When it comes to the world of gaming, few franchises have achieved the iconic status of Super Mario Bros. With each new installment, fans eagerly anticipate the next adventure, and the upcoming release of "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" is no exception. The mere mention of a new Mario game is enough to spark excitement among gamers, and I am no exception to this rule. While "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" undoubtedly promises a thrilling experience, there are certain concerns that have started to emerge as more details about the game are unveiled.
That Super Mario Bros Wonder Nintendo Direct Concerns Me...
First and foremost, it's important to acknowledge that "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" is, without a doubt, a day-one purchase for many dedicated fans, INCLUDING myself. The trailers and sneak peeks have showcased vibrant worlds, engaging gameplay mechanics, and that classic Mario charm that has been captivating players for decades. The game, on the surface, looks like an absolute blast, and I'm eagerly looking forward to diving into its colorful landscapes.
However, even the most anticipated titles can come with their fair share of annoyances. One aspect that has struck me as particularly irksome is the inclusion of talking flowers. Now, quirky characters are nothing new to the Mario universe, but these talking flowers seem to be an odd fit. Their grating voices and somewhat out-of-place demeanor have left me wondering if they might disrupt the overall immersion that the game strives to create.
Another concern centers around the character roster. While it's impressive that "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" boasts a large selection of beloved characters from the Mario franchise, it's frustrating to learn that they all share identical move sets and speeds. Part of the joy in playing different characters lies in experiencing their unique abilities and playstyles. I was hoping for a more diverse range of gameplay experiences reminiscent of the classic "Super Mario Bros. 2" (NES) approach, where each character felt distinct and brought something new to the table.
One area that has caused me to raise an eyebrow is the introduction of power-ups, particularly the elephant power-up. On the surface, it appears to be a fun addition, but I can't help but question its practicality. Will it genuinely enhance the gameplay experience, or will it end up being more of a novelty than a valuable tool in navigating the game's challenges? I'm all for creative power-ups, but they should ideally contribute meaningfully to the gameplay.
Perhaps the most glaring concern is the multiplayer aspect. While "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" does offer a multiplayer component, it feels somewhat lackluster. The decision to limit multiplayer interactions to racing friends and displaying silhouettes of friends in rooms feels like a missed opportunity. The absence of a feature that allows players to complete levels together online is puzzling, given the current gaming landscape where online multiplayer is a significant draw for many players. While it might not personally affect me greatly, as I intend to play mainly with my family, I can't help but feel that this limitation could disappoint those who were hoping for more robust online multiplayer options.
The upcoming "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" undoubtedly holds immense promise and excitement for fans of the franchise, myself included. The prospect of exploring new Mario worlds and embarking on fresh adventures is undeniably alluring. However, it's crucial to acknowledge that no game is without its drawbacks. Concerns about the game's talking flowers, uniform character move sets, the potential underutilization of certain power-ups, and the somewhat lackluster multiplayer options have started to emerge as we learn more about the game.
Though... Despite these concerns, I remain hopeful that the magic of Mario will prevail, delivering an enjoyable experience that both honors the franchise's legacy and introduces innovative gameplay elements. How about you?
~Smash
