During the Nintendo Direct on 8.31.23, fans got to see new details for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the latest side-scrolling platformer since New Super Mario Bros. U (2012) coming out on Switch. Key features include innovative approaches to online play and Yoshi carrying an elephant.
The previous trailer showed off during June’s Nintendo Direct gave only bits of info, specifically the Wonder Flower that Mario can consume as a power up. It also showed off the way the objects and obstacles in the world come to life and animate around them in ways you might not expect.
However, the August 31 Nintendo Direct went deeper, focusing on the playable characters. These include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, Yellow Toad, Blue Toad, Toadette, and Nabbit. Yoshis and Nabbit will not take damage, but can still die from pitfalls. Furthermore, the ability of the Yoshis follows tradition, as they can float and spit up enemies.
New Power-Ups
In addition, the Direct emphasized the new power-ups coming in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, including the elephant transformation, the Drill Form that lets you burrow into the ceiling or ground, and the Bubble Form that lets you blow bubbles turn enemies into platforms or stop them in their tracks from a distance.
Wonder Flower
The Wonder Effect is a new mechanic that transforms a level after consuming the Wonder Flower. It remixes everything and can transform Mario into other forms, changing the camera to make Mario move in 3D instead of left to right, and other elements of the environment may come to life. This seems like an effective way to add replayability.
Multiplayer
Cooperative multiplayer is available both locally and online. When online, you can also play levels alongside “shadow” versions of players, so even when not playing together directly, you can still compare stats, interact, and revive one another if you die.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder represents the first Mario game after long-time voice actor Charles Martinet retired from the role. It was eventually confirmed he would not reprise the character in Wonder. Rather, Martinet will now serve as an ambassador that shares the joy of Mario with fans around the world.