Nintendo recently stirred up excitement during its June Direct, announcing an all-new 2D Mario game, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, set to launch on October 20, 2023. This fresh iteration of the iconic franchise promises an intriguing mix of familiar gameplay and innovative mechanics, taking players on a new adventure into the Mushroom Kingdom. The announcement was the culmination of a particularly Mario-heavy Direct, and fans are thrilled with the unveiling of this new mainline title that brings back our beloved plumber into side-scrolling action, flanked by a cast of familiar friends.
At the heart of Super Mario Bros. Wonder is the innovative “Wonder Flower” power-up. This exciting addition brings the Mushroom Kingdom to life in unexpected ways. From animated pipes to a horde of enemies, the Wonder Flower adds a fresh layer of excitement to the game. Its unique effects were prominently featured in the announcement trailer, showcasing innovative gameplay elements like purple hippos, piranha plants exiting their pipes, and roller-skating Koopas.
Further spicing up the gameplay is another power-up, the Elephant Mushroom. This unexpected feature transforms Mario into an elephant, enabling him to clear small obstacles effortlessly. The game also introduces a lineup of other playable characters, from Luigi and Toad to Princess Peach, Daisy, and Yoshi. The option for four-player co-op brings an added dimension to the game, promising even more fun and replayability.
While Super Mario Bros. Wonder shares visual similarities with the New Super Mario Bros. series, it stands apart with its array of visual flourishes, enemies, and power-ups. Enhanced animations, such as Mario grabbing his hat after it falls off during pipe traversal, add a more dynamic touch to the game. The announcement of this new game marks a significant return to the classic 2D side-scrolling action. Despite the numerous spin-offs, remakes, and collections released over the past years, Mario’s last original 2D game was Super Mario Maker 2 in 2019.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder promises a new spin on the cherished 2D Mario platforming, adding in novel power-ups and mechanics. It stands as an exciting addition to the Switch roster, alongside other successful Nintendo franchises like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
Nintendo’s announcement is part of an incredibly successful year for Mario, with the Super Mario Bros. Movie reigning as the top-grossing film of 2023 and the opening of Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Hollywood.
Pre-orders for Super Mario Bros. Wonder are now available on the Nintendo eShop. As we count down to the October 2023 release, fans and gamers are keenly awaiting more updates and details about this exciting new adventure in the Mushroom Kingdom.
