We are delaying our final review of Super Mario Bros. Wonder until the game hits store shelves on October 20, following restrictive embargo guidelines that limit our ability to discuss key portions of the Nintendo Switch title.
A Masterclass in Constant Discovery
Having spent the last two weeks immersed in the game, it is clear that Super Mario Bros. Wonder lives up to its name. The title excels at instilling a genuine sense of curiosity in the player. Every stage introduces fresh mechanics, seamlessly onboarding the player before evolving those concepts in creative and unpredictable ways. Navigating new courses felt like an adventure where the outcome was never certain, yet consistently delightful.
The Wonder Effect: Nintendo’s Secret Weapon
The standout feature is undoubtedly the Wonder Effects. Triggered by finding a Wonder Flower, these moments transform the stage, the character, or both, offering a joyful surprise every time. Director Shiro Mouri’s vision to fill the game with mystery and secrets has clearly paid off. While new enemies and power-ups contribute to the experience, the unpredictable nature of Wonder Effects kept the gameplay feeling vibrant and fresh throughout my session.
Polished Mechanics and Sonic Excellence
Nintendo continues its legacy of high-quality platforming here. The game controls with precision, and the character animations provide a distinct personality for each playable hero. The audio design—ranging from nostalgic tracks that honor the series’ history to brilliant new compositions—is so engaging that I never once felt the urge to lower the volume. The combination of tight controls and expressive art style makes for a sensory-rich experience.
Multiplayer Dynamics and Online Features
While the majority of my playtime was solo, the multiplayer modes offer varied experiences. Local co-op remains a staple for couch play, though the absence of traditional online co-op is a notable disappointment compared to recent entries in the series. I did, however, find the online course races to be an enjoyable addition.
The game also features a passive online mode where “ghosts” of other players populate your level. This allows you to respawn by interacting with a nearby player or their Standee if you lose a life. While this feature proved helpful, it sometimes revealed hidden secrets by showing where other players were interacting with the environment. I ultimately opted to disable this feature to preserve the sense of discovery for my initial playthrough.
Stay tuned to Game Informer for our comprehensive review, as well as upcoming segments on All Things Nintendo and The Game Informer Show. You can also explore our exclusive coverage hub as we count down to the October 20 launch on Switch.
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