The Incredible Challenge and Innovation of Super Mario Bros. Wonder
As one of the most popular and influential series in video games, Super Mario Bros. continues to captivate players of all skills and abilities. With each installment, Nintendo manages to strike a balance between engaging beginners and challenging veteran players. While the main stages offer a fun and accessible experience, late-game and special stages push the boundaries of difficulty and creativity.
A New Level of Difficulty
In an exclusive interview with producer Takashi Tezuka and director Shiro Mouri, the topic of difficulty in Super Mario Bros. Wonder was discussed. While the levels played during early access showcased the game’s accessibility, Mouri revealed that these stages only scratched the surface of the full game. He teased that the complete version would offer wild and inventive experiences to challenge players of all levels.
The presence of more challenging stages, such as Bloomps of the Desert Skies and Countdown to Drop Down, hinted at the potential for greater difficulty in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Nintendo suggested that players who wished to complete every aspect of the game would face tough challenges in certain areas.
Collecting Badges: A True Test of Skill
One major aspect that completionists will strive for in Super Mario Bros. Wonder is collecting every Badge. While some Badges can be purchased through in-game currency, others must be earned through gameplay. Mouri acknowledged the difficulty in collecting all the Badges and encouraged players with confidence in their Mario-playing skills to attempt it.
Tezuka, however, admitted that there was a Badge he couldn’t obtain despite his best efforts. This revelation highlighted the immense challenge even for the game’s developers. Tezuka expressed both pride and admiration for the complexity of the stages, recognizing that creating courses based solely on his skill level would have made the game feel lacking for many players.
The Power of Badges
Badges in Super Mario Bros. Wonder provide players with the ability to adjust their character’s abilities, making certain sequences easier or more challenging. Action Badges grant useful abilities, such as higher jumps or gliding actions, while Boost Badges offer passive abilities like automatic bouncing or a starting Super Mushroom. Expert Badges provide difficult-to-master abilities that both enhance gameplay and increase difficulty until mastered.
Mouri highlighted the variety and versatility of the Badge system, stating that it caters to players of all skill levels. Whether players are novices seeking support or advanced players looking for a challenge, there are options and opportunities for everyone.
Choosing Characters Wisely
In Super Mario Bros. Wonder, characters like Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy, and the Toads have identical abilities. However, Nabbit and the Yoshis offer a unique playstyle designed for less experienced players who can’t take damage from enemies. While these characters cater to beginners, Tezuka encouraged all players to consider playing with Yoshi and Nabbit from time to time, despite any initial reluctance based on pride.
Multiplayer and Assistance Features
For players struggling with difficult courses, Super Mario Bros. Wonder offers multiplayer features and assistance functions. The Standee function acts as an in-stage checkpoint, aiding players in conquering challenging stages. Mouri emphasized the different ways players can approach the game, urging everyone to give it a try.
Boss Battles: Wonder-Induced Attacks
In Super Mario Bros. Wonder, boss battles promise to be both challenging and innovative. Mouri revealed that the team aimed to give these encounters a fresh twist by incorporating the powers of Wonder. While specifics were not disclosed to avoid spoilers, players can expect a wild and over-the-top experience with unique attacks influenced by Wonder.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is set to release on October 20 for the Nintendo Switch. With its wide range of difficulty options, innovative gameplay mechanics, and a series of captivating boss battles, this installment promises to be a must-play for fans of the Mario franchise.