Unfortunately something most people completely neglect. Sound for me is a much more critical element when it comes to film and games. Way more so than visually.
I completely agree with you that sound design is often neglected in game reviews and analysis. John is very good at mentioning audio design in his videos however.
@@godbelow yeah for sure. I really love a good musical score. But I also really enjoy games that have great environmental sounds. To this day I still have a vivid memory of playing aidyn chronicles on N64 and hearing the birds and a slight breeze, then at the same location at night a gentle cricket sound, and as I got closer to the stream, the water noise got louder.
Nintendo has been on a roll this year (hell this entire generation). They just keep showing us, time and time again, why they are truly masters of their craft.
@@ThomastheDankEngine8900 Somewhat similar to Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo didn't give them a deadline at first, and the game was finished in 2022 but the team decided to give it another full year just to test things out and polish it. That's what makes these games stand out from the rest
I love Wonder, and a lot of good games have come out from them. But I can't agree. This generation started off slow, with full price ports of old games(some that were 20 dollars, now 60 dollars because they were on Switch. Like DK Tropical Freeze, which retailed at 50 dollars, was reduced to 20, and then re-released on Switch for 60) Then there handling of their sports titles has been abysmal. Releasing unfinished games, and adding the rest of the game in as 'free DLC'. And even then, the games remain lacking in content, as the DLC boils down to just mostly characters.
I feel like the thought process behind Mario Wonder was to make a game that has the same market as NSMB but doesn't have the sameyness or bad reputation.
genuinely one of the best digital foundry videos,i like how you talked about things you normally don't since you can't really follow the base structure every video follows with looking at resolution,switching from performance to quality mode, seeing where the game dips some frames,etc... and it felt more like a love letter to the mario franchise. absolutely stunning work
Momentum! Now I realize why I never loved the "New" series of games. He explained that very well. I could never put my finger on it, always felt floaty.
@@user-le2hu1ct4t Have you ever played Ori and the blind forest? Those controls are perfect. So tight. You can perform incredible feats by the end of the game, all effortlessly.
I watched the whole 26 minutes. You must have spent ages putting this video together. 200% worth it, love the enthusiasm and detail in this review. The postman just delivered my game. Wish me luck!
This is by far the best review I have seen on the game. And addressing the controls with the direct comparison to the New series was exactly what I needed. Thanks so much!!!
Really interesting how Nintendo has successfully managed to foundationally improve on a concept that most would define as being already effectively mastered.
To me, even after all these years, it is pretty impressive how Switch games such as this can still wow me from a visual standpoint. So while I agree with the "outdated hardware" remark, it's still really impressive, and it makes me think that the jump to the next iteration will quite likely make for truly amazing games.
@gunsharck the hardware components used in the switch are 8 years old however. In computing performance terms that *is* ancient and even more amazing what they are pulling off with the hardware.
@@TheRealTact Nope, it's the Tegra chip. Although yes, the art style does play some part, of course, some games will look better than others, some studios are better at it than others and all that.
For me, the momentum is a game changer. I would always rage quit MarioU but playing wonder, I’m having so much fun! Thanks John, is was your recommendation during DF weekly that made me pull the trigger 👍
John putting dedicated reviewers to shame, as usual. I was lucky enough to receive this in the post today and it reminds me a lot of Super Mario 3D World in terms of its creativity. As stated in the video, most devs would be happy to base an entire game around each of these gameplay ideas, but with Mario it's more like use it for one level and then move on to the next new and exciting thing. Nintendo in-house at the top of their game, as ever. I agree with your four pillars in general, John, but for me they're far from of equal importance - controls are #1 by far, then level design #2. I love music but I could definitely play a great-controlling game with bad music, but I'd struggle to do the opposite. The joy of controlling Mario on the NES effectively committed me to 40 years (and counting) of this hobby. Looking forward to playing further into the game over the next few days!
Lovely video John, it's been a long time since 1995 but having Nintendo's full creative (and budgetary) powers applied to a 2D platformer again is super uplifting. Also appreciated your segment on audio - NSMB does sound sedate. Wonder has a lot more energy due to more use of transients (sharp attack) in it's sounds, plus it tends to interlock a lot more which results in a more driving sound. And just plain variety in music and sample usage. What's going on in 17:56 BTW, Mario doing a flutter jump in World?! :O
Ah I see why Mario looks like he's fluttering. That was the 16:9 video cutting off the bottom of the stage. Mario's standing on grass that would otherwise be in-frame if DF were showing the game in a 4:3 (or SNES' native 8:7) aspect ratio
Genuinely one of the best Mario review I've ever seen, it's great how you go in-depth for everything that matters but most reviewers ignore, like sound design.
@@GrimAbstractthat’s the point. I want to have those memorable moments with her and hopefully she remembers her childhood since I rarely have any memories when I was a kid.
This is what happens when Nintendo is passionate and doesn't limit the dev's creativity and let their mind run wild with ideas. Currently in the second world and I am absolutely in love with the game, the entire visual style and the snappy platforming. 10/10 imo
Can you imagine Nintendo quality and creativity, but with a modern studios technical prowess and hardware? If Nintendo weren't 2 gens behind (or 3 if we're talking Pokemon) but had the same brilliant visions they have, we'd be getting some indisputable games of the generation out of them. Hell, with TotK we're almost getting that already even though they're way behind technically. It's stuff like this and TotK that make people hype about "Ok but imagine Metroid Prime 4 on the next gen switch"
@ViridianFlow it's also proof that you don't need the best graphics to make masterpieces. With ballooning budgets and game development taking so long with 1st party on PS5 and SX in reality Nintendo made the best choice to stay profitable and creating realistic timelines for games.
@@thebravegallade731 Perhaps, but that doesn't excuse certain Nintendo games (like the Pokemon franchise in particular) from releasing half assed half finished barely trying nonsense. We know what is possible on switch thanks to other Nintendo titles like Zelda, Mario, Splatoon and Xenoblade so when a new Pokemon game comes out looking like a GameCube title with no real new gameplay and textures that look like a new mod creator made them that's unacceptable
I was up till midnight waiting for it to drop, and when it did I could NOT put it down. They killed it in every way imaginable, Nintendo has been killing it lately.
Your videos are a real treat, John. This is an amazing breakdown of this game and makes me really excited to play it after work. Look forward to a Digital Foundry video with all new video game releases, but even the high bar DF sets your videos always seem to even eclipse that.
Super Mario World keeps rising as one of the GOATs for me. How insane is that 25 years ago, I was playing a game that is basically unrivalled in terms of mechanics?
Noice. Wonder is just like 3D World. Both games have creativity in every level, both have a lot of playable characters, both have new power ups, and both have a great soundtrack. Also Mario can become a furry in both games. 🐘 🐱
I'm so, so happy that they decided to get ballsy again with the 2D Mario games, it was so convenient for them to just push out iterations on the New style, yet here we are with EVERYONE being excited for Wonder and reviewers claiming it's one of the best games of the year. I'm sure sales will also reflect this newfound appeal of the game.
I honestly feel this is one of the best game reviews i have ever seen. You just made my hype for this game grow even more, i can't wait for my copy to arrive!!
The explanation of "Mario moves like a sprite" reminds me a lot of the techniques that ArcSystem used with Dragon Ball Fighter Z. It's really cool to see more games adopting this technique, it's really something I'd like to see more of in current games.
Could never put my finger on what it was exactly about the "New SMB" games that never clicked with me like most of the rest of the 2D Marios, but this review it think finally nailed it and it's not just 1 thing, but multiple. Presentstion, gameplay and definitely the music!
I was always unsure about why I felt really bad at the 'New' games and how they handled, and the direct comparison of momentum I feel like in a simple clip shows why I just couldn't gel with them. The animation work on top of that makes Wonder just look so much more responsive and better to play.
for me it is the cookie cutter style, music sounds more like an ad for nintendo rather than actual game music, visuals are too clean, not enough stylization and the keyframe thing they mentioned in the video, plus the unimaginative world types. Wonder really blows them all out of the park.
@traviscunningham7062 Well 3D Land/World are more like meshing of the 3D games and 2D games. NSMB is just straight up side scroller. But yeah, s far as the title, the "New" would have made sense, since it was a completely different type of gameplay and camera angle from before.
I was not expecting the music section to be that. The new track is goosebumping!!!! It is rad!!!! I'm getting the game today. As always John, you are doing an exceptional work!
It's strange how sprites are often so much more expressive than 3D models given how much less detail there is and how many fewer frames of animation they have, but I think it really comes down to the really strong, energetic posing (by necessity, for the aforementioned reasons), and animating the models in the same manner was a clever little way of injecting some liveliness into the animations.
Your parameters for a great 2d platformer also describe for me why Celeste is one of my favorite games of all time. Ticks all of those boxes with a meaningful story to boot.
I love when John makes videos from his heart, it really shows how mucho love it has for games outside of just dipping ultra deep into performance and pixelcount
Got it today, and I agree. It's the best 2D Mario game I've played in perhaps 30 years. That's a LOT of time!!! Thanks for always excellent reviews and break-downs!
Well done Nintendo and Insomniac. At a time when I thought modern gaming wouldn't sell me another console. I'll always give Mario games a chance, though I am hardly a fan, and there have been a few misses along the way. This is the game of of 2023 and its origins are in one gaming's oldest templates, on the least powerful hardware. The new underground theme is gangster.
Another change in mechanics that I noticed: in every other Mario game, no matter how fast Mario is flying and, falling along, when he lands in water, he immediately stops, and all that momentum is gone. This is the first game where that doesn't happen. The momentum continues into the water for a moment, just like if a person dove in.
At 51 and a lifetime gamer its such a shame to see a lack of 2D side scrollers with good graphics. I'm really bored with retro pixel styled graphics, I was playing games like that 40 years ago so glad to see games like this and the new 2D Sonic.
One of the most nuanced and in-depth reviews I've heard. This one speaks to my ❤. You articulated what I think I've known for years, but couldn't put my finger on regarding animation/movement. You've got yourself another subscriber. Keep the content coming. TY
John I wholeheartedly agree with your closing sentiments. There are a wealth of great games that check nearly every box, but that special and elusive game that elicits that "this is why I love video games" sensation is worthy of a different level of praise.
Great review John. Thanks. The thing that surprised me the most about Mario Wonder (and TOTK) was that they made me feel good during and after playing them. I love a difficult, dark brooding game, but it is nice to be reminded why I enjoyed video games as a kid and these two really do deliver.
My god why do there have to be so many good games releasing this year non stop?😅 I want to play this so bad and I want to support the new voice actor who sounds wonderful by the way!! He has a lower pitch voice wise than Charles but had I not been used to Charles voice for over 30 years I would never know the difference!! Welcome Kevin to the Mushroom Kingdom!❤
@@SpammusXthere is a difference for sure but it’s interesting what our ears hear! I hear the opposite but regardless I’ll try to find time to play this ASAP❤😂
This is one of the best reviews I've ever seen. You watch an IGN review or something and it's just like "Mario is HARD. Old school hard." or something. It'll be like a 5-minute video and they're just gonna give every game an 8 anyway. This is spectacular.
I didn’t realize just how in-depth the Wonder mechanic would be. I’ve been playing the game for a while and literally not a single concept gets reused in the wonder sections of the levels, it’s all brand-new stuff and it’s awesome. The polar opposite of the NSMB games, where you’re lucky to get a new concept in a level.
Just got my copy today and as the owner of a PS5 Xbox series X and switch I can safely say the graphics and presentation of this game have blown my mind considering its a glorified mobile phone the graphics are so sharp the colours pop and the animation is sublime it’s amazing
I feel like people have forgotten how weird and interesting the original New Super Mario Bros is on the DS, people tend to lump it in with the rest of the New games, but I feel like it was honestly pretty special, Wonder captures and exceeds my favorite parts of that game
Deliberate editing how the flower(?) at 20:49 remarks "Mmm, refreshing!" while you are talking about sound effects that have been refreshed. Great video comparing the different elements against other Mario titles.
Thank you so much for encapsulating exactly why I never liked the New Super Mario Bros games. I wholeheartedly agree that the use of samples was so much more inspired in the SNES games than it ever was in the "New" series. You hit the nail on the head in every single aspect. The "New" games were a creative regression for the Mario series in every single aspect, but I cannot wait to dive into this game.
I have been recovering this week from hernia surgery and I basically hung out in bed watching TV and playing on my neglected switch. Tried to get into NSMB for the upteenth time and it just really doesn't hit right. I fired up Rayman Legends and it's such a contrast how much better a platformer Rayman is. It's good to hear Nintendo is figuring things back out. Just wish this came out last week!
18:15 gotta disagree this did and still absolutely slaps with perfect sample tbh Amazing video though, look forward to playing it as yoshi’s island is probably my favourite game of all time
Can I just say, this is one of the best reviews I've ever seen. You've literally broken down the game and explained the mechanics behind it. Instead of just voicing your opinion you actually explain why the game is what it is
Surprised you didn't mention Super Mario 3D World. Although it's a hybrid, I would say it was an installment in Super Mario platforming. The soundtrack for that game was phenomenal.
Well im still gaming on mario after 42 years of his existance. Its still going strong. Love wonder as much as the original mario and the day i was introduced to donkey kong.
Refreshing to see a dev still care to make a full single player experience on release and not have to give a heads up about missing features that are coming like NG+ etc. Especially if your going to release a physical copy, they shouldn't be stuck with the unfinished version.
People acting like Mario Maker isn't a thing. They keep skipping over it whenever they mention 2D Mario releases. If anything it was more popular than the New Super Mario Bros. releases
Insomniac and Nintendo capped off the year with 2 amazing bangers, then Alan wake 2 came out and showed me what a survival horror game should really be. What a year for gaming!!!
Phenomenal high quality video John! Also I appreciate the upload in 4K, even if it doesn’t run at it, it looks way cleaner and easier for the eye when watching your video
those games are great. i’m excited to play the new Prince of Persia which comes from the same developers. but I also wish they’d bring back 2D Rayman. Legends was too good not to have a follow-up. Those music levels…
I agree 100%. It was Koji Kondo’s masterpiece. it’s also because things seemed to be a bit more special, a bit more magical in that era and the Super Nintendo produced some beautiful soundtracks. F-Zero, Starfox, Super Castlevania IV, Actraiser, UN Squadron, Street Fighter II, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Donkey Kong Country, and many other games have beautiful soundtracks. That era was special and I’m glad I was there to experience it.
I agree that those times were special as a kid. The transition from NES to SNES to 3D games was mindblowing to witness. But you have to count for the nostalgia factor here. Imagine being 8-10 years old right now and getting a Switch with Mario Wonder and Tears of the Kingdom. Those kids will say the same in 2050. Amazing that Nintendo is still able to reinvent their games again and again, staying relevant in videogames for almost 40 years!!
This was an amazingly eloquent and well-produced review. Thank you for delving deep into aspects like sound design and the less-easily-quantifiable aspects of what makes Mario a platformer "feel" good.
So nice to see a top tier game that lives up to its promise... and thank god theres no talk of day 1 patches ,raytracing, black level raise, which graphics mode to pick, stuttering etc etc... all things which are slightly ruining modern games
“I consider myself a connoisseur of 2D platformers. I shall now deploy a unique 4-category evaluation system, which I devised specially for judging games in this specific genre: gameplay, level design, graphics, and music.” Astonishing.
SM: Wonder is nuts because it shows that Switch, even at this late stage in its lifespan, even with its technical limitations, is still capable of some truly excellent results. Great art direction, design and execution can overcome tech limitations. I also find it interesting that Super Mario Wonder and Sonic Superstars arrives at the same time, both on Switch and both are excellent. That, is awesome considering the history behind Mario, Sonic and the battles Sega and Nintendo had for our money using those IP. 25 years ago, I would have never thought that possible. Anyways, I bought Wonder, downloaded it this morning, but I'm considering getting Sonic on PC so I can run it on Steam Deck.
i don't think that is restricted to switch only either. i think you can very well make a legit great looking dreamcast game nowadays if you have good art direction, a well honed render target and clear vision. which are all things most modern games lack.
Modern games lack???? I just played a fully path traced cyberpunk and my jaw was on the gathering whole time at damn near 4k 120. And you're praising a kid game locked at 720p mostly 60. What a joke.
Fake news. At the end of the day, this is a simple 2D title, not on the budget of the likes of Demon's Souls PS5 or RDR2. The Switch can easily run this.
@@dougr8646 Yes modern games lack since you're sucking off a game that was released unfinished and STILL doesn't look like its gameplay trailer. But ooh pretty reflections
@dougr8646 I don't really think he's wrong, think more formulaic games like far cry etc... He did say *most* games after all, you kinda chose to take what he said in the wort way possible for some reason.
I always love when you guys talk more about the gameplay and design side of things and don't just focus on the visuals, would love to see more of that!
New Super Mario Bros. games were all literally unplayable for me because of the extremely slippery controls and how long it took to gain momentum. It was like playing an ice level from the beginning. Controls in Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the other hand, feel almost as tight as they did in Super Mario Bros. 3. Well done!
This was an excellent, and very considered video - loved it! Simply, when I first played Mario Galaxy I felt it to be sheer joy in videogame form; Wonder gives me that same joy... it is a triumph!
I gotta say, this video completely misses the mark on some things like the physics the reason why the new super mario series gets called uninspired. The main reason why it gets called uninspired or lazy is because after the Wii game Nintendo pretty much stopped trying new things with 2d Mario after the Wii title and the fact that 2 and U looked almost the same as Wii. Also for the music section, I feel like a comparison to the Wii OST or not just the U ost would've been better.
This is basically Bespoke: The Game. Every single level is absolutely unique not just in theme but in mechanics as well, then the wonder seed is like a level within a level and that is always unique as well. There's enough ideas here to make like 20 different platforming games. I finished it today and can't wait to go for 100% and some casual speedrunning later.
With music in New Super Mario Bros, I'd probably describe it as always sounding like a breather level even when a more energetic theme would be more appropriate.
What a great video John! Great production, a really good review of Wonder and all framed in a deconstruction of what makes a great platform game. Constantly amazed at the level of care in your productions.
I admit I did not enjoy the New series as much as the old pixel art games, maybe except for the DS one I'm also not a fan of 2d platforming in general but there are few that I love (noteably metroid games) but this is one of them SMB Wonder blew my expectations away and had me excited and wanting for more all the time
I honestly think New Super Mario Bros DS and Wii are extremely underrated due to the two games that followed. A successful reboot of the series and the arrival of true multiplayer were both incredibly meaningful.
I agree that New SMB DS is underrated. That game had fantastic level design and plenty of challenge, that unfortunately felt diluted with future entries. I lost interest in the last New entry as it even after four worlds in it was painfully easy to 100% up to that point. Happy to say Wonder very early on starts offering extra challenges and hidden paths to hunt down so I think they were aware of this too.
@@Bones_ Ooo I'm excited can't wait to try it! Yeah some of the reviews for Mario DS back in the day called it a true classic to be remembered like Super Mario Bros 3 and World and I think it's deserved. Wii version was a little more samey but I have so many incredible memories playing that 4 person multiplayer with friends. It's truly a blast even if it's a short game. DS/Wii era of Nintendo had a certain charm
@@willwunsche6940 If they made several more Super Mario World entries that were all derivative of the original but trying to more and more appeal to the Wii market mindset of making things easier than needed to not scare people away, it also would likely not be remembered as fondly. Although to Nintendo's credit, they never tried to advertise them as anything "more" than more New Super Mario so when they bother to give a new 2D entry a completely unique name like Wonder, it's because they really mean it's so different and special that the name Wonder is justified. This reminds me that the development culture in Japan takes names very seriously in terms of what it conveys to people about that game, in terms of making something another iteration of another series or giving it an entirely different name than the series it was intended to be a part of because the game has grown to be so different. Prime examples being Devil May Cry which was originally meant to be a Resident Evil entry and Sekiro which was intended as a Tenchu sequel before it also deviated too much. They could've kept the branding and just used the name recognition for free marketing but respecting a name and it's legacy is very important for them.
Thank you. It´s a nice reminder that we LOVE games. We LOVE to play. Oh, and thanks too for that nostalgic trip down platforming memory lane... won´t lie, I kinda sorta was tearing up a little bit!
i really, really appreciate the amount of time spent on sound design. that's something most reviewers completely neglect
Unfortunately something most people completely neglect. Sound for me is a much more critical element when it comes to film and games. Way more so than visually.
I completely agree with you that sound design is often neglected in game reviews and analysis. John is very good at mentioning audio design in his videos however.
ACG has been talking about sound in all his reviews for 5+ years
I think that's ALL i keep hearing actually
@@godbelow yeah for sure. I really love a good musical score. But I also really enjoy games that have great environmental sounds. To this day I still have a vivid memory of playing aidyn chronicles on N64 and hearing the birds and a slight breeze, then at the same location at night a gentle cricket sound, and as I got closer to the stream, the water noise got louder.
Nintendo has been on a roll this year (hell this entire generation). They just keep showing us, time and time again, why they are truly masters of their craft.
Super Mario Bros. Wonder had no time limit. It was as passionate and creative as a passion project can get.
@@ThomastheDankEngine8900 Somewhat similar to Tears of the Kingdom. Nintendo didn't give them a deadline at first, and the game was finished in 2022 but the team decided to give it another full year just to test things out and polish it. That's what makes these games stand out from the rest
I love Wonder, and a lot of good games have come out from them. But I can't agree.
This generation started off slow, with full price ports of old games(some that were 20 dollars, now 60 dollars because they were on Switch. Like DK Tropical Freeze, which retailed at 50 dollars, was reduced to 20, and then re-released on Switch for 60)
Then there handling of their sports titles has been abysmal. Releasing unfinished games, and adding the rest of the game in as 'free DLC'. And even then, the games remain lacking in content, as the DLC boils down to just mostly characters.
@@SakuraAvalon the sports games have been pretty disappointing but I would still say they're all at the least decent.
I feel like the thought process behind Mario Wonder was to make a game that has the same market as NSMB but doesn't have the sameyness or bad reputation.
genuinely one of the best digital foundry videos,i like how you talked about things you normally don't since you can't really follow the base structure every video follows with looking at resolution,switching from performance to quality mode, seeing where the game dips some frames,etc... and it felt more like a love letter to the mario franchise. absolutely stunning work
This is a cool thing about John. He doesn't see video games just as numbers and stats.
He also called all of us transphobes for playing a fucking game
@@dougr8646 he did?
@@dougr8646 Fake news. He never said that.
He 100% did lol. I read the tweet and it pissed me off. Just bc he deleted it and apologized doesn't mean it never happened
This is an incredible game review. I love how you analyzed and explained what defines the "feel" of a game.
Momentum! Now I realize why I never loved the "New" series of games. He explained that very well. I could never put my finger on it, always felt floaty.
@@DP12321SMW (Super Mario Wonder) for me is basically Super Mario 3 Prototype Version.
@@user-le2hu1ct4t Have you ever played Ori and the blind forest? Those controls are perfect. So tight. You can perform incredible feats by the end of the game, all effortlessly.
I watched the whole 26 minutes. You must have spent ages putting this video together. 200% worth it, love the enthusiasm and detail in this review. The postman just delivered my game. Wish me luck!
hows your experience been so far?😄
For me its absolute awesome.
Enjoy the game it’s been an absolute joy to play for me
@@Hawallanxx Brilliant! The colours, the sounds, the play mechanics. You can feel this is 100% polished.
This is by far the best review I have seen on the game. And addressing the controls with the direct comparison to the New series was exactly what I needed. Thanks so much!!!
As a 40+ year old man, I am very much enjoying this game. I don't play games often, but this game is fun.
Really interesting how Nintendo has successfully managed to foundationally improve on a concept that most would define as being already effectively mastered.
Such a in-depth review. John raising the bar for videogame reviews by a lot.
Tried watching other reviews for SMBW and they can't even compare.
To me, even after all these years, it is pretty impressive how Switch games such as this can still wow me from a visual standpoint. So while I agree with the "outdated hardware" remark, it's still really impressive, and it makes me think that the jump to the next iteration will quite likely make for truly amazing games.
Aye mate calm down, the switch is only six years old. You make it sound like Indiana Jones unearthed it
@gunsharck the hardware components used in the switch are 8 years old however. In computing performance terms that *is* ancient and even more amazing what they are pulling off with the hardware.
I agree, thats why i kinda feel good we havent got another 3d mario after oddyssey, they must be cooking something huge for the switch 2
It’s the art style bro
@@TheRealTact Nope, it's the Tegra chip. Although yes, the art style does play some part, of course, some games will look better than others, some studios are better at it than others and all that.
I love your ability to break down rather dry topics in an engaging way with loads of examples. Excellent review!
Well true.
For me, the momentum is a game changer. I would always rage quit MarioU but playing wonder, I’m having so much fun! Thanks John, is was your recommendation during DF weekly that made me pull the trigger 👍
John putting dedicated reviewers to shame, as usual.
I was lucky enough to receive this in the post today and it reminds me a lot of Super Mario 3D World in terms of its creativity. As stated in the video, most devs would be happy to base an entire game around each of these gameplay ideas, but with Mario it's more like use it for one level and then move on to the next new and exciting thing. Nintendo in-house at the top of their game, as ever.
I agree with your four pillars in general, John, but for me they're far from of equal importance - controls are #1 by far, then level design #2. I love music but I could definitely play a great-controlling game with bad music, but I'd struggle to do the opposite. The joy of controlling Mario on the NES effectively committed me to 40 years (and counting) of this hobby.
Looking forward to playing further into the game over the next few days!
Reviewers, take note. This video is a masterpiece
Reminds me of GameTrailers Zelda Timeline in terms of effort
Lovely video John, it's been a long time since 1995 but having Nintendo's full creative (and budgetary) powers applied to a 2D platformer again is super uplifting. Also appreciated your segment on audio - NSMB does sound sedate. Wonder has a lot more energy due to more use of transients (sharp attack) in it's sounds, plus it tends to interlock a lot more which results in a more driving sound. And just plain variety in music and sample usage.
What's going on in 17:56 BTW, Mario doing a flutter jump in World?! :O
Can't wait to hear your renditions of the game Tim!
Holy cow that was weird!!! What the hell did Mario do LMAO
Dude, I hope you make some remixes of Wonder's music!
Ah I see why Mario looks like he's fluttering. That was the 16:9 video cutting off the bottom of the stage. Mario's standing on grass that would otherwise be in-frame if DF were showing the game in a 4:3 (or SNES' native 8:7) aspect ratio
@@Markynava777Mario got Michael Jackson vibe.😂
Genuinely one of the best Mario review I've ever seen, it's great how you go in-depth for everything that matters but most reviewers ignore, like sound design.
Can’t wait to play this with my little daughter. It will be her first Mario game. Man, time flies by so quickly.
Congrats man! I still think bout the good ol days playing this game with my parents especially around thanks giving haha
@@GrimAbstractthat’s the point. I want to have those memorable moments with her and hopefully she remembers her childhood since I rarely have any memories when I was a kid.
I was playing with my 3 year old son today and he spent a good 30 minutes "blowing balloons" (hold A) on the first level.
@@GrimAbstracti also still remembered the days of SUPER MARIO NES. THE GOAT OF platforming games.
@NaNoRarhStep 2: Defeat Bowser.
This is what happens when Nintendo is passionate and doesn't limit the dev's creativity and let their mind run wild with ideas. Currently in the second world and I am absolutely in love with the game, the entire visual style and the snappy platforming. 10/10 imo
Can you imagine Nintendo quality and creativity, but with a modern studios technical prowess and hardware? If Nintendo weren't 2 gens behind (or 3 if we're talking Pokemon) but had the same brilliant visions they have, we'd be getting some indisputable games of the generation out of them.
Hell, with TotK we're almost getting that already even though they're way behind technically.
It's stuff like this and TotK that make people hype about "Ok but imagine Metroid Prime 4 on the next gen switch"
If only other publishers and devs understood this.
@ViridianFlow it's also proof that you don't need the best graphics to make masterpieces. With ballooning budgets and game development taking so long with 1st party on PS5 and SX in reality Nintendo made the best choice to stay profitable and creating realistic timelines for games.
@@ViridianFlow
That 'modern hardware' actually sucks even more dev time and money from other aspects of a project...
@@thebravegallade731 Perhaps, but that doesn't excuse certain Nintendo games (like the Pokemon franchise in particular) from releasing half assed half finished barely trying nonsense.
We know what is possible on switch thanks to other Nintendo titles like Zelda, Mario, Splatoon and Xenoblade so when a new Pokemon game comes out looking like a GameCube title with no real new gameplay and textures that look like a new mod creator made them that's unacceptable
This game is an instant classic. Nintendo always surprises us with their games, truly a masterpiece.
Mario Wonder will be the game to challenge DKC Tropical Freeze for title of best 2D Platformer of all time!
Only Nintendo can one up Nintendo.
@@ThomastheDankEngine8900I'm not even a huge DK fan but that game had great bosses all throughout. This game has 1 great boss.
I know three bangers within 4 months is crazy.
@@ThomastheDankEngine8900You’re having a serious bubble there mate eh? Best 2d platformer is Mario world bar none
@@gunsharck says you
i love when you guys talk about audio and music in games, it's a lot of fun. i'd love to see more stuff about it in the future!
I was up till midnight waiting for it to drop, and when it did I could NOT put it down. They killed it in every way imaginable, Nintendo has been killing it lately.
Have.. have you slept?
@@ascendantMethEnjoyer NO SEND HELP.
I'm in California and I was able to play it 10/19 did you try the game early
It's free, why did you pay $60??
@@MikeJones888xmaybe because they aren't a thieving scumbag?
Your videos are a real treat, John. This is an amazing breakdown of this game and makes me really excited to play it after work. Look forward to a Digital Foundry video with all new video game releases, but even the high bar DF sets your videos always seem to even eclipse that.
Super Mario World keeps rising as one of the GOATs for me. How insane is that 25 years ago, I was playing a game that is basically unrivalled in terms of mechanics?
You know another game with good mechanics? 3D World.
@traviscunningham7062 3D World is top tier Mario and most people sleep on it. It's literally my favorite Mario game
Noice. Wonder is just like 3D World. Both games have creativity in every level, both have a lot of playable characters, both have new power ups, and both have a great soundtrack. Also Mario can become a furry in both games. 🐘 🐱
Everyone sleep on 3D Land
I can see Nintendo double dipping with a Mario world remaster.
I'm so, so happy that they decided to get ballsy again with the 2D Mario games, it was so convenient for them to just push out iterations on the New style, yet here we are with EVERYONE being excited for Wonder and reviewers claiming it's one of the best games of the year. I'm sure sales will also reflect this newfound appeal of the game.
I honestly feel this is one of the best game reviews i have ever seen. You just made my hype for this game grow even more, i can't wait for my copy to arrive!!
The explanation of "Mario moves like a sprite" reminds me a lot of the techniques that ArcSystem used with Dragon Ball Fighter Z.
It's really cool to see more games adopting this technique, it's really something I'd like to see more of in current games.
What is interesting is we are seeing it in film as well.
Could never put my finger on what it was exactly about the "New SMB" games that never clicked with me like most of the rest of the 2D Marios, but this review it think finally nailed it and it's not just 1 thing, but multiple. Presentstion, gameplay and definitely the music!
I was always unsure about why I felt really bad at the 'New' games and how they handled, and the direct comparison of momentum I feel like in a simple clip shows why I just couldn't gel with them. The animation work on top of that makes Wonder just look so much more responsive and better to play.
for me it is the cookie cutter style, music sounds more like an ad for nintendo rather than actual game music, visuals are too clean, not enough stylization and the keyframe thing they mentioned in the video, plus the unimaginative world types. Wonder really blows them all out of the park.
3D Land and World is what NSMB should have been IMO.
@traviscunningham7062 Well 3D Land/World are more like meshing of the 3D games and 2D games. NSMB is just straight up side scroller. But yeah, s far as the title, the "New" would have made sense, since it was a completely different type of gameplay and camera angle from before.
I was not expecting the music section to be that. The new track is goosebumping!!!! It is rad!!!!
I'm getting the game today. As always John, you are doing an exceptional work!
That Wonder underground theme goes WAY too hard for its own good. Love the deep dive into the music.
It's strange how sprites are often so much more expressive than 3D models given how much less detail there is and how many fewer frames of animation they have, but I think it really comes down to the really strong, energetic posing (by necessity, for the aforementioned reasons), and animating the models in the same manner was a clever little way of injecting some liveliness into the animations.
Another exceptional video John. One can easily see the passion you have for these games.
Your parameters for a great 2d platformer also describe for me why Celeste is one of my favorite games of all time. Ticks all of those boxes with a meaningful story to boot.
Yep. It absolutely does!
That was one of the only games I finished, it was really good
I love when John makes videos from his heart, it really shows how mucho love it has for games outside of just dipping ultra deep into performance and pixelcount
Got it today, and I agree. It's the best 2D Mario game I've played in perhaps 30 years. That's a LOT of time!!! Thanks for always excellent reviews and break-downs!
Yep. Seems like Super Mario Bros 3 finally got its match.
Well done Nintendo and Insomniac. At a time when I thought modern gaming wouldn't sell me another console. I'll always give Mario games a chance, though I am hardly a fan, and there have been a few misses along the way. This is the game of of 2023 and its origins are in one gaming's oldest templates, on the least powerful hardware. The new underground theme is gangster.
Better review than almost any other site has put out John. Well done!
Another change in mechanics that I noticed: in every other Mario game, no matter how fast Mario is flying and, falling along, when he lands in water, he immediately stops, and all that momentum is gone. This is the first game where that doesn't happen. The momentum continues into the water for a moment, just like if a person dove in.
At 51 and a lifetime gamer its such a shame to see a lack of 2D side scrollers with good graphics. I'm really bored with retro pixel styled graphics, I was playing games like that 40 years ago so glad to see games like this and the new 2D Sonic.
One of the most nuanced and in-depth reviews I've heard. This one speaks to my ❤. You articulated what I think I've known for years, but couldn't put my finger on regarding animation/movement. You've got yourself another subscriber. Keep the content coming. TY
John I wholeheartedly agree with your closing sentiments.
There are a wealth of great games that check nearly every box, but that special and elusive game that elicits that "this is why I love video games" sensation is worthy of a different level of praise.
Just when we thought Switch had no big titles left in it’s schedule before being superseded, Nintendo pulls another gem from the rough
Princess Peach Showtime will probably be amazing, too…
@@noahsabadish3812 Yep, and I’m also looking forward to Super Mario RPG remake.
I was genuinely so happy John is covering this game
7:31 I love the small details like that, when you're just about to land a jump on the Goomba, the shocked face on the Goomba is so good
We need a comparison between GT7 and FM
Great review John. Thanks. The thing that surprised me the most about Mario Wonder (and TOTK) was that they made me feel good during and after playing them. I love a difficult, dark brooding game, but it is nice to be reminded why I enjoyed video games as a kid and these two really do deliver.
Music instrumentation also change depending if you are stand still, moving or have the elephant power.
I’m really glad to see you guys going over the audio in games as well
My god why do there have to be so many good games releasing this year non stop?😅
I want to play this so bad and I want to support the new voice actor who sounds wonderful by the way!! He has a lower pitch voice wise than Charles but had I not been used to Charles voice for over 30 years I would never know the difference!!
Welcome Kevin to the Mushroom Kingdom!❤
Kevin had a higher voice than Charles. He can't reach the lows that Charles has. He does well, but there's definitely a difference.
@@SpammusXthere is a difference for sure but it’s interesting what our ears hear! I hear the opposite but regardless I’ll try to find time to play this ASAP❤😂
This is one of the best reviews I've ever seen. You watch an IGN review or something and it's just like "Mario is HARD. Old school hard." or something. It'll be like a 5-minute video and they're just gonna give every game an 8 anyway. This is spectacular.
I didn’t realize just how in-depth the Wonder mechanic would be. I’ve been playing the game for a while and literally not a single concept gets reused in the wonder sections of the levels, it’s all brand-new stuff and it’s awesome. The polar opposite of the NSMB games, where you’re lucky to get a new concept in a level.
Just got my copy today and as the owner of a PS5 Xbox series X and switch I can safely say the graphics and presentation of this game have blown my mind considering its a glorified mobile phone the graphics are so sharp the colours pop and the animation is sublime it’s amazing
I feel like people have forgotten how weird and interesting the original New Super Mario Bros is on the DS, people tend to lump it in with the rest of the New games, but I feel like it was honestly pretty special, Wonder captures and exceeds my favorite parts of that game
Deliberate editing how the flower(?) at 20:49 remarks "Mmm, refreshing!" while you are talking about sound effects that have been refreshed.
Great video comparing the different elements against other Mario titles.
Thank you so much for encapsulating exactly why I never liked the New Super Mario Bros games. I wholeheartedly agree that the use of samples was so much more inspired in the SNES games than it ever was in the "New" series. You hit the nail on the head in every single aspect. The "New" games were a creative regression for the Mario series in every single aspect, but I cannot wait to dive into this game.
Unpopular opinion: 3D Land feels more like a sequel to World than NSMB.
“Encapsulating” lol okay grabdpa
I have been recovering this week from hernia surgery and I basically hung out in bed watching TV and playing on my neglected switch. Tried to get into NSMB for the upteenth time and it just really doesn't hit right. I fired up Rayman Legends and it's such a contrast how much better a platformer Rayman is. It's good to hear Nintendo is figuring things back out. Just wish this came out last week!
18:15 gotta disagree this did and still absolutely slaps with perfect sample tbh
Amazing video though, look forward to playing it as yoshi’s island is probably my favourite game of all time
Can I just say, this is one of the best reviews I've ever seen. You've literally broken down the game and explained the mechanics behind it. Instead of just voicing your opinion you actually explain why the game is what it is
Surprised you didn't mention Super Mario 3D World. Although it's a hybrid, I would say it was an installment in Super Mario platforming. The soundtrack for that game was phenomenal.
Well im still gaming on mario after 42 years of his existance. Its still going strong. Love wonder as much as the original mario and the day i was introduced to donkey kong.
Refreshing to see a dev still care to make a full single player experience on release and not have to give a heads up about missing features that are coming like NG+ etc. Especially if your going to release a physical copy, they shouldn't be stuck with the unfinished version.
People acting like Mario Maker isn't a thing. They keep skipping over it whenever they mention 2D Mario releases. If anything it was more popular than the New Super Mario Bros. releases
I'm not even into platformers anymore but this has me really intrigued. This looks like a truly special game.
It is. It's fun to play both alone and with someone else. Even online mode actually works for a change, and it's also fun.
Insomniac and Nintendo capped off the year with 2 amazing bangers, then Alan wake 2 came out and showed me what a survival horror game should really be. What a year for gaming!!!
Incredible break-down. DF's analysis once again at another level, forgive the pun! Great vid John.
Phenomenal high quality video John!
Also I appreciate the upload in 4K, even if it doesn’t run at it, it looks way cleaner and easier for the eye when watching your video
I feel like people forget the last few Rayman 2D games. Those were super revolutionary and actually difficult.
those games are great. i’m excited to play the new Prince of Persia which comes from the same developers. but I also wish they’d bring back 2D Rayman. Legends was too good not to have a follow-up. Those music levels…
18:20 I liked the music cos of the 'dah dahs' and when those little koopas stopped to dance to the 'dah dah'
NOTHING can beat the Super Mario World soundtracks. Hearing those again brought back so many memories and reminded me just how good it is.
I agree 100%. It was Koji Kondo’s masterpiece. it’s also because things seemed to be a bit more special, a bit more magical in that era and the Super Nintendo produced some beautiful soundtracks. F-Zero, Starfox, Super Castlevania IV, Actraiser, UN Squadron, Street Fighter II, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Donkey Kong Country, and many other games have beautiful soundtracks. That era was special and I’m glad I was there to experience it.
I agree that those times were special as a kid. The transition from NES to SNES to 3D games was mindblowing to witness. But you have to count for the nostalgia factor here.
Imagine being 8-10 years old right now and getting a Switch with Mario Wonder and Tears of the Kingdom. Those kids will say the same in 2050.
Amazing that Nintendo is still able to reinvent their games again and again, staying relevant in videogames for almost 40 years!!
Streets of rage 2 has the best soundtrack ever but Mario world is special
I can name 50 games.
Hearing it on headphones for the first time was amazing, only ever heard it on a small colour TV before many years ago.
Handcrafted piece of art, this is what I love the most in Video games 💕 Great vídeo!
What a thorough and detailed review. Much appreciated.
Love this review format. It's a great concise way to hit on a lot of stuff that usually gets glossed over.
Now this is a next gen game as we can clearly see the advancements from new super mario brothers U to Wonder visually AND Gameplay wise.
This was an amazingly eloquent and well-produced review. Thank you for delving deep into aspects like sound design and the less-easily-quantifiable aspects of what makes Mario a platformer "feel" good.
So nice to see a top tier game that lives up to its promise... and thank god theres no talk of day 1 patches ,raytracing, black level raise, which graphics mode to pick, stuttering etc etc... all things which are slightly ruining modern games
I agree. I love all the latest tech. But it’s nice to see a game just come out of the gate looking beautiful, playing great, and being fun.
not Bubsy 3D 🥱
The sequel is 4D. The 4th dimension is pain
Do people unironically like Bubsy 3D?
@@kyledodson2992that game is cheeks
Pilot's License? What for??
Nothing can compare with bubsy 3d
“I consider myself a connoisseur of 2D platformers. I shall now deploy a unique 4-category evaluation system, which I devised specially for judging games in this specific genre: gameplay, level design, graphics, and music.” Astonishing.
SM: Wonder is nuts because it shows that Switch, even at this late stage in its lifespan, even with its technical limitations, is still capable of some truly excellent results. Great art direction, design and execution can overcome tech limitations. I also find it interesting that Super Mario Wonder and Sonic Superstars arrives at the same time, both on Switch and both are excellent. That, is awesome considering the history behind Mario, Sonic and the battles Sega and Nintendo had for our money using those IP. 25 years ago, I would have never thought that possible.
Anyways, I bought Wonder, downloaded it this morning, but I'm considering getting Sonic on PC so I can run it on Steam Deck.
i don't think that is restricted to switch only either. i think you can very well make a legit great looking dreamcast game nowadays if you have good art direction, a well honed render target and clear vision. which are all things most modern games lack.
Modern games lack????
I just played a fully path traced cyberpunk and my jaw was on the gathering whole time at damn near 4k 120.
And you're praising a kid game locked at 720p mostly 60.
What a joke.
Fake news. At the end of the day, this is a simple 2D title, not on the budget of the likes of Demon's Souls PS5 or RDR2. The Switch can easily run this.
@@dougr8646 Yes modern games lack since you're sucking off a game that was released unfinished and STILL doesn't look like its gameplay trailer. But ooh pretty reflections
@dougr8646 I don't really think he's wrong, think more formulaic games like far cry etc...
He did say *most* games after all, you kinda chose to take what he said in the wort way possible for some reason.
I always love when you guys talk more about the gameplay and design side of things and don't just focus on the visuals, would love to see more of that!
New Super Mario Bros. games were all literally unplayable for me because of the extremely slippery controls and how long it took to gain momentum. It was like playing an ice level from the beginning. Controls in Super Mario Bros. Wonder on the other hand, feel almost as tight as they did in Super Mario Bros. 3. Well done!
This was an excellent, and very considered video - loved it!
Simply, when I first played Mario Galaxy I felt it to be sheer joy in videogame form; Wonder gives me that same joy... it is a triumph!
Great job on the editing of this video John. Nice touches with the transitions and sound effects.
Your attention to details made this review so wonderful to listen to thank you for posting
I gotta say, this video completely misses the mark on some things like the physics the reason why the new super mario series gets called uninspired. The main reason why it gets called uninspired or lazy is because after the Wii game Nintendo pretty much stopped trying new things with 2d Mario after the Wii title and the fact that 2 and U looked almost the same as Wii. Also for the music section, I feel like a comparison to the Wii OST or not just the U ost would've been better.
This is basically Bespoke: The Game. Every single level is absolutely unique not just in theme but in mechanics as well, then the wonder seed is like a level within a level and that is always unique as well. There's enough ideas here to make like 20 different platforming games. I finished it today and can't wait to go for 100% and some casual speedrunning later.
I was hoping that you'd have measured the input lag for Wonder and NSMBU. Maybe there's a slight difference there too that gives Wonder a better feel.
Well spoken, sir. You share your enthusiasm and love with palpable points.
Mario 3 and Super Mario World are the greatest platformers ever made in my opinion. Can’t wait to see where this one ranks
To me, it’s my 7th favorite of the mainstream Mario’s. Both Galaxy games are still my favorite.
With music in New Super Mario Bros, I'd probably describe it as always sounding like a breather level even when a more energetic theme would be more appropriate.
This is one of the best analysis in the channel. Congratulations!
What a great video John! Great production, a really good review of Wonder and all framed in a deconstruction of what makes a great platform game. Constantly amazed at the level of care in your productions.
A modern Mario all stars with wonder graphics like what we had back on SNES would be fantastic!
By gum yes!!
2:14 Chrono Trigger spotted, the greatest game ever made, I still got SNES copy in a custom trophy box I had a carpenter made for me back in 2007.
I admit I did not enjoy the New series as much as the old pixel art games, maybe except for the DS one
I'm also not a fan of 2d platforming in general but there are few that I love (noteably metroid games) but this is one of them
SMB Wonder blew my expectations away and had me excited and wanting for more all the time
22:00 is playing Lagoon City from Sonic Superstars. That's a little odd to add in this video.
What a fantastic video, incredible work!
The fireball sounds like the original Mario 1 Nes fireball mixed up & I love it.
Wow, looks like a really awesome game. You did a great job showing the improvements over the New series! Sold me on it!
"Remined me about what I loved about video games in the first place" .... Yea...I could use some of that.
I honestly think New Super Mario Bros DS and Wii are extremely underrated due to the two games that followed. A successful reboot of the series and the arrival of true multiplayer were both incredibly meaningful.
I agree that New SMB DS is underrated. That game had fantastic level design and plenty of challenge, that unfortunately felt diluted with future entries. I lost interest in the last New entry as it even after four worlds in it was painfully easy to 100% up to that point. Happy to say Wonder very early on starts offering extra challenges and hidden paths to hunt down so I think they were aware of this too.
@@Bones_ Ooo I'm excited can't wait to try it! Yeah some of the reviews for Mario DS back in the day called it a true classic to be remembered like Super Mario Bros 3 and World and I think it's deserved. Wii version was a little more samey but I have so many incredible memories playing that 4 person multiplayer with friends. It's truly a blast even if it's a short game. DS/Wii era of Nintendo had a certain charm
@@willwunsche6940 If they made several more Super Mario World entries that were all derivative of the original but trying to more and more appeal to the Wii market mindset of making things easier than needed to not scare people away, it also would likely not be remembered as fondly. Although to Nintendo's credit, they never tried to advertise them as anything "more" than more New Super Mario so when they bother to give a new 2D entry a completely unique name like Wonder, it's because they really mean it's so different and special that the name Wonder is justified.
This reminds me that the development culture in Japan takes names very seriously in terms of what it conveys to people about that game, in terms of making something another iteration of another series or giving it an entirely different name than the series it was intended to be a part of because the game has grown to be so different. Prime examples being Devil May Cry which was originally meant to be a Resident Evil entry and Sekiro which was intended as a Tenchu sequel before it also deviated too much. They could've kept the branding and just used the name recognition for free marketing but respecting a name and it's legacy is very important for them.
Definitely agreed, his comparisons seemed aimed at all the NSMB games when it’s just U with most of the problems lol
@@Bones_ you’re kidding right? NSMBDS is arguably the easiest game in the whole series and the level design was very basic and not layered at all.
Thank you. It´s a nice reminder that we LOVE games. We LOVE to play. Oh, and thanks too for that nostalgic trip down platforming memory lane... won´t lie, I kinda sorta was tearing up a little bit!