Originally it was presumed that Super Mario Bros. Wonder would not have any online multiplayer functionality, as is typically the norm for most Mario games. A new Nintendo Direct on August 31, 2023, proved that theory wrong, however, and gave further details into the multiplayer aspects of the game, including some unique workarounds to allow friends and strangers to enjoy the game together if they choose. Though it is still not the type of online multiplayer that generally comes to mind, the ability to play with others throughout the world is a step in the right direction for Nintendo.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is scheduled to release on October 20, 2023, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. The 2D side-scrolling platformer brings a more traditional feel to the series, mixed in with some incredibly chaotic new features and power-ups. Like Super Mario 3D World and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, the game includes multiplayer for up to four people in local co-op but recently has also revealed an unusual approach to online multiplayer gaming that feels somewhat reminiscent of Mario Kart multiplayer.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Offers Unique Online Multiplayer
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is breaking the mold of Mario games through its approach to multiplayer. With “Live Shadows” of other players around the world playing the game simultaneously, the new Mario experience appears to be incorporating some of Mario Kart‘s ghost-like time trials against other racers, except with some added benefits of assisting each other by providing items, reviving fallen players, or to cheer each other on. Private rooms can be created for friends to enjoy experiencing the game together or racing in speedrunning-type events as well, without the cumbersome mechanic of bumping into one another anymore.
Creating Private Rooms Allows Friends To Play Together Or Race
Friends are able to play Super Mario Bros. Wonder online in a private room with a couple of different options available. A private room lobby can hold up to 12 friends who can then break off into groups of up to 4 to enter levels together. The online and local play can be combined with two people per Nintendo Switch able to connect. Once in a level, the friends connected via the internet will be semi-translucent versions of their characters with their names listed above their heads, and they can play alongside each other. Though not able to touch directly, everyone within the same level can aid each other by giving items, helping bring characters back to life after they die, and more.
For a more competitive edge, rather than simply playing through a level, there is an option to host a Friend Race for up to four people from the private room. The race is treated much like a speedrun, with each of the players running and jumping their way through a level, avoiding enemies and pits, to reach the end first. Some races also include defeating bosses or finding the Wonder Seed in order to win. It does not appear that there is a way to sabotage each other during these races, such as a Mario Kart banana peel type of interaction, yet racing through the course is likely difficult enough with the distractions of other players around.
Live Player Shadows From Around The World In Mario Wonder
When someone selects to play Super Mario Bros. Wonder online, a general lobby will connect them to players around the world. These other players will show up as semi-transparent Live Shadows who can be seen playing through the various levels in real time. Though not specifically playing together, players can interact with each other by saving each other when one has lost a life, providing items to each other, or even sending an emoji. One fun extra mechanic that Super Mario Bros. Wonder introduces is the addition of standees to assist other players too.
Standees And Heart Points In Super Mario Wonder
During online play, there is a new item that allows players to leave a character standee wherever they would like to help others. These standees can revive a character that has died if they can reach it before the countdown finishes, so it is best to have them placed next to a dangerous area or trap. Standees come in various designs that can be purchased from the in-game shops to customize the look.
When a player touches a standee that was left by someone else online, they will see and then increase that person’s heart points. Heart points are gained each time someone helps any other online player either through their standee or through their Live Shadow assisting someone with giving items, reviving, or interacting. Though it has not been said yet what the heart points can be used for, if nothing else, it is a good way to display how active someone has been in online multiplayer games.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Offers Local Co-Op Play Also
Up to four local family and friends who want to play together can enjoy the couch co-op version of multiplayer gaming in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. There is a slight advantage of not having any of them shown as transparent images on the screen, but unlike online play, every person has to remain in the same area as each other. Local couch co-op will still be devoid of any bumping into each other’s characters, which is a good change considering the size of the characters after getting an Elephant power-up but can laugh with each other as they share a screen and make their way through each level.
Of course, Super Mario Bros. Wonder can also be enjoyed single-player. The game looks as though it will be just as enjoyable to anyone whether they are playing in a large group of friends, simultaneously with strangers from around the globe, or simply enjoying a solo gaming session. More information will likely still be revealed in the future regarding different features of the game prior to launch. Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be released for the Nintendo Switch on October 20, 2023.
