Nintendo's Radical Approach to Character Animation and Gameplay

The year 2023 has proven to be a remarkable one for fans of the iconic Super Mario Bros. franchise. Not only did it witness the highly-anticipated release of "The Super Mario Bros. Movie," but it also marked a significant moment in the gaming world with the launch of "Super Mario Bros. Wonder." While both these offerings revolve around the adventures of everyone's favorite plumbing brothers, they each offer a unique take on the beloved franchise, making this year an unforgettable one for Mario enthusiasts.

"Super Mario Bros. Wonder" is not your typical Mario game. It pays a loving tribute to the classic 2D gameplay that has defined the series for decades, but it also takes bold and trippy leaps into uncharted territory, thanks to its radical power-ups. According to a report by NPR, the game introduces a fresh and exhilarating take on the Mario universe. The developers behind this ambitious project have gone to great lengths to ensure that players experience a cohesive and engaging gaming adventure that aligns with the spirit of the record-breaking movie.

One of the most notable features of "Super Mario Bros. Wonder" is the attention to detail in character animations. For instance, when Mario crouches, he playfully adjusts his hat. This level of meticulous design is evident throughout the game, including the charming animations of Elephant Mario navigating pipes. The objective is to make the character movements recognizable and familiar, especially to new fans who have been introduced to Mario through the movie. Producer Takashi Tezuka explains, "People who are coming from the Mario movie are going to see that [character movement] and think, 'this is what Mario does, this is how Mario moves,' and we wanted them to experience something similar to that."

In the visual department, "Wonder" lives up to its name, offering a more stunning and dynamic experience compared to its predecessors. The game's style closely mirrors the animation of the movie, embracing a more fluid and lifelike look. Traditionally, most of the development costs in Mario games have been channeled into the gameplay experience itself. However, for "Wonder," the focus has shifted to enhancing animations. As Takashi Tezuka notes, "This time, we really wanted to pour some of that into the animations."

"Super Mario Bros. Wonder" brings back familiar items that long-time fans will recognize, including the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower. It also introduces exciting new power-ups that will delight those transitioning from the big screen to their gaming consoles. Among these fresh additions is the ability to drill through floors and walls, create trapping bubbles for adversaries, and transform into an elephant. The introduction of the elephant power-up generated substantial online buzz when "Wonder's" trailer was unveiled. Director Shiro Mouri had specific objectives in mind for this unique power-up, even if they had nothing to do with the animated feature. He explains, "Having a slightly bigger body, being able to attack blocks from the side, and being able to spray water — I mean, the elephant's the only natural answer to this."

This year has been a boon for animation, and "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" played a significant role in that. The animated journey follows Mario, voiced by Chris Pratt, as he is transported to the Mushroom Kingdom, where he teams up with Princess Peach, Donkey Kong, and others to thwart the nefarious Bowser, portrayed by Jack Black. The film is filled with nostalgic references and can be enjoyed by viewers with a Peacock subscription.

After you've experienced the movie, you can continue the adventure with "Super Mario Bros. Wonder," which was released on October 20th exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. With its innovative approach to character animation and gameplay, it promises to be a must-play title for Mario fans old and new.