The Wonders Of Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Previously, Nintendo nerds were bewitched at the potential of what appeared to be a brand new chapter for the Super Mario series during this year’s second Nintendo Direct [21]. From a bewildering new elephant form for Mario to a new race of koopas with pink shells on roller skates to a new flower that causes some hallucinatory effects, the forthcoming new chapter has already sparked the curiosity of the Super Mario series’ fanbase. Near the end of Summer, such potential has been expanded with another direct solely dedicated to it that goes into more detail on why it is worth purchasing and playing [26]. Watching the direct during the release of the Dimension Shellshock DLC for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge and Hatsune Miku’s birthday yesterday [23] [26] [31], many fellow Nintendo nerds and I were once again starstruck. Like how we analysed the potential of New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, back in September 2018 before its release in January 2019 [41] [42], let us see more of what Super Mario. Bros Wonder has to offer as a new chapter of the red-hatted plumber’s legacy [26]. There will be a lot to analyse, so hold onto your hats and crowns!

I hope my fellow Nintendo nerds are having a great Virgo season this year [30]. My fellow hazbeans know that Moxxie from Helluva Boss is a Virgo [11]. [26]

One of the most noticeable aspects of the upcoming new chapter of the main Super Marioseries aside from its new setting known as the “Flower Kingdom” is the graphics [21] [26] [36]. The playable characters look bold in their usual colour palettes in a variety of gorgeously rendered settings. The new art style makes the districts of Flower Kingdom, from Pipe-Rock Plateau to Petal Isles look more fleshed out than the worlds in many previous Super Mario titles [26] [36]. I would say that the visual upgrade is about as noticeably striking as the visuals in Animal Crossing: New Horizons [19]. The new kingdom is ruled by an adorable new character named “Prince Florian” who briefly resembles a wiggler and is populated by alternatives to Toads wearing striped and less rounded hats known as “Poplin” [26] [36]. Aside from their innocence, Bowser’s form of a stolen castle looks menacing. I also like how the selection of courses is non-linear in open areas, which gives the player a break from how linear the usual quests are. Alongside a fresh new look for a new title, there are some new aspects in terms of the gameplay and world-building that will make the adventure even more super.

Oh! And do not forget the areas where Mario, the bricks, the item boxes and so on are silhouetted, which vaguely reminds me of Limbo [21] [28]. [26]

I honestly thought Blue Toad was not going to return as a playable character until his appearance in the direct [21] [26]. Moreover, Toadette will once again be playable over three years after her appetite for adventure in New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe [41] [42]. I am amazed at Yoshi becoming a playable character all by himself with his usual abilities [26], just like in Super Mario Run [13], yet he can still be a noble steed to ride on during multiplayer mode and it is funny how another Yoshi can ride on him [26]. Yoshi will be available to play as in four different colours and he and Nabbit are ideal for an easier gameplay experience with immunity to being killed by an enemy. Nabbit’s playability is a reminder of New Super Luigi Bros. U [24], yet I cannot help but think that he could still be a good rival for Sly Cooper [34]. Since Fire Peach made a brief appearance in the previous trailer [21], this means that Fire Daisy will make her debut [26]. It may be early to start speculating about downloadable content for the game, but I suspect that a DLC pack can feature Rosalina as a playable character [27].

Seeing Daisy become part of a main Super Mario adventure besides Super Mario Run is a breath of fresh air [13] [21] [26]. It will not be long until Lara Croft from the Tomb Raider franchise will have that girl power for an older audience in Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare II, Call Of Duty: Warzone 2.0 and Call Of Duty: Warzone Mobile as part of Season 05 Reloaded [2] [3] [4]. [26]

Charles Martinet may have retired from voicing Mario, Luigi, Wario and Waluigi [40], but the new voice actor has the cred of a promising replacement [21] [26]. As for the talking flowers, how their dialogues in the gameplay are also fully voice acted makes them more amusing. Personally, how exciting the gameplay is matters more than who voices who, which is what we ought to have learned from the arrival of the post-Sonic X cast of the Sonic the Hedgehog characters by now [32]. [21]

What about the new power-ups? Summoned by the Elephant Fruit, Elephant Mario impresses me with his ability to suck up water with his truck and hurl Spinys back at a Lakitu with it and Elephant Peach and Elephant Daisy look adorable [26]. The new Bubble Flower allows you to capture enemies in a bubble or use a bubble to get to a higher platform, making it another unique power-up aside from how it makes another lovely purple dress for Peach outside of the Super Smash Bros. series [15] [16] [26]. The Drill Mushroom gives any of the heroes a drill-like hat that can knock out a Spiny, be used as…you guessed it…a drill or be a way to travel underground like Bugs Bunny [9] [26]. The Wonder Flowers come in a different colour, depending on the location in the Flower Kingdom and result in a rather unexpected occurrence, such as pipes coming to life and a character becoming a Goomba until a Wonder Seed is found [26]. I also like how power-ups can be backed up and swapped as another sign of the usual gameplay experience being upgraded so greatly. Both the old and the new power-ups can make another Super Mario adventure elevating.

The developers thought outside the box when it came to developing these new power-ups. [26]

Wonder Seeds can also be earned as a thank-you gift from a Poplin. You can tell that these adorable residents of the Flower Kingdom are as civilised as the Toads in the Mushroom Kingdom. [26]

The creativity of the new enemies is bewildering. Samples of the imaginativeness include: 

•       Melon Piranha Plants that spit out watermelon seeds [26] [36]
•       Mumsies that can be unwrapped [26] [36]
•       Hoppycats that jump when you jump [26] [36]
•       Condarts whose beaks will sink into the ground like the end of a lawn dart [26] [36]
•       Konks sinking into goo as an alternative to Thowmps [26] [36]
•       As previously mentioned, pink-shelled Koopas on roller skates [26] [36]

It can be stated that the variety of new enemies in Super Mario Bros. Wonder is more creative than a bunch of classic enemies feeling different emotions in Super Princess Peach [14] [26]. As for the bosses, one of them appears to be Bowser Jr. corrupted by the effects of the Wonder Flowers [26] [36]. C’mon, Bowser! Have you learned nothing from how you were corrupted in Bowser’s Fury [43] [44]?! Speaking of Bowser, I would not be surprised if his main motivation to use the power of a Wonder Flower to steal Prince Florian’s castle is to take over the Flower Kingdom after many failed attempts at taking over the Mushroom Kingdom [26]. Alongside new foes to take down, many old ones will be the usual obstacles throughout the quest in the Flower Kingdom.

THIS IS AMBITIOUS!!! The Piranha Plants just wanna eat Mario alive…but now there are WATERMELONS that spit seeds as he strives [38]. [26]

There are also some courses that require a Wonder Seed to be unlocked, in-game badges that provide new abilities, such as latching onto platforms and walls with the grabbling vine and a self-explanatory floating high jump and a set of badge challenges as a series of side quests and another rewards system [26] [36]. I do not think I can handle using the Invisibility badge, but I bet Sonic the Hedgehog could go a little green in envy when he sees Mario using the Jet Run badge [8] [17] [18] [35]. No reference to Swifty the Shrew from Sonic Boom intended [33]. Allowing only one badge to be used would keep the gameplay balanced and it would require some logical thinking to know which badge would be the most ideal for a certain area in a certain course [26] [36]. Aside from challenges being a way to earn some badges, others can be purchased with a certain amount of flower coins from Poplin Shops, further reducing the linearity of the experience. The use of badges seems to be associated with further developing a bond with Prince Florian as he wears them as an accessory for his crown. This new rewards system involving badges that unlock new abilities seems exceptional, providing some fun side quests for the player aside from the main gameplay and elevating the upcoming new chapter’s individuality.

There are three different types of badges and they are visually presented in different colours [26]. The Action Badges give a character an exclusive new ability and the Boost Badges provide some assistance in certain aspects of the gameplay [36]. [26]

Lastly, let us delve into the online gameplay. How the other players running around a map and striving through a course appear as ghosts referred to as “Live Player Shadows” vaguely reminds me of staff ghost races in Mario Kart Wii and after a player’s avatar gets killed off in Trivia Murder Party [10] [12] [26] [36]. Power-ups can be shared with online collaborators, which sure is thoughtful [26] [36]. If you die in the game (and hopefully not outside of it), your ghost can float to a live player shadow to be revived, which can also happen when you float towards another player in local multiplayer mode, which is definitely more kid-friendly than stealing the remaining survivor’s body in the final round of Trivia Murder Party [10]. There are also a wide variety of standees to purchase and use to revive other players [26] [36]. Lastly, you can see an online player’s heart points that are earned by reviving others, sharing items with them, and reaching flag poles with them. Aside from a collaborative main adventure with online players, you can also compete against them in races, quite like racing against a staff ghost in Mario Kart Wii [12]. Looks like online gaming will become even better in Super Mario Bros. Wonder as we will all be in the main gameplay experience together [26] [36].

We’re wondering together 
All online 
Be a ghost, 
But don’t boast 

When you’re playing [6]! [26]

We’re wondering together 
As we try 
Our own best 
In this quest 

When this game comes out [6]! [26]

Encased in a dashing new art style and jampacked with new gameplay elements and more, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to be released this October just a week before the Five Nights At Freddy’s film [26] [36] [39]. In the meantime, the party has only just started in Samba de Amigo: Party Central and Rayman’s limbless legacy in 3D is finally back alongside a new Phantom Show career with the Rabbid Mario, Rabbid Peach and their stunt doubles [20] [22]. What else could there be to hope for in terms of Nintendo’s proactivity, as well as its praise for treasuring nostalgia in new ways? Perhaps similarity to how the Atari 2600+ will be released this November as the remastered equivalent of the Atari 2600 from 1977 [1] [7] [45], Nintendo can finally introduce Japan to the Nintendo Entertainment System, the Western counterpart of the Famicom by producing and releasing a remastered equivalent with a few exclusive features, such as a single cartridge that consists of many best-selling old school titles and the same can apply to finally introducing the Famicom from 1983 to Nintendo nerds outside of Japan [5]. Before the wonderous new chapter of Super Mario begins, a new Mario Red edition of the OLED model of the Nintendo Switch will be released [26].

As richly red as this forthcoming OLED model of the Nintendo Switch is [26], there is strong hope that the joy-cons will not lead a Nintendo nerd into dark territory, unlike Elise’s red shoes in the upcoming horror-adventure game in a ‘90s anime style titled “Little Goody Two Shoes” [28] [46]. [26]

I strongly believe that Super Mario Bros. Wonder is going to be a fantastic start to a new chapter after the success of The Super Mario Bros. Movie [26] [36] [37]. In the meantime, have a sweet and cool competition in the Sundae Tour in Mario Kart Tour [25], Nintendo nerds! [25]

References

1. Atari Inc. (2023). ATARI 2600+. Available: https://atari.com/products/atari-2600-plus. Last accessed 27th Aug 2023.
2. callofduty and tombraider. (2023). Available: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cwfw4LaJOQv/. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
3. CallofDutyUK. (2023). Available: https://twitter.com/callofdutyuk/status/1696496679816495123. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
4. Call of Duty Wiki. (2023). Lara Croft. Available: https://callofduty.fandom.com/wiki/Lara_Croft. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
5. dememes1835. (2021). NES VS. Famicom- What Are The Differences?. Available: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/yUOKEZYIdJk. Last accessed 27th Aug 2023.
6. Disney Music. (2009). High School Musical - We're All In This Together. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlRvE9dKWQc. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
7. GameTrailers. (2023). Atari 2600+ - Official Announcement Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50h90fIZ21w. Last accessed 27th Aug 2023.
8. gamesyouloved. (2013). SEGA Genesis Commercials - Genesis does what Nintendon't!. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65E53rNC1io. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
9. Infogrames. (1999). Bugs Bunny: Lost in Time. Microsoft Windows. Paris, France.
10. Jackbox Games. (2016). The Jackbox Party Pack 3. Microsoft Windows. Illinous, United States.
11. Medrano, V. (2023). HELLUVA BOSS - Truth Seekers // S1: Episode 6. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXErLiSbxXQ. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
12. Nintendo. (2008). Mario Kart Wii. Nintendo Wii. Kyoto, Japan.
13. Nintendo. (2016). Super Mario Run. iOS. Kyoto, Japan.
14. Nintendo. (2005). Super Princess Peach. Nintendo DS. Kyoto, Japan.
15. Nintendo. (2008). Super Smash Bros. Brawl. Nintendo Wii. Kyoto, Japan.
16. Nintendo. (2018). Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Nintendo Switch. Kyoto, Japan.
17. Nintendo and SEGA. (2011). Mario and Sonic At The London 2012 Olympic Games. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo. Japan.
18. Nintendo and SEGA. (2007). Mario and Sonic At The Olympic Games. Nintendo Wii. Tokyo. Japan.
19. Nintendo of America. (2020). Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Island Life is Calling! - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9TY741PSh8. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
20. Nintendo of America. (2023). Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope - DLC 3 Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=176oi8N1X_A. Last accessed 30th Aug 2023.
21. Nintendo of America. (2023). Nintendo Direct 6.21.2023 - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mrZtzGRAKrM. Last accessed 30th Aug 2023.
22. Nintendo of America. (2023). Samba de Amigo: Party Central - Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HE_-P1GXI1Y. Last accessed 30th Aug 2023.
23. Nintendo of America. (2023). TMNT: Shredder's Revenge - Dimension Shellshock - Launch Trailer - Nintendo Switch. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qix46-HpKBI. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
24. Nintendo of America. (2013). Wii U - New Super Luigi U E3 Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4c1Oeh24yk. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
25. Nintendo Mobile. (2023). Mario Kart Tour - Sundae Tour Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl_SCvKxl1s. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
26. Nintendo UK. (2023). Super Mario Bros. Wonder Direct – 31/08/2023. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPaXffV3F9w. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
27. NintendoWiiUUK. (2013). SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD - Rosalina Trailer (Wii U). Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAwAjVtbStY. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
28. Playdead. (2010). LIMBO - Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4HSyVXKYz8. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
29. Pocket Mirror Wiki. (2020). Little Goody Two Shoes. Available: https://pocketmirror.fandom.com/wiki/Little_Goody_Two_Shoes. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
30. Pusheen. (2023). Available: https://twitter.com/Pusheen/status/1694379050892988873. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
31. Pusheen. (2023). Available: https://twitter.com/Pusheen/status/1697278174395085259. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
32. shadow759. (2010). Shadow The Hedgehog Meets Kirk Thornton. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PouOLocd_BY. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
33. Sonic Boom. (2019). Sonic Boom | Blue with Envy | Episode 08. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cncRMhcQ1Y. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
34. Sony Computer Entertainment. (2010). The Sly Collection, PlayStation 3. California, United States.
35. Super Mario Wiki. (2017). Sega. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Sega#Rivalry. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.
36. Super Mario Wiki. (2023). Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Available: https://www.mariowiki.com/Super_Mario_Bros._Wonder. Last accessed 30th Aug 2023.
37. The Super Mario Bros. Movie, dir. by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic (Universal Pictures, 2023).
38. Top Viners 2. (2015). Marlon Webb Watermelon Vines Compilation | Top Viners ✔. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6-vzwZZcFM. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
39. Universal Pictures. (2023). Five Nights at Freddy's | Official Trailer 2. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_T0o5uNrlY. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
40. Vailskibum. (2023). Charles Martinet is FINISHED Voicing Mario. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EkHVTxjj4_U. Last accessed 30th Aug 2023.
41. Williams, L. (2018). Another Deluxe Delight For Mario’s Switch Era Is On Its Way. Available: https://laurasambitiouswriting.wordpress.com/2018/09/24/newsupermariobrosudeluxe/. Last accessed 30th Aug 2023.
42. Williams, L. (2018). Another Deluxe Delight For Mario’s Switch Era Is On Its Way. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2018/09/newsupermariobrosudeluxe.html. Last accessed 30th Aug 2023.
43. Williams, L. (2021). Bowser’s Fury Shall Be Fuelled This February. Available: https://gamer.icuonline.tv/?p=4082. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
44. Williams, L. (2021). Bowser’s Fury Shall Be Fuelled This February. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2021/01/bowsers-fury-trailer.html. Last accessed 31st Aug 2023.
45. Williams, L. (2023). Some More Cartoon Crazes In Gaming In August And September 2023. Available: https://laurawritesanarticle.blogspot.com/2023/08/cartoony-crazes-in-gaming-august-and-september-2023-part-2.html. Last accessed 27th Aug 2023.
46. Xbox. (2023). Little Goody Two Shoes - Story Reveal Trailer. Available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQb3TqUFeE8. Last accessed 1st Sept 2023.