There’s something undeniably comforting about returning to one of Nintendo’s modern masterpieces, especially when it arrives with a fresh coat of paint and a few new reasons to jump back in. Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park does exactly that, taking what was already one of the greatest 2D platformers made for the Switch and enhancing it for Nintendo’s “new” hardware while adding a charming social twist and maybe the longest game title of the year.
When Super Mario Bros. Wonder first launched, it reminded the gaming world just how magical a side-scrolling Mario adventure could be. Now, on Switch 2, that magic remains completely intact, only sharper, smoother and more vibrant than ever before.
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The story remains the same as the original game, a whimsical affair that sees Mario, Luigi, Peach, Daisy and friends’ journey through the Flower Kingdom after Bowser steals the power of the Wonder Flowers and transforms himself into a gigantic flying fortress.
It’s classic Mario storytelling, light-hearted and full of charm, serving as the perfect excuse to send you hopping through an incredible collection of levels.
A Wonder
What made Wonder stand out is still its brilliantly unpredictable Wonder Flower mechanic. Just when you think you know what a stage is asking of you, reality bends in unexpected ways.
Pipes slither across the screen, enemies burst into song and entire levels transform before your eyes. Even on a second playthrough, these moments still surprise and delight.
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Now, what’s new, you may be wondering? Well, the Switch 2 Edition benefits from improved visuals and performance, making an already beautiful game look even more stunning, but that’s par for the course with these upgraded titles.
The art direction remains absolutely top-tier, proving once again that technical power alone doesn’t create memorable visuals.
Lets Meet
The biggest addition, though, has to be Meetup in Bellabel Park, which expands the game on the social side. It delivers a dedicated area to gather, interact and take part in various activities with your friends. While not a real game-changing addition, it perfectly complements Wonder and enriches the overall experience for the better.
Though it does have a real Mario Party-lite feel to it, and it’s an odd inclusion as we already have brilliant Mario-based party titles out there, I can see it having a place if you’re not looking for a standalone party game but feel you need something in your back pocket for those rare occasions when you get together with your mates.
Gameplay in Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park remains as tight as ever. The badge system still allows players to customise abilities, level design remains endlessly inventive and the removal of the traditional timer continues to encourage exploring rather than rushing from start to finish.
On the audio front, the soundtrack is every bit as memorable and joyful as before, blending playful melodies with grand orchestral moments that elevate everything.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park is a fantastic way to revisit one of Mario’s greatest adventures. It grows an already brilliant game while feeling meaningful in the right way, enhancing the package while at the same time celebrating everything that made Wonder so brilliant in the first place.
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park review
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