Review | Super Mario Bros. Wonder review: new Nintendo Switch game is a love letter to the unexpected
- The first traditional side-scrolling Super Mario Bros. game in 11 years, Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces ‘Wonder Flowers’ that turn each world on its head
- The game is less about challenges and more about life – why we explore, how we stay optimistic and, most importantly, how we can find awe in unexpected places
Early on in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the new video game from Nintendo, the nemesis Bowser, up to no good in a new kingdom, transforms himself into a heavy-metal-loving sentient castle. Mario and Co. need to come to the rescue.
But before the run-and-jump platforming action begins, a little yellow flower has a message for Team Mario: “I believe in youuu!” it says in a chirpy, sing-songy voice.
The statement arrives like a hug. And there will be more.
Throughout the game, flowers cheer us on, sometimes commenting existentially on the scenery, and sometimes just saying, “Way to go!” before the screen erupts in a giant fireworks display.
You can turn the flowers off, but I don’t know why anyone would want to. Their sense of constant amazement at what is happening is really what the best Super Mario Bros. games are all about, and Wonder doesn’t disappoint.
