


Each level has its own Wonder Flower sometimes they’re hidden behind a puzzle, while others might require some platforming savvy to reach.

The Wonder Flower takes that idea and distills it into a winning formula. Mario games work best when they deftly jump from idea to idea, squeezing as much as possible from each fresh thought without making it stale before bounding on to their next trick. Wondering if this game’s for you? Here’s why we liked it so much. That said, it may take challenge-seekers a few more hours to find all of the secret endings, alternate paths and other hidden surprises stuffed into its dense 3.5GB of platforming goodness. It should take most players between 10 and 20 hours to reach the end of the game, depending on their respective skill level. Wonder is a delightful adventure for the whole family.

Releasing exclusively for the Nintendo Switch family of systems on Oct. Wonder Flowers are another exciting addition that give each level a bespoke challenge, puzzle or mechanic that helps to supplement the smooth jumping and running you’d expect in a Mario game. Wonder takes a completely new approach to 2D Mario games, and adds loads of new gameplay and quality-of-life features, such as the Badge mechanic, which allows players to choose their own way to approach any given level or challenge. The game continually reinvents itself until its very last breath, breaking its own rules in wildly creative ways that push the envelope further and further, all while nailing exactly what’s made Mario a lastingly great series for the past 38 years. Wonder is the first new 2D Mario game in 10 years, and the first game in nearly 20 years that blazes its own trail to deliver the clever, dazzling and refreshing perspective that the series has so desperately needed for some time. Your CNN account Log in to your CNN account
