Aside from uninspired boss fights and a troubling co-op camera. Super Mario Wonder is a big step forward for 2D Mario in the same way that Super Mario Galaxy or Odyssey was a big step forward for 3D Mario.

Mario games that are both tightly designed and oozing so much personality are very rare moments in this franchise that makes it extra special to me like Super Mario Galaxy, Yoshi’s Island, Paper Mario 64, or Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story. I’m happy to say that Super Mario Wonder sits alongside these games due to the visuals that have so much personality whether its the characters being very expressive or detailed backgrounds that are so eye-candy to look at.

Fortunately, it is not just all style over substance because the level design & gameplay across the board are very engaging too due to the new power-ups or new roster of enemies that shake things up to feel fresh compared to the NSMB games, not to the main new attraction which is the Wonder Flowers that completely effects pretty much everything at your surroundings and that mechanic showcases how nearly everything in this game comes together so well with the visuals, level design, and music to create such an unforgettable experience.

If this is the future of 2D Mario, I’m so excited for it and I strongly recommend Super Mario Wonder!