Not only are the graphics better, but the gameplay has also been stepped up. Of course, we still have the classic Mario controls with ground pounds, wall jumps, and jumping on enemies, but now there are also badges that really freshen up the game. At the start of a level, you can select badges. Mario can, for example, run extra fast, swing around like a sort of Spider-Man, become invisible, and much more depending on what you choose. This way, you can make the game easier if you're struggling, or add an extra bit of challenge if you find the game too easy.
That's good because Mario Wonder is the easiest Mario game I've ever played. The platforming isn't too challenging, the controls are easy, and the enemies aren't particularly dangerous. While this might make the game a bit boring for experienced Mario players, it does mean that even young children and parents who have never played a game in their life can have fun.
If even with the badges the game is still too difficult for you, you can choose to play with a Yoshi variant or Nabbit. These characters cannot take damage, so enemies pose no threat. Yoshi can also stay in the air for longer with his flutter jump.
Nintendo's online system is very unique, and not something I've seen in a game before. You see other players as shadows. When you die, you turn into a ghost and have to float towards another player to come back to life. You can also share items with other players and place items where you and other players can float towards them to come back to life. It's quite fun, but it makes the already quite easy game even easier.
Mario Wonder is a visually stunning game full of unique ideas, and that's exactly what the Mario franchise needs.
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