Summary
Super Mario Bros. Wonderrefreshes the classic 2DMarioformula in some major ways, including its level design, a cast of new enemies players will encounter, and an expanded roster of playable characters. However, one area where this title feels lacking compared to past 2DMariogames is in the power-up department. While the titular Wonder Flower is the star of the show when it comes to new in-game power-ups, the game’s limited number of total power-ups tends to makeSuper Mario Bros. Wonderfeel repetitive when it comes to the freedom players are given in each level.
Power-ups have been a core part of theMarioseries' identity since the originalSuper Mario Bros. introduced players to the iconic Super Mushroom. The roster of power-ups in Mario’s arsenal has grown over the years to include numerous items, such as the Fire Flower, Super Leaf, Super Bell, and many more. WhileSuper Mario Bros. Wonderintroduces a handful of new power-ups, the overall number it offers players is surprisingly low compared to past entries in the franchise, with very few classic items returning despite the potential many of these iconic items could have had in the context of the Flower Kingdom.
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Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s New Wonder Flower Doesn’t Justify its Limited Power-Up Count
The total number of power-ups inSuper Mario Bros. Wonderis surprisingly low compared to past 2DMariogames, with only five others available to players aside from the Wonder Flower. These power-ups are primarily new additions to the series, with items like theElephant Fruit, Bubble Flower, Drill Mushroom, and Wonder Flowermaking their debut in this title. However, the returning items inSuper Mario Bros. Wonderare extremely limited, with only the classic Super Mushroom and Fire Flower making their return from past entries.
Transforms Small Mario into Super Mario
Fire Flower
Transforms Mario into Fire Mario and allows him to throw fireballs
Elephant Fruit
Transforms Mario into Elephant Mario, allowing him to defeat enemies with his trunk, destroy blocks from the side, and spray water from his trunk
Bubble Flower
Transforms Mario into Bubble Mario and allows him to blow bubbles at enemies
Drill Mushroom
Turns Mario’s hat into a drill, allowing him to break through certain blocks and dig into the ground or ceiling
Wonder Flower
Activates one of several Wonder Effects depending on the stage
Aside from the first couple of entries, most 2DMariogames tend to have around seven or eight power-ups, with a game as old asSuper Mario Bros. 3having a total of nine. Compared to these games,Super Mario Bros. Wonderfeels like a huge step backward concerning the game’s power-up mechanics. The novelty of seeing Mario and friends transform into elephants is great for the first few times players see it, but the limited number of power-ups inSuper Mario Bros. Wondermeans that each one quickly runs out of novelty due to the lack of overall variety in the game.
TheWonder Flowerappears to beSuper Mario Bros. Wonder’s replacement for the limited number of other power-ups since it can completely change a stage’s layout when activated. While this power-up does add a unique flavor to each level and offers players a bonus chance to earn a Wonder Seed, the Wonder Flower segments are relatively short and not as flexible in the freedom of gameplay they offer players, compared to using other power-ups on a standard part of a level. Instead,Super Mario Bros. Wondershould have found ways to incorporate more classic power-ups like the Cape Feather or Goomba Shoe that could have fit in with the game’s quirky aesthetic.
