Super Mario Bros. Wonder
So far, it’s been a 5 for me!
It’s easily the best Multiplayer Mario since “3D World” (on Switch) - which I know is a major selling point for anyone here with a partner or a kid!
The only things that might drop it down to a 4 for me:
1. The learning curve isn’t as forgiving as other Mario games. There are some levels that are WAY too difficult WAY too early - and I’m still sorting out whether that’s a pro or a con.
Luckily, the developers gave each level a star-based difficulty rating, and you don’t need to play the hard levels to progress.
Ultimately this might just be a clever way to encourage players to return to previously beaten zones, once they feel confident enough to face the more difficult levels.
So while it was frustrating for me starting the game, it may be something I value as I progress.
2. The “Hidden Treasure Hunt” levels are infuriating. I’ve only had one so far, and it made both me and my partner rage-quit and go to bed many times.
Now that the game is public, and player guides are being released, this likely won’t be an issue. Still, for no-guide gamers, this is going to be a major Petey-Pirhanna-sized thorn in their side. It’s easily my least favorite feature from any Mario game.
3. The badges are CRUCIAL to the game, and some of the “badge unlock” levels are GRUELING. SO FAR, this has only been an issue for my partner.
Still… as someone with a dexterity / tactile disorder, I can see this being a major frustration down the line; needing a badge to beat a zone, but not being able to unlock the badge.
Still - it’s a very VERY fun time, and has offered some weird, unique gameplay that previously was only present in Nintendo games via the Wario Ware franchise. That level of ingenuity alone earns it all the stars in the Mushroom Kingdom.
