Developer Inquiry Volume 11: Initial Exploration of Super Mario Bros., segment one
Get ready for an exciting journey in the world of Mario as Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the first entirely new installment in the side-scrolling Super Mario Bros. series in almost 11 years, is set to launch on October 20. This game, developed for the Nintendo Switch, promises to bring a fresh twist to classic 2D side-scrolling Mario gameplay with the introduction of Wonder Effects.
The Wonder Effects, triggered by special items called Wonder Flowers, create spectacular and often unpredictable moments in each level. With 56 unique Wonder Effects, the game aims to make each stage unique and memorable by adding diverse gameplay mechanics and surprises, a departure from conventional Mario platforming.
Some effects are traditional, like evading giant spiked balls or revisiting old items such as Balloon Mario from Mario World. However, many are more creative or unusual, such as needing to jump in sync with musical beats or answering trivia questions embedded in the gameplay. This approach creates a more dynamic and “natural” gameplay experience, encouraging players to engage with levels in new ways.
The development team, led by Shiro Mouri, who served as the programming director for New Super Mario Bros. U and the director for New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, took great pains to create a world that could incorporate the idea of twisting and bending pipes. They did a lot of prototyping to find the core of what they wanted to achieve, and they decided not to focus on creating variations of challenges but rather on offering a large number of surprises that would be fun.
Masanobu Sato, the art director for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, has been involved in the development of 2D Mario games since creating animation for the Koopalings in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. His work can be seen in the redesigned course background music, which incorporates the sounds of musical instruments and digital synthesizers.
Koji Kondo, the sound director for Super Mario Bros. Wonder and a veteran of Super Mario games since the first Nintendo Entertainment System game, made the environmental sounds and sound effects more dynamic to give a sense of complete change from the regular course. He even shared the idea of an eight-heads-tall, life-sized, live-action Mario humming along with the background music.
The philosophy behind Wonder Effects aligns with making every level an individual "art piece" or sandbox of creativity. This is influenced by the design ethos seen in standout levels from the New Super Mario Bros. era, notably "Painted Swampland," which emphasized level uniqueness and creative mechanics. Super Mario Bros. Wonder expands this idea broadly across the entire game, contrasting with the more uniform or repetitive level designs typical in earlier New Super Mario Bros. games.
In an upcoming interview in the eleventh volume of Ask the Developer, the developers behind Super Mario Bros. Wonder will share more insights about the game's development and design. Koichi Hayashida, who worked on the game design for Super Mario Bros. Wonder and has served as a director for games including Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Odyssey, is also expected to provide valuable insights.
So, gear up for a thrilling adventure filled with hidden surprises and wonders in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a game that promises to take classic 2D Mario platforming to new heights.
- To navigate the unpredictable moments in each level of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, consider using various gaming accessories, such as additional Nintendo Switch controllers.
- As Super Mario Bros. Wonder brings a fresh twist to classic 2D gameplay, you might find yourself answering trivia questions or moving in sync with musical beats, both examples of artificial intelligence interactions.
- To support the diverse gameplay mechanics in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, ensure that your gadgets are equipped and ready, including your Nintendo Switch and any necessary accessories.
- With the introduction of Wonder Effects in Super Mario Bros. Wonder, the game creates unique levels designed to feel like individual "art pieces" or sandboxes of creativity – much like the NES or Super Mario world itself.
- Incorporate your passion for technology and Super Mario Bros. Wonder by attending the upcoming interview with the developers in Ask the Developer, where you will gain valuable insights into the game's design and development, particularly from Koichi Hayashida, known for his work on Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Odyssey.
