It’s been 15 years since I’ve played NSMB’s story mode, and I couldn’t think of a more perfect time to revisit it with Mario Wonder out now. I decided to play on a 100% save file to focus mainly on level design and gameplay, not so much the unlocking. And wow... the first four worlds in particular are unbelievably dull.
The levels themselves were surprisingly uninspired and offered very little variety. I really only found level 2-3 (the sewer level) to be truly inventive and fun, as well as some of the tower and castle levels (like Castle 1-1). And I quickly realized that level exploration and finding secrets was practically mandatory to enjoy these barren levels.
However, once you get to Worlds 5-8, the levels slowly start to display a bit of innovation. I really enjoyed 7-3 with the huge Wiggler, 6-6 with all of the spin blocks, 8-3 where you swim away from a GIANT eel, and literally every other level in World 8 (the meteor shower, the rising lava, etc.). Always loved World 8 as a kid, and it’s clear that its daring level design is why. But without a doubt, the BEST level in the game goes to World 8-Bowser’s Castle both for its amazing music and creative level design. I specifically loved when the path repeated if you didn’t navigate it properly, or how the level would often flip upside down (literally).
So, with all of that said… I was still pretty disappointed replaying this. The gameplay is shockingly unmemorable and only a handful of levels in Worlds 5, 6, 7 and 8 are actually innovative. I think its biggest problem is how 80% of the levels are painfully straightforward and offer the same, simplistic level design. It's just sad because this game was so monumental to my relationship with video games, but I don’t see myself playing it again. I'll forever play the multiplayer mode though.
The levels themselves were surprisingly uninspired and offered very little variety. I really only found level 2-3 (the sewer level) to be truly inventive and fun, as well as some of the tower and castle levels (like Castle 1-1). And I quickly realized that level exploration and finding secrets was practically mandatory to enjoy these barren levels.
However, once you get to Worlds 5-8, the levels slowly start to display a bit of innovation. I really enjoyed 7-3 with the huge Wiggler, 6-6 with all of the spin blocks, 8-3 where you swim away from a GIANT eel, and literally every other level in World 8 (the meteor shower, the rising lava, etc.). Always loved World 8 as a kid, and it’s clear that its daring level design is why. But without a doubt, the BEST level in the game goes to World 8-Bowser’s Castle both for its amazing music and creative level design. I specifically loved when the path repeated if you didn’t navigate it properly, or how the level would often flip upside down (literally).
So, with all of that said… I was still pretty disappointed replaying this. The gameplay is shockingly unmemorable and only a handful of levels in Worlds 5, 6, 7 and 8 are actually innovative. I think its biggest problem is how 80% of the levels are painfully straightforward and offer the same, simplistic level design. It's just sad because this game was so monumental to my relationship with video games, but I don’t see myself playing it again. I'll forever play the multiplayer mode though.