It’s been over a decade since fans of the iconic plumber donned their red caps for a classic side-scrolling Mario adventure. The last of its kind, “New Super Mario Bros. U,” hit the scene back in 2012. This extended hiatus might surprise even the most seasoned Nintendo enthusiasts, including Takashi Tezuka, a veteran executive at the company. Tezuka, whose extensive resume includes projects like “Super Mario Maker,” acknowledges that the long wait for another handcrafted Mario side-scroller is indeed notable. But why the prolonged absence?

Nintendo’s reluctance to churn out the same formula repeatedly has been the driving force behind this prolonged wait. Over the years, there have been numerous 2D Mario games, often branded as “New Super Mario,” which aimed to emphasize their freshness. After players had their fill of creating their own Mario adventures with “Super Mario Maker,” the question remained: What could Nintendo do next to make the classic formula feel truly new again?

“In terms of the concept for creating a new Mario, we came up with the concept of mystery and secrets,” says Shiro Mouri, the director of “Super Mario Bros. Wonder.” Mouri notes that the original “Super Mario” game was brimming with secrets and surprises, where power-ups and warp pipes were once delightful discoveries. However, as more side-scrolling Mario games flooded the market, these secrets became the norm. Thus, the challenge became clear: how to reintroduce secrets and surprises to a modern audience.
“Super Mario Bros. Wonder” represents Nintendo’s answer to this challenge. The game features Mario and friends exploring the Flower Kingdom, a new world brought to life with expressive character animations and captivating backgrounds. The standout addition is Elephant Mario, a hulking version of the hero who can stomp around, hold water in his trunk, and shoot it at enemies. And yes, this is a multiplayer game, so Elephant Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Toad, and Toadette also join the fun.

But “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” offers more than just Elephant Mario. The game introduces Wonder Seeds, which trigger sudden and trippy changes in gameplay, from dashing against a ticking clock to inflating Mario like Violet Beauregarde. Players can choose whether or not to activate these seeds, giving them a sense of agency over the level’s direction.

The development team aimed to give players more freedom to explore and tackle the game how they want. This includes introducing difficulty ratings for levels visible from the World Map. If a level seems too challenging, players can come back to it later. The World Map itself is now freely explorable, acting as a mini open-world where players can uncover hidden levels or bonus-style stages.

Additionally, “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” implements Badges, which bestow effects on characters or levels. These badges are selected before a course begins, allowing players to customize their experience. Even though all main characters now control the same way, Badges offer a means to differentiate their abilities.

Local and online co-op options are available, with online supporting up to 12 players, though only four can play together in a world at any given time. Despite the increased player count, multiplayer is less stressful, with characters moving through each other and the ability to share items.

“Super Mario Bros. Wonder” introduces a unique form of stealth gameplay. When activating a Wonder Seed and playing as a goomba version of your character, you must navigate levels without being seen by hungry Maw Maw enemies. It adds a new layer of strategy to the game.

In addition to Elephant Mario, two other power-ups make their debut: Drill Mario and Bubble Mario. Drill Mario allows you to damage enemies or hide by burrowing into floors, while Bubble Mario can fire bubbles at enemies to trap them. These new elements keep the gameplay fresh and engaging.

After an 11-year hiatus, Nintendo’s 2D Mario team is back with a fresh take on the classic formula in “Super Mario Bros. Wonder.” This game embodies the company’s commitment to keeping the series surprising and engaging for players. With new gameplay elements, exploration options, and multiplayer dynamics, “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” looks poised to deliver the classic Mario experience with a modern twist. Nintendo fans can once again dive into the exciting world of side-scrolling Mario, and it’s safe to say that the wait was well worth it.

As “Super Mario Bros. Wonder” marks the triumphant return of 2D Mario, one can’t help but wonder about the future of other beloved Nintendo franchises. Tezuka, a veteran of the Pikmin series, recently served as the producer on Pikmin 4, ending a decade-long wait for fans. Could Nintendo be aiming to ensure a shorter gap before the release of Pikmin 5? Tezuka, with a smile, suggests that they will indeed strive to avoid keeping fans waiting.

This resurgence of 2D Mario raises an intriguing question about the potential for revitalizing other classic franchises in Nintendo’s lineup. With the massive success of “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” could we see a similar reimagining of 2D Zelda adventures? Tezuka chuckles at the thought, leaving the door open to possibilities.

“Super Mario Bros. Wonder” is not only a testament to Nintendo’s commitment to innovation but also a celebration of what makes Mario games timeless. With its blend of familiar characters and fresh gameplay elements, it promises to capture the hearts of long-time fans and newcomers alike. As the Flower Kingdom beckons players into a world of mystery and secrets, it’s clear that Mario’s adventures are far from over, and the wait for a new side-scrolling journey was undeniably worthwhile.