Unleashing Ultimate Challenges: Super Mario Bros Wonder Online Redefines Gaming with Dark Souls Inspiration

Highlights

Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces unique elements including new playable characters, new power-ups, and online multiplayer similar to the Soulsborne games.

In Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the online multiplayer feature enables players to engage and support each other in a synchronized manner, drawing parallels to the social mechanics found in games such as Dark Souls and Death Stranding.

This multiplayer mode allows players to observe others' actions in real time, share items and friendly exchanges, and even revive one another in the event of death during online gameplay, resulting in a fresh and captivating communal adventure.

Following the announcement of Super Mario Bros. Wonder on June 21, fans have eagerly awaited its release in October. Nintendo recently aired a special broadcast called "Super Mario Bros. Wonder Direct" on August 31, which provided around 15 minutes of new gameplay footage. This not only gave players a more comprehensive glimpse into the upcoming sidescroller, but also introduced a fresh approach to the Super Mario Bros. franchise.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder stands out with its inclusion of diverse playable characters, unique power-ups, and online functionality. The online multiplayer has particularly garnered significant attention, as it is inspired by the Soulsborne games, adding an unexpected but potentially thrilling aspect to the game's structure.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder Is Heading Into Uncharted Multiplayer Waters

Before presenting the latest version of the game, fans had high hopes for a more robust multiplayer experience in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. With several years having passed since the release of the last 2D Mario platformer, now is the opportune moment to implement some changes. Adopting elements from the Dark Souls games for online play is a bold choice that could yield great returns, but it also raises a number of questions.

Fortunately, the recent footage has provided answers to several of these questions regarding how multiplayer will function. While previous Mario games have offered cooperative options, it appears that Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be more challenging due to its intricate choices. Not only will the game evoke nostalgia for past Super Mario games, but it will also feature MMO-like elements. If players opt for online play, they will have the opportunity to spectate others in real time.

Some people compare this online element to Elden Ring or other Soulsborne titles. The biggest difference here is that Nintendo allows players to directly interact with and help each other. In Dark Souls, players can't do much to prevent others from getting into trouble. They can try to leave warning messages, but they might be ignored. In Super Mario Bros. Wonder, players can place a cut-out called Standees around the map, which works similarly to the social systems in Death Stranding.

While playing courses and exploring the new Flower Kingdom map, players can come into contact with other players or their Standees. They can exchange items and greet each other. The most exciting feature is that if someone dies during online play, they don't necessarily lose a life. Instead, they become a ghost and can be revived by coming into contact with another player, similar to the Bubble form in other Mario games. Even if other players aren't present, a ghost can revive someone by touching their Standee on the map, regardless of whether they're online or not.

Helping each other is highly encouraged, as it allows players to earn Heart Points. While karma systems in games are not new, Super Mario Bros. Wonder stands out by quantifying a player's assistance to others. Unfortunately, the total Heart Points earned do not impact the gameplay. However, for those who enjoy performing good deeds and seeing their numbers increase, it remains a charming system that rewards kindness.

The reception of this Dark Souls-inspired feature in the upcoming launch of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is still uncertain. The focus on consideration towards others is a positive addition. In any case, it guarantees an unique experience that previous Super Mario games have not ventured into.

Super Mario Bros Wonder launches on October 20, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.