One of my favorite things about the Super Mario Bros. series is that they can take the same simple gameplay from the 80s, spice up the visuals, add some new elements such as new worlds or characters, and be able to create a game that feels fresh and can be loved by everyone – new and old. Game Crater attended PAX Aus 2023 last week, and one of my highlights was getting a guided first look at the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Wonder.
Our quick playthrough came with direct insight from the awesome Nintendo Australia team, who explained to us the new world and some of the cool new features in this game.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the upcoming title in the long-lasting Mario series that will arrive on Nintendo Switch on October 20. Just like in previous titles, you play as Mario or his friends and navigate through various worlds filled with platforms, pipes, and obstacles.
Players can jump over gaps, dodge or stomp on enemies, and collect coins and power-ups, like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower, along the way. As with previous games, the goal is to travel from left to right with the aim of reaching the flag.
“I really enjoyed the beautiful visuals of the new world and particularly how they were more interactive than previous titles“
In this new game, you are placed in the Flower Kingdom rather than the Mushroom Kingdom, and yet again, your job is to stop Bowser from causing trouble. You will meet the flower bud people and get to explore their new world. One of the new features of this world that I really enjoyed is the Wonder Flowers, which alter reality and allow you to run through a twisted version of the level with new obstacles. These obstacles change from level to level and can vary – in one level I tested, the Wonder Flower made the pipes run across the screen while going up and down. This effect only lasts until you collect a Wonder Seed, so only for a short time, and adds a new dynamic to the game for additional enjoyment.
I really enjoyed the beautiful visuals of the new world and particularly how they were more interactive than previous titles. I particularly enjoyed how levels would change and animate while interacting with a wonder seed, which put on quite a spectacle.
“There is also multiplayer, which adds the wonderful benefit of playing with friends or family for hours on end.”
Like other titles, Super Mario Bros. Wonder has a very low learning curve and is easy to learn and pick up. It is designed to be playable for all ages and skill levels, making this new title familiar fun for everyone. There is also multiplayer, which adds the wonderful benefit of playing with friends or family for hours on end. The Game Crater team was able to play together, and as soon as we picked up a controller each, we immediately started having fun thanks to the very easy-to-understand gameplay. We had a lot of good laughs over the misfortune of each other while racing ahead to collect coins and complete some levels.
For players who may not be as skilled, you can choose to play as one of the Yoshis or Nabbit, which stops you from being able to be harmed. However, in doing so, you will not be able to use any power-ups. When playing multiplayer, this makes the game more accessible for all skill levels.
There are some new powerups in this game that give an additional element of fun and new adventures. You can collect an Elephant Fruit, which turns you into an elephant version of your character that is not only much larger but can also barge through blocks and swing its trunk around. There is also the Bubble Form that you get from a bubble flower, which gives you the ability to shoot bubbles at enemies, turning them into coins. Lastly, there is the Drill Form, which you get from collecting a Drill Mushroom that allows you to burrow underground, into the ceiling, and defend from attacks below. I had a good laugh playing as Yoshi and carrying one of the other players in the giant Elephant Form on my back as I ran through the level.
“Badges are another new feature of Super Mario Bros. Wonder that offers additional gameplay and collectible fun.”
I was able to see plenty of re-playability through this game, which will allow players to get hours and hours of endless fun. One of the new features for players who like to be completionists is that the levels require you to collect coins, Wonder Seeds, and Badges to fully complete the game.
Badges are another new feature of Super Mario Bros. Wonder that offers additional gameplay and collectible fun. As you play through the levels, you will discover new badges that offer cool new features, such as the ability to jump higher than usual or collect coins more easily. I really enjoyed seeing the Parachute Cap Badge, which allowed players to float across parts of the levels to avoid enemies or get a quick advantage on another player. However, don’t get too excited – not all badges make the game easier, as some will add additional challenges.
With familiar gameplay, bright new visuals, and a new world to explore, Super Mario Bros. Wonder looks like a promising new title in the loved and long-lasting series. For new players, there are plenty of ways to play on your own or with friends through varied difficulties. Returning players will find new fun as they explore some of the new features, such as the Wonder Seeds, Badges, and unique forms. I am definitely excited to see what else Super Mario Bros. Wonder has to offer on launch day.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be releasing on Nintendo Switch on Friday, October 20, 2023, and will be available for $59.95 USD. I highly recommend trying out this new title in the Mario series for endless fun and many new challenges in the new Flower Kingdom. In the meantime, make sure to check out our Games Hub for all of our other Super Mario. Bros Wonder guides and news.