One Super Mario Bros. Wonder Item Proves A Dead Series Needs A Comeback

24.10.2023 - 18:53 / screenrant.com / Flower Kingdom

introduces many new power-ups and game mechanics in its magical setting that simultaneously have an element of novelty while adding a feeling of nostalgia for the games of years past. Many of its references and gameplay characteristics are obviously tied to the. 2D platformer adventures that kicked off the series. Its traditional side-scrolling feel and bright colors make it easy to reminisce about much of its heritage, but the brand-new Elephant Fruit power-up subtly suggests another beloved series as well.

In, the series deviates from its recent progression into 3D games and takes a step back to the more traditional 2D side-scrolling platformer mechanics that is known for. While many of the abilities that Mario and his friends can gain are familiar ones, such as a Super Mushroom or Fire Flower, the magical environment of Prince Florian's Flower Kingdom naturally introduces new mystical powers. Additionally, several characters make a return in, including lesser-known ones such as Daisy and Nabbit, yet Wario and Waluigi are still missing from the lineup.

Related: Super Mario Bros. Wonder Review: «Mario's Most Magical Adventure»

Among the many new power-ups that are introduced in is the Elephant Fruit, which instantly caused a buzz online after its initial reveal. By partaking of this red fruit with an elephant face, characters are transformed into massive elephant forms of themselves. Once in this form, they feel heavier and slower and are able to smash through things with ease. These types of movement mechanics are suggestive of another franchise character, Mario's larger arch-rival, Wario.

In games, Wario is classed as the same «Heavy» driver weight class as Bowser, Donkey Kong, and King Boo (despite King Boo being a ghost who theoretically shouldn't weigh anything). Wario's girth makes his movement in many games slower and easier to break objects, precisely as the Elephant Fruit is doing for characters in .

That recollection of Wario in a game that provides a nostalgic feel lends itself to the memory of Wario's own popular platforming series,. The series of 2D platformer games started as part of the games, with, but then went on to drop the title for the next four games. Like titles, the colorful worlds led players through themed zones that had collectible coins and unique power-ups.

The last game in the series was that released for the Wii in 2008. Despite receiving good reviews, the series seems to have gone quiet ever since. A new game is in the works, but those titles are more focused on micro-games than the classic platform experience that or offers.

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