Super Mario Wonder - Nintendo Direct Reaction

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is looking like a nice return to form for 2D Mario!

I like what was shown in the Direct and the new features and power ups look like they will be a lot of fun to experience. Wonder Flowers in particular just make the gameplay far more dynamic than previous titles ever were - with entire levels going completely ape shit. Looks like a total blast! I can’t wait to see what kinds of effects happen on the various courses throughout the game!

The badge system is probably my favorite addition. It really switches things up gameplay-wise and I’m looking forward to finding them all.

The game doesn’t look dialed in like the ‘New’ series felt to be (though New Super Mario Bros. U + New Super Luigi U were both awesome and the best in the ‘New’ series).

I’m not a fan of multiplayer in 2D Mario platformers; I prefer to play my 2D Mario games alone. But the online features are pretty cool, particularly the asynchronous player shadows. The new timer system that allows players to save their buddies is pretty cool. I think Nintendo really needs to make synchronous online multiplayer work for the next installment of this series - it’s long overdue and everyone wants it!

I’ve been saying since the game was unveiled that it’ll see massive sales. I think this is the 2D Mario that once again reaches 30 million sales. It’s been a long time (over a decade) since we’ve had a new 2D Mario game. Plus, the Switch is software selling monster - this game will ride a massive wave from October through the holiday season.

October 20th will be here before we know it. I’m really looking forward to making my way through this one next month!