Super Mario Wonder Is Indeed Wonderful

Super Mario Wonder, which is the latest installment of Super Mario 2D platformers, manages to take an old formula and make it feel new. The main idea is the same: Mario needs to dash, jump, and roll his way through several worlds and defeat Bowser’s lieutenants on the way to the Koopa King himself in order to thwart his plans. Yet Wonder takes steps to make this formula feel new whereas older Mario platformers have merely adhered to tradition.

Each level in Wonder feels inspired. In an early one, Mario witnesses a chorus of singing Piranha Plants, another will have Mario navigating a dungeon-like level by finding the correct keys to open the corresponding door. In another, the goal may not be located where you think it is. It’s all very colorful and new, and that’s before introducing Wonder Flowers. For lack of a better explanation, Wonder Flowers alter the flow of the level and make everything turn… wacky. Once a Wonder Flower is picked up, Mario’s goal is to make it through the altered level to where the Wonder Seed hides, thus turning the level back to normal. Wonder Seeds are needed to defeat Bowser, and Wonder Flowers add a unique flair. It’s important to note that each level has a crazy Wonder Flower variation, which increases the time spent on each.

The second major new addition that switches up gameplay are Badges. Badges grant power-ups to Mario’s abilities, such as a faster dash or gliding after a jump. Some Badges are needed to complete certain levels, but players are mostly free to customize according to their playstyle. Switching things up with trying out new Badges is a lot of fun and I hope they remain in future platformer installments.

Besides the big additions, I enjoyed the visual design of the levels and new locations, as well as the new power-ups. The new power-ups for Wonder allow Mario to blow bubbles and trap enemies within them, drill down into the ground or into a ceiling, and even transform into an elephant! My favorite is the drill power-up, but they have all been fun and useful in various scenarios. Playing Wonder has made me realize how far Mario games have come and, despite changes throughout the years, they all retain the same charm. It’s been seven years since Super Mario Odyssey was released and I’m ready for the next one!