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When we saw the announcement of the Super Mario Bros Wonder Nintendo Direct, we had no idea how big it would be. Those who were able to watch it might be surprised due to how many things are coming to Mario and his friends’ new side-scrolling adventure. The gang is getting many new mechanics to help them face Bowser and the challenges awaiting them in the Flower Kingdom. So, buckle up because we’ll discuss everything announced during the latest Nintendo Direct.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Direct Announces a Plethora of New Gameplay Mechanics
Before we delve into specifics, we need to say the Nintendo Direct of the upcoming Super Mario Bros Wonder game was packed with reveals. From plot details to gameplay mechanics, there’s a lot to take in. Luckily, we’ve compiled it all to make going through all these meaty details much easier.
Take Me Down to the Flower Kingdom
This time, Mario and the gang are going to the Flower Kingdom. After being invited by Prince Florian, Bowser flies in and steals the Wonder Flower, wreaking havoc around the Kingdom and its surrounding areas. Mario and his team can visit six worlds around the Petal Isles, making this a total of seven areas for players to explore. This is in line with many franchise games, but this time, the level design is much more imaginative.
You’ll get your usual underwater levels or courses in the clouds. You can even pick the order to take on courses. By traversing through the world map, which has no boundaries now, you can pick which stage to take first, provided you’re not ready for one. This game is going all out regarding accessibility options, and this is a fantastic start. Speaking of level design, you’ll come across certain talking flowers that’ll give you hints and coins to make your journey even better.
Enemies Galore
As seen in the Nintendo Direct, Super Mario Bros Wonder is adding a bunch of new enemies. You have the new Hoppycats, which will mimic the player’s jump pattern, making traversing harder. You’ll also see many familiar foes, but the Flower Kingdom is home to new power-ups that let you take a new form to face these dangers.
A Power-Up a Day Keeps the Enemies at Bay
The showcase revealed a few new power-ups that we’ll list here. The first is the new Elephant power-up that turns characters into Elephants. In said form, you can use your trunk to destroy blocks, cross long gaps easily, and even store water to shoot it at certain things to create a new path.
The Bubble Form is a new power-up coming to the game, too. While you’re in bubble form, you can shoot bubbles to trap enemies and even kill some of the unkillable ones like Dry Bones. If fighting isn’t your thing, you can shoot bubbles to use them as platforms.
Last but not least, we have the Drill Form. This form lets players use a drill to traverse courses differently. You can dig down to reach blocked areas or keep the drill up to protect against falling enemies. Overall, these new power-ups are a game-changer and will provide new ways to explore the Flower Kingdom.
One of the best things about power-ups is how important they will feel when playing. You can now swap between two at any time and even use one you have stored to escape a dangerous situation. This game brings many options to make it easier for all types of players.
A Brand-New Wonder Effect
If the new power-ups aren’t your thing, you can find Wonder Flowers, which will change the course completely. Some flowers will change the course’s perspective, while others will make you float. This will make a course more dynamic and add effects that’ll let you reach new heights, literally. The good thing about Wonder Flowers is that they leave a Wonder Seed, an item you’ll need to unlock courses on the map; this will encourage players to use Wonder Flowers to find new things and places.
Multiplayer Paradise
Super Mario Bros. Wonder will feature many playable characters. You can choose Mario, Luigi, Peach, one of two Toads, Toadette, and more. Yet, those who want an easier experience can pick a Yoshi or Nabbit. The last two can’t die from certain things and have extra abilities to make the game easier, such as eating enemies and spitting them out. This is good for newcomers to the series and those not fond of certain platformer mechanics.
It is important to mention this because the game will feature an in-depth local and online co-op feature. For the former, you can play with up to 3 more players. The four of you can compete in a race to see who finishes a course faster. If you prefer a light-paced co-op, you can also do that and even revive your friends before the timer runs out.
For online co-op, those who choose to be connected to the internet will see ghosts of other players in the overworld and when playing courses. You can help some players to earn hearts for yourself, which will be displayed when you play online.
Spice Things Up with Badges
You can acquire badges at Poplin Shops or by completing Badge Challenges. Badges will give players effects like wall climbing or invisibility; the latter is great for those seeking an extra challenge. These badges will let you tailor your experience and make each course harder or easier. You can only equip one at a time and can do this in the overworld or before entering a course. If you fail a course, don’t fret, as you can change your badge and try again.
Super Mario Bros. Wonders Lands on October 20, with a Special Edition Console Coming on October 6
Super Mario Bros. Wonder unveiled its release date for October 20, and it also announced a new Nintendo Switch OLED console launching on October 6. If you’ve been waiting to buy a Nintendo Switch console, this one could be a great start.
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That’s a wrap on everything announced during the Nintendo Direct of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. As you can see, many things are coming to the game, which will make it challenging for veterans of the series and a fantastic entry point for newcomers. We can’t wait to see Mario and his friends return to a classic side-scrolling adventure. But if that isn’t your thing, a beloved RPG Mario game is getting a remake, too, making it a busy time for our favorite plumber.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is available now for pre-order.
