Summary
SinceSuper Mario Bros. Wonderwas announced on June 21, fans of the series have been counting down to the October release date. On August 31, Nintendo debuted a special broadcast titled “Super Mario Bros. WonderDirect” which showcased about 15 minutes of new gameplay footage. Not only did this give players a more detailed look at what the sidescroller will be like, but it also revealed abrand-new approach to theSuper Mario Bros. franchise.
Unique elements inSuper Mario Bros. Wonderinclude a wide variety of playable characters, bizarre power-ups, and online functionality. The latter is causing quite the buzz because even though it was already known that there would be local co-op, the online multiplayer is apparently going to be taking inspiration from the Soulsborne games. While this was unexpected, the multiplayer structure could be a very exciting feature.
RELATED:Super Mario Bros. Wonder’s New Power-Ups Could Be the Start of an Avalanche
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Is Heading Into Uncharted Multiplayer Waters
Prior to the latest presentation of the game, fans were hoping thatSuper Mario Bros. Wonder’s multiplayer would be more robust. Considering that it’s been several years since the last 2DMarioplatformer, now is the perfect time to make a few changes. The decision to take a page from theDark Soulsgames in terms of online play is a daring move that could pay dividends, but it also raises several questions.
Thankfully, the recent footage answered several questions about how multiplayer will work. Though pastMariogames have offered co-op options, it seems thatSuper Mario Bros. Wonderis going to be more difficultdue to its complex options. Not only will the game be reminiscent of pastSuper Mariogames, but it also has MMO-like aspects. If people choose to play online, they can actually watch others in real time.
Some think that this online elementreminds them ofElden Ringor other Soulsborne titles. The largest difference here is the fact that Nintendo is giving players the option to directly interact with and aid others. InDark Souls, people can’t do much to stop others from running into peril. They can try to leave warning messages, but they may be ignored.Super Mario Bros. Wonderwill let people place a cut-out around the map, called Standees, which functions a bit like the social systems inDeath Stranding.
Players can come into contact with other players or their Standees while completing courses and exploringthe new Flower Kingdom map. People can give one another items while exchanging little greetings. The most game-changing feature occurs if someone dies during online play. They don’t actually have to lose a life if someone can assist because they turn into a ghost that gets revived on contact with another player, sort of like the Bubble form in otherMariogames. Even if other players aren’t around, if a ghost touches someone else’s Standee on the map, they’ll be resurrected, regardless if they’re online.
Helping one another is highly encouraged, as it rewards Heart Points.Karma systems in games aren’t new, butSuper Mario Bros. Wonder’s differs by showing how often a player has helped others. Unfortunately, it appears that the total Heart Points earned by a person won’t change anything gameplay-wise. For those who enjoy doing good deeds and watching numbers total up, it’s still a quaint system that rewards kindness.
How thisDark Souls-esque feature will be receivedwhenSuper Mario Bros. Wonderlaunchesis still undetermined. The emphasis on being considerate to others is a nice touch. Either way, it guarantees a unique experience that pastSuper Mariogames haven’t explored.
Super Mario Bros Wonderlaunches on October 20, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:How Super Mario Bros. Wonder May Have Grown From Super Mario World’s Weirdest Feature
