Yoshi Enthusiasts Face a Difficult Dilemma with Mario Wonder
Super Mario Bros Wonder introduces exciting gameplay features, allowing players to control beloved characters, but Yoshi enthusiasts may face unexpected challenges that lead to frustration
Highlights
Super Mario Bros. Wonder marks a milestone in Mario's legacy as the inaugural 2D Mario game in over a decade. This groundbreaking title pays homage to Mario's rich history by offering a selection of 12 vibrant characters ready to embark on unforgettable adventures. Among the playable heroes, fans can enjoy controlling iconic figures such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Toadette, and Yoshi.
Fans might feel let down that Yoshi is unable to utilize power-ups in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, as it significantly diminishes the appeal of the game. Yoshi, often seen as an easier mode option, undermines some of the most captivating elements of the gameplay. Fans can only hope and exercise patience, longing for Yoshi's triumphant return in the forthcoming installment.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the first new 2D Mario title in 11 years, was released earlier this month. It celebrates Mario's history and lets players choose from a roster of 12 characters, including Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Toadette, and Yoshi. While some characters are simple recolors, Yoshi stands out with unique abilities that can make the game easier. However, this advantage comes with a significant drawback, creating a dilemma for Yoshi fans. In Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Mario and his friends find themselves in the Flower Kingdom, a neighboring realm to the Mushroom Kingdom. They encounter Prince Florian, the ruler of the Flower Kingdom, and discover the power of Wonder Flowers, which have a strange and reality-altering effect. Bowser, using a Wonder Flower, combines himself with the Koopa Clown Car and Prince Florian's Castle, forming the sentient Bowser Castle. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, and their friends embark on a mission to save the Flower Kingdom from Bowser's villainous use of the Wonder Flowers. Their goal is to prevent Bowser from executing a plan that could destroy both the Mushroom and Flower Kingdoms.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Relegates Yoshi to the Sidelines
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is designed for all levels of Mario fans to enjoy. In order to cater to younger fans and those who find the 2D platforming challenging, the game includes certain elements. One of these elements is the inclusion of invincible playable characters in Wonder, who are able to withstand an unlimited number of hits without losing a life. However, it should be noted that falling out of bounds still counts as a loss. Among these invincible characters, Yoshi stands out as a longstanding member of the main cast. Yoshi is joined by Nabbit and other colorful Yoshi variants as part of the easy mode option in Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
However, there is a downside to playing as Yoshi in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Unlike other characters, Yoshi is unable to use the game's power-ups. This is a significant departure from the game's predecessors and may be disappointing to some fans who are drawn to the unique element of power-ups. It would have made more sense if this restriction applied only to the Red Yoshi, Yellow Yoshi, and Light-Blue Yoshi, as their names indicate that they are additional side characters. In its current state, Yoshi is the only legacy Super Mario character who is limited to a supporting role in Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Puts Yoshi Fans in a Tough Spot
Yoshi fans face a dilemma as they embark on their journey through Super Mario Bros. Wonder's Flower Kingdom. While the lovable dinosaur can tackle the entire adventure alone, fans who don't need invincibility may feel a bit left out. To make matters worse, characters like Toadette, Blue Toad, and Yellow Toad, who are less popular, have access to all the power-ups, making Yoshi's lesser role even more apparent.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is an exciting and innovative take on what made Yoshi so beloved in the first place. Introducing new abilities that defy the rules of the game's characters and levels, Wonder celebrates the series' history and promising future. Yoshi's place in that future remains uncertain, but being pushed behind characters like Blue Toad and Toadette has understandably raised concerns among fans. For now, Yoshi enthusiasts are delighted to see the character embark on a solo adventure in Super Mario Bros. Wonder and eagerly await a more prominent role for Yoshi in future Super Mario titles.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is available now, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
