levels themed after each character, showcasing their significance as one of Wonder's guests.

While Nintendo hasn't expressed a particular focus on having a vast roster of unlockable characters with unique abilities, there is potential for a wider selection. Considering that Mario Wonder already offers more playable characters than most 2D Mario platformers, Nintendo might be considering expanding the options even further. Only time will reveal if Super Mario Bros. Wonder chooses to follow in the footsteps of 3D World, but if it does, it should strive to do so on a grand scale.

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