Super Mario Bros Wonder Review: A Magical 2D Mario Comeback
Super Mario is back in Super Mario Bros Wonder, the newest 2D entry that brings fresh transformations, inventive level design, and endless charm to the Switch. This time, Mario isn’t just saving the Mushroom Kingdom but stepping into the neighboring Flower Kingdom. With its colorful worlds, unique power-ups, and innovative surprises, Super Mario Bros Wonder is a treat for fans old and new.
A Fresh Take on Power-Ups
Elephant Mario steals the show with his adorable design, turning Mario rounder and bulkier, and adding new abilities to sweep away enemies, smash blocks, and gather items with his trunk. But the new Super Mario Bros doesn’t stop there. Mario’s new power-ups, like the Drill Helmet, allow him to burrow through terrain and even move along ceilings. The Bubble Flower power-up, another standout, lets Mario shoot bubbles that trap enemies and act as platforms, creating new ways to traverse levels.
Super Mario Bros Wonder also introduces a badge system, letting players equip different abilities as they unlock them through short challenges. These badges range from gliding with Mario’s hat to shooting vines for higher jumps. While each badge can only be equipped one at a time, they add an extra layer of flexibility to the game, making it feel fresh on each playthrough.
Creative and Colorful Worlds
Super Mario Bros Wonder breathes new life into classic Mario platforming. Each of the six worlds bursts with vibrant landscapes, from lush forests to icy peaks and sandy deserts. Nintendo’s designers haven’t just rehashed old concepts—each world feels distinct, filled with inventive enemies and clever obstacles.
The game introduces new foes like Stibitzkes, who swipe Mario’s coins if he lingers too long, and Gallopterosse, bull-like creatures that bulldoze everything in their path. Familiar enemies like Goombas and Koopa Troopas also get updated moves, keeping seasoned players on their toes.
The game’s visual polish makes it a joy to explore. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, and other playable characters look as charming as ever. Each world has its unique style, with small animations adding personality, like Elephant Mario squeezing through pipes or tiny Mario tipping his hat just above his eyes when he ducks. These details enhance the immersion, and on a big screen, the colors pop like never before.
Wonder Effects: Shifting Worlds and Surprising Twists
Super Mario Bros Wonder introduces a game-changing feature: Wonder Effects. Hidden within each level is a Wonder Seed, a special collectible that, when activated, transforms the scenery. In one level, vibrant colors might shift to black and white as platforms move unpredictably. In another, Mario could find himself transformed into a Goomba or chased by a giant ghost. These Wonder Effects often add a unique musical twist, where Mario moves to a specific rhythm or hops on beat, guided by the flow of the level.
Nintendo’s designers have clearly let their imaginations run wild here, with sequences that feel almost dreamlike. Whether slowing down to super-slow motion or distorting visuals with a trippy vibe, Wonder Effects make each level a fresh experience. Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the game pulls out a new surprise. Few developers can capture whimsy this well, and Super Mario Bros Wonder delivers consistently.
Multiplayer and Challenges
The game’s multiplayer mode supports up to four players and offers a fun way for friends and family to jump in. Although chaotic at times, especially in tight spaces, it’s accessible for younger players. Characters like Yoshi and Nabbit don’t take damage, so even the youngest players can join in without frustration. The co-op mode may not be perfect for tougher sections, but it’s ideal for a lighthearted round of Mario fun.
While the main levels may not challenge veteran players much, the post-game opens up tougher, special worlds that offer higher difficulty. Fans seeking a real test will find a satisfying challenge once they’ve completed the story.
Final Thoughts on Super Mario Bros Wonder
Super Mario Bros Wonder combines classic platforming with delightful surprises and a fresh coat of paint. The Wonder Effects, imaginative power-ups, and creative enemies bring this game to life, delivering the best 2D Mario experience in years. While the boss fights stick to familiar patterns, and the multiplayer can get chaotic, Super Mario Bros Wonder is a charming, nostalgic journey that feels modern.
This is Nintendo at its most inventive, delivering pure fun and creativity. If you’re a Mario fan, Super Mario Bros Wonder deserves a place on your Switch—and in your gaming heart.
Get the game here.
