Positives:
- Platforming is as sharp as it's ever been, perhaps even sharper.
- The new Badge power-ups make for some great customization and offer unique advantages.
- Multiplayer remains just as fun as 2D "Mario" is used to being.
- It's nice that it's very accessible, while still providing a pretty good challenge.
- Tons of stuff to collect to keep you coming back.
- Far and away some of the most creative, inventive, and "out there" level design Nintendo's ever put up.
- The Wonder effects in levels add to that creativity; trippy, and they keep you on your toes.
- Visual design is utterly gorgeous; it feels kind of like a painting.
- The music...I mean, come on, it's "Mario." Are you surprised it's fantastic?
- Mario can turn into an elephant...and it's awesome.
Negatives:
- I suppose the bosses can feel a touch same-y to some? But yeah, that's about it.
Consensus: Man, being a Nintendo fan in 2023 has been like having all your favorite holidays on the same day. We've gotten excellent re-releases like "Metroid Prime Remastered" and "Kirby's Return to Dream Land Deluxe" and fantastic new games like "Pikmin 4" and, of course, "The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom." "Super Mario Bros. Wonder," in my eyes, might be the best of the bunch. What a treat of a video game. Just an utter haven of creativity that constantly had me wondering "What the hell are they gonna do next?" And then, they'd do something next that would blow my mind. This is the closest Nintendo's gotten to topping "Super Mario World" since...well, "Super Mario World." A phenomenal game that I couldn't recommend highly enough.
Final rating: 10 out of 10 "Fantastic"