Unveiling Super Mario Bros Wonder: A Game-Changer Igniting a Decade-Long Revolution
Super Mario Bros Wonder shatters a decade-long tradition by reintroducing a classic 2D gaming experience Nintendo's iconic franchise makes a triumphant return, delighting fans with a nostalgic blast from the past
The most recent Nintendo Direct brought a major surprise with the announcement of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a fresh addition to the beloved 2D series. This confirms the speculation about a new Super Mario game in the works, although there may be some discrepancies like the inclusion of the movie's designs.
Furthermore, Super Mario Bros. Wonder marks the first mainline Mario game release since 2017's Super Mario Odyssey. Beyond this lengthy wait, what makes it even more noteworthy is that it challenges a convention that has been a part of the series for the past decade.
Super Mario Has Not Had a New Traditional 2D Game In Over 10 Years
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the first completely 2D game in the mainline series in almost 11 years, since the release of New Super Mario Bros. U in 2012. However, this long gap may not be immediately noticeable for several reasons. For example, a wide range of highly successful Mario games, spanning different genres, have been consistently released for the Switch. While some of these are spin-offs and not part of the core platforming genre, others are enhanced versions of Wii U titles with added content. Many of these ports include 2D and 3D platformers such as Super Mario 3D World and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, which were previously inaccessible to players who did not own a Wii U.
The reason Super Mario Bros. Wonder may have gone unnoticed is largely due to the existence of Super Mario Maker 2. Both games are 2D platformers released in 2019, but they have a key distinction. Super Mario Maker 2 focuses on player-created levels, while Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers pre-made, linear levels like the more traditional games in the series.
Technicalities aside, it's exciting to have a traditional Mario platformer that brings something fresh to the series. While the New Super Mario Bros. games provide enjoyable experiences with extensive content, it's invigorating to see the latest game take a unique approach to level design.
The announcement trailer for Super Mario Bros. Wonder indicates that players will have the opportunity to manipulate different aspects of the game's levels, making it easier to collect items and giving the game its own unique identity. While some fans may have preferred a more straightforward approach, the incorporation of the Wonder Flower, which brings levels to life, is undeniably a distinctive direction.
Setting aside the cool gimmicks, it is satisfying to see that the Nintendo Switch will finally have a traditional 2D Mario game that prioritizes platforming challenges above all else. Despite the Switch boasting a variety of Mario games, including sports titles and the franchise's first open-ended 3D platformer in more than a decade, it has been lacking a game that truly exemplifies why Mario became a household name nearly 40 years ago. Hopefully, Super Mario Bros. Wonder lives up to the bold and enjoyable new direction indicated by the trailer.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder will come out October 20, 2023, for Switch.
