“Super Mario Bros. Wonder: A Never-Ending Adventure in Side-Scrolling Splendor on the Nintendo Switch”

Wonder is a gift for long-time Super Mario fans like myself. It’s the first brand-new side-scrolling Mario game in over a decade and the first mainline entry since Super Mario Odyssey in 2017. Trust me, it’s not only nostalgic, but it’s also packed with fresh ideas that keep the franchise as exciting as ever. Indeed, “Wonder” is the perfect name for it, as you’ll find yourself in a perpetual state of wonder throughout your adventure.

Bowser’s New Gig: Giant Evil Castle

So, what’s the story this time around? Well, Bowser is up to his old tricks, but with a twist. Instead of kidnapping Princess Peach, he’s transformed himself into a massive, menacing castle. Yeah, it doesn’t make a ton of sense, but it’s not supposed to. Mostly, it’s just a clever excuse to get delightfully weird.

Old Meets New in Super Mario Wonderland

The basics are all still there. Mario (or whichever character you choose) moves from left to right, gets bigger with a mushroom, and finishes levels by sliding down a flagpole. You’ll still be squishing Goombas and collecting coins, but there are fantastic updates to the formula. You can turn into an elephant to smash through bricks, or slurp up water to help special seeds grow. Plus, you can shoot bubbles that serve as both enemy-poppers and temporary platforms.

The Nintendo Switch Delivers a Classic Super Mario Bros. Experience

And that’s not all – the game is bursting with imaginative concepts. Birds dive-bomb you, Piranha Plants can chase you, and there are inflatable living balloons. Sometimes you even venture into the background, as levels often have multiple layers. The game manages to pay homage to classics while introducing new, clever twists.

Diverse Challenges Await

One of the things I loved about Wonder was its diversity. While most levels are the classic side-scrolling stages, there are others that test different skills. Some are battle-focused, making you beat groups of enemies quickly. Others challenge your speed, like racing a surprisingly fast Wiggler on roller skates. My personal favorites are the secret-filled stages where you must explore to find hidden coins.

Enter the Wonder Flower – Let the Madness Begin

If that’s all Wonder was, it would still be an incredible Mario game. But the designers at Nintendo have gone the extra mile. The game’s headliner is the Wonder Flower – a one-way ticket to a temporary acid trip. These flowers are scattered throughout the game, some easy to spot and others well-hidden.

Grabbing one dramatically changes the game in unpredictable ways. Mario could swim through lava, turn into a Goomba, or even turn the pipes into living creatures. The possibilities are endless and incredibly entertaining.

Super Mario Bros. Wonder: Rediscovering the Joy of Platforming

Even if you’re a lifelong Mario fan like me, Wonder will constantly surprise you with its fresh twists. It’s like a rollercoaster ride that never ends – and that final sequence? Well, it might just be the best Mario level ever.

Accessible, Playful, and Multiplayer Fun

What’s fantastic about Wonder is that it’s one of the most accessible Mario games. You can customize your experience, and you don’t have to complete every level to progress. There are unlockable badges that offer skill boosts, and characters like Yoshi make for an easy mode. Plus, the game rates levels, so you know what you’re getting into.

Endless Surprises Await in Super Mario Bros. Wonder on Nintendo Switch

These features are especially valuable if you’re playing with a group with different skill levels. Wonder supports up to four players, and it’s a blast. My kids played alongside me with no issues – they had a great time as multicolored Yoshis, while I guided us through tougher stages as Princess Peach in an elephant costume.

Mario: The Man of Many Talents

In 2023, we’ve learned that Mario can be anything. He’s not just confined to video games; he’s become a Hollywood superstar and the face of theme parks. He’s instantly recognizable with his new voice. Super Mario Bros.

Wonder reminds us why Mario became such an icon in the first place. It takes the best from classic Mario Bros., remixes it, and adds a splash of the bizarre. Wonder is a blast from start to finish, and it’ll have you squirming in your seat almost as much as Mario himself.