I never get too excited about a new 2D Mario platformer until it's actually in my hands and I'm playing it. Even after playing a 2D entry, I won't think much of it until I'm actively replaying it. Every time I think a new entry will be too similar to past entries, I'll be surprised and proven wrong. This is one of those times!
Mario Wonder is a joy to play. Nintendo has finally made the act of controlling Mario and Co. as well as their personalities shine through in 2D as much as they already do in the 3D series. The gameplay experience harkens back to Super Mario World in that it encourages exploration, discovery, and surprise as to what you'll find instead of more hardcore 2D platforming action. Although there are a few sections that are still tough as nails!
The Wonder Flower mechanic is central to the pillar of discovery the design team was going for. With each new level, I found myself wondering what new challenge or surprise would be thrown at me next and I found there to be many more hits than misses here. The drawback to this mechanic is that with Wonder Seeds, there is less emphasis placed on the level design of the latter half of stages if you don't get a Wonder Seed. I wish there were more reasons to explore stages without collecting a Wonder Seed, but these opportunities are rarely there. Wonder Seeds bring joy through an abundance of unique content, but they sometimes result in levels not feeling truly "complete".
One other thing I'll call out is that I really love the approach to multiplayer. Having other players as shadows that are constantly aiding your journey or being present in a stage adds a dimension to the game I didn't expect. The Search Party levels where you team up with other players to search for extremely well-hidden items is the highlight of this approach. I'll also never forget traversing through the extremely difficult final stage with a Red Yoshi Stranger. We would continually wait for each other at each section and revive each other if needed. This was my favorite experience in the whole game.
Nintendo is reliably one of the only game companies that can express a giant smile from me whenever I play. Their teams always pay attention to the small details, and it always enhances the experience. Mario Wonder has personality in spades.
Favorite Tracks:
Petal Isles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ5Tqz7Fwlg&list=PL2XjmdkuVL-3wJKAC7hwQ3BADByBhhj8r&index=26
Wonder Flower (Going Up!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSYA7sqsEIA&list=PL2XjmdkuVL-3wJKAC7hwQ3BADByBhhj8r&index=15
Mario Wonder is a joy to play. Nintendo has finally made the act of controlling Mario and Co. as well as their personalities shine through in 2D as much as they already do in the 3D series. The gameplay experience harkens back to Super Mario World in that it encourages exploration, discovery, and surprise as to what you'll find instead of more hardcore 2D platforming action. Although there are a few sections that are still tough as nails!
The Wonder Flower mechanic is central to the pillar of discovery the design team was going for. With each new level, I found myself wondering what new challenge or surprise would be thrown at me next and I found there to be many more hits than misses here. The drawback to this mechanic is that with Wonder Seeds, there is less emphasis placed on the level design of the latter half of stages if you don't get a Wonder Seed. I wish there were more reasons to explore stages without collecting a Wonder Seed, but these opportunities are rarely there. Wonder Seeds bring joy through an abundance of unique content, but they sometimes result in levels not feeling truly "complete".
One other thing I'll call out is that I really love the approach to multiplayer. Having other players as shadows that are constantly aiding your journey or being present in a stage adds a dimension to the game I didn't expect. The Search Party levels where you team up with other players to search for extremely well-hidden items is the highlight of this approach. I'll also never forget traversing through the extremely difficult final stage with a Red Yoshi Stranger. We would continually wait for each other at each section and revive each other if needed. This was my favorite experience in the whole game.
Nintendo is reliably one of the only game companies that can express a giant smile from me whenever I play. Their teams always pay attention to the small details, and it always enhances the experience. Mario Wonder has personality in spades.
Favorite Tracks:
Petal Isles: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQ5Tqz7Fwlg&list=PL2XjmdkuVL-3wJKAC7hwQ3BADByBhhj8r&index=26
Wonder Flower (Going Up!): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSYA7sqsEIA&list=PL2XjmdkuVL-3wJKAC7hwQ3BADByBhhj8r&index=15