Super Mario Bros. Wonder Makes an INCREDIBLE First Impression 

Besides the looks and the gameplay, I'm also in love with the sound design. I love how (at least sometimes?) the music changes very subtly depending what power-up you're using and if you're moving or not. Everything is just high quality and made with passion.

I couldn't stop smiling when the Piranha plants broke out into song. So so wonderful.

Arlo picking up every coin that the guy in the trailer left behind is so satisfying to me😂😂😂

Wonder is the greatest side scroller Mario I’ve ever played, and it dethrones Tropical Freeze as my favorite side scroller ever. They nailed every aspect of this game. An instant classic.

Arlo the moment I knew this game was different and shocked me was when the little snow guy in outmaway valley stopped the red shell I threw at it and kicked it back at me. That really got me

Glad to have you move up to Washington. Glad to have you up here!

I’ve been playing it since yesterday and it’s incredible!

Yeah. It's an extremely polished entry. The little details like different animations for entering pipes and so. Just in W2 but I can already see this being in the top 5 side scrolling Mario games.

I'm pleased beyond words that it was the first musical number that prompted you to make a video. It's seriously one of my favourite moments in video games ever.

The singing pirrahna plants was trippy.

Pretty much in the sane boat. Amazing game. Congrats on the big move!

Congrats on moving to washington! I love it out there

Good for you, Arlo

that piranha plant level blew my mind when i played it 🤣

It's trippy & it's wonderful 😁

uhhh my first impressions are that I 100%ed it and had a great time :)

This game is so good. I love it

I hate collectables in games a lot of the time! Not an overstatement. But the big purple coins don’t serve the same function as the star coins, they don’t even feel like they really count as collectables What I hate is HAVING to find stuff to complete a game, so normal coins don’t count. But the wonder seed (the games main collectable is actually fun. Because the challenge is not realy finding them, it’s the challenge of completing them.

That Piranha Parade Stage, absolutley amazing. And such a good idea to do it so early in the game to show people that Wonder Seeds can also be just some super goofy stuff.

I also love how bowser’s castle is located in the middle of a peaceful ocean, instead of “generic lava land” for the 100th time. It really reinforces this games uniqueness

I can not express how hard I was laughing when I experienced the Piranha plant musical number. Before I was like “I can wait till Christmas to get it” and now I just bought it off of Amazon and cannot wait for it to arrive

Don't you mean a "WONDERFUL" First Impression?

I must say, I ADORE the talking flowers. They’re so charming. There have been times where they’ve said things like “good job with (this)” and it just boosts my mood.

I also really like how stylishly mario moves, hes just got a little bit extra to each thing he dose, like jumping up a bit before going into the pipe his hat flipping in the wind ect.

So glad to see the 2D games finally have a personality outside of the most basic Mario formula

The genius of this game all comes from Maker 2. They knew just making a new Mario game that players could make themselves would be no good. They literally broke all the rules because that was the move, that’s the brilliance of this entry. Might be the best Mario 2D ever made, and I don’t say that lightly.

I love how the talking flowers really accentuate the discovery/exploring parts of the game like saying “how did you find this place” or giving little tips or making you feel very accomplished, I like that, it feels more alive :)

You might even say it's "wonderful"

i actually shed a little tear when the piranha plants started singing cause it was just so magical. i am very much not a sidescroller person, and i haven't really liked or even wanted to play a sidescrolling mario since the one on the DS ages and ages ago, so it was really spectacular to experience something so polished and made with love as wonder is. really excellent, i can't wait to keep playing!

I wanna emphasize when you said "got a smile on my face the entire time" because that is something that I will always always appreciate about Mario. In this world and age of negativity and adulthood worries and stress... The fact that I can turn to this game that was made specifically to make me smile and forget all those responsibilities and return me to that... Jolly feeling that only a child gets to experience... It's magical. Like dude as you take control of any of these characters and see how expressive and fun they are with each and every SINGLE one of their animations (they really did NOT skip out on any animations), it just feels you with so much joy it's insane.

My favorite part so far are the wonder flowers. Completely random. Some are pretty straight forward but some…wow. To avoid spoilers, the one that shoots you into the air…I immediately said out loud to no one…”this is the coolest game” Oh yea…also love how there’s no clock so I can explore to my hearts content. This is a true gem

“I got two sore cheeks now because I just keep getting smacked around” - Arlo 2023

This game is so good, absolutely beautiful. Definitely breathes some fresh life into 2D Mario. The environments are creatively surreal, the character designs are cute. And the new power ups are so cool.

I'm not sure if I can explain it well, but I think the magic of the Wonder Effects is that they're something that happens in a level, and not the whole level itself. It being a change in a level, instead of the whole level, means that there is a "normal" level that players can compare it to, leaving more of an impact. The fact that they're also short means that the ideas can get really out there, but doesn't overstay its welcome.

Honestly so far it's been one of my favorite mario games of all time. The amount of content in this game is wild, and literally right as you think you've seen everything, you're thrown into something weird and "wonderful" all over again. Such a good experience.

This game makes me feel energized and kinda like a kid again, which is great. Playing online alongside others is fun too. The amount of interactions I’ve had is fun. The wonder seed gimmick makes levels so unique and fun. I LOVE THE MUSICAL BITS. This is just such a new breath of air for Mario and I love it.

Mario Wonder is truly wonderful. I'm in world 3 and already my favourite 2D mario by far!

I like how this game has a decent amount of dialogue and each world having its own little sub story. Like the desert world having Bowser Jr. steal the water, the Poison Mine world, having you save the Poplins who tried to get a Royal Seed, the mountain world having Master Poplin test you before you get that worlds Royal Seed. It's still overall a basic "Stop Bowser" story, but the journey to do so felt more impactful.

I love how it looks and especially how it feels. Once you build up momentum, you can keep going with it. Speedruns are going to look insane.

i really hoped youd mention the singing piranha plants because it was such a joyous suprise having them burst out into an adorable musical number

I like that you get to choose the hero from the beginning and seeing how Daisy is not in the opening walk through part it felt right picking her and they actually say "Daisy and friends" and see them waving hi to her just felt so good and having a talking flower as the sidekick makes it fell authentic to me playing as Daisy I've been waiting for like 25 years to play as her and Yoshi(not being rode on) in a mainline game and it feels amazing it feels like a sequel to Super Mario World and i find that wonderful

My first impressions are the same! The most amazing part was the singing pirahna plants, and I don't know if you noticed this detail, but if you fire'd a plant, their part was no longer in the music track, like they are actually the ones that are singing!

My favorite part is that all the demos kept this locked away. They knew they had something special. And they kept it close until the right moment ^^

I had the same reaction. I was expecting a lot of stuff with the wonderflowers but the musical completely suprised me. It reminds me of old amusement parc shows where the mechanical puppets sing ^^ There have been some other wonders in the first 2 worlds that where much better than I anticipated. Great game so far.

i’ve caught myself saying out loud to an empty room “wow this is DELIGHTFUL” while playing this game so far. truly a treat!

Something that isn’t talked about enough is the removal of the time limit. It’s so much better, I can take in the scenery and look for the secrets. My only worry is that the wonder seeds get repetitive, I don’t want it to be like odyssey where at first all the moons are super cool but gets boring after finding what spot rumbles the hardest for the 100th time

I totally agree the singing plants were so out of nowhere and super silly oozing with charm, they really bringing the magic back

I find it interesting that there was a whole era of the 3D Mario games being influenced by the 2D Mario games, and now it's seems like we're getting the opposite. We're getting the creativity in the early 3D marios and odyssey into Mario Wonder.

I am pleasantly surprised at how well the online works and how it makes the game that much more enjoyable for me. I find myself waiting for people to finish levels together, helping each other along the way. All without having to say a word, the game just makes you wanna cooperate with others

So far I’ve 100% world 1 and wow…. Think this has already turned into my favourite 2d Mario game. It’s definitely high up there for favourite Mario games of all time. Those wonder flowers, the animation and music and levels… my first game was super Mario bros Wii and it makes me so happy to see how see this and how far we have gone. ❤

I feel like this game is perfect timing for my mental health lol

The Pirahna Plant musical score also had me jawdropped. Soooo unexpected and really set the mood for the wackyness of the game. I love everything about it so far

The goofy ear to ear smile I get anytime a Wonder Effect activates proves how good this game is. Pure creative game design

I’m so happy Arlo talked about the singing Pirahna plants. I’ve been gushing over them since I saw that level. It was awesome!

This game is such visual candy. And it even has challenge if you’re looking for it. Definite platformer of the year, no contest.

Something that’s also incredible is that while playing with my pro controller I noticed that the HD rumble doesn’t just vibrate, but also makes sounds that correspond to what you are doing on screen! Like if you’re running over the music block notes, if you listen to your controller, you can hear it making the notes as well! Same thing goes for the speed boost platforms! It totally blew my mind when I noticed! Why hasn’t Nintendo used this in their games before! It adds such an extra layer of depth to an amazing game!

Got the game and loving every second of it. The thing with Mario games is the level of “polish” it always runs silky smooth. The consistency from Nintendo in that realm is amazing. Most games are choppy , have frame rate drops, need patches. But with Nintendo the games always feel “finished “ . I appreciate that!

Mario Wonder, man. I seriously cannot think of another nintendo game that has thus far been given this much polish and details specifically in the graphics and animation. I'm not saying it's the best Nintendo game, but I struggle to think of a better looking one

I've found at least two Sunshine references so far. The elephant trunk fill sound effect is almost identical to the FLUDD accessory box opening sound, and one of the underground themes is a refresh of one of the Sunshine themes but I can't remember where you hear it in Sunshine.

The is the most exciting 2D Mario has been since the early 90s

The joycons even make musical notes when you run on the music blocks, I've never seen another switch game use the rumble like that 😅

I love musical levels in platformers, they're always a highlight

You realize that thumbnail opens itself up to more Arloverse memes right? Now I’m wondering what Green Arlo thinks of the game

If there's one HUGE Complaint I have with the game; SPOILER ALERT: IT'S THE BOSS BATTLES; We Only fight against Bowser JR for most of the game; with the Only Boss that ISN'T Bowser Jr; being the Final Boss; aka Bowser himself! Seriously; Why is there so much Level Variety; But we only get to Fight THE SAME Character over & over again?!! SERIOUSLY; GIVE US DIFFERENT CHARACTERS TO FIGHT AGAINST; SERIOUSLY; EVEN THE FIRST NSMB GAME ON THE DS WITH ITS ATROCIOUS GRAPHICS HAD MORE VARIETY IN BOSS BATTLES THAN JUST FIGHTING BOWSER JR FOR EVERY BOSS BATTLE THAT'S NOT THE FINAL BOSS; HECK; AT LEAST THE KOOPALINGS HAD MORE VARIETY WITH DIFFERENT PERSONALITIES; DIFFERENT MOVESETS; AND DIFFERENT STAGES YOU FIGHT THEM IN; I'D RATHER FIGHT THE KOOPALINGS THAN ONLY GET TO FIGHT BOWSER JR FOR EVERY BOSS BATTLE IN THE GAME THAT ISN'T THE FINAL BOSS!!

I... may have cried a few tears of joy on a certain level... DONT JUDGE ME

Well, New has become Old and Wonder is the new New. Wonderful!

Your ending note of sonic and mario coming out within days of each other I just had to comment on the sonic thing, Ive been playing sonic. I havent seen reviews of that or the discourse other than people are kind of crapping on it and I .... dont..... know how that could be? I've beaten the game and am trying to unlock everything. But I can not in my mind understand waht more people could have wanted from a Modern 2d sonic. Its what Sonic 4 should have been.... I cant find any just... glaring faults. I dont know what the sonic community even wants anymore. Because for me this is all i ever wanted from a sonic game in this style. Characters have their power, each feels like they should, levels are vibrant. Physics is spot on. I just.. dont know. Oh yeah Mario wonder phenomenal game.

It’s amazing to play a game like this that really thinks about the experience of playing it from the beginning. Much like watching a really good, special movie made by someone who knows what they’re doing right off the bat. It just feels so special.

Blue toad and Yellow toad, are so different personality wise. Yellow toad is just a chill dude (I chose yellow toad as my main) and Blue toad just feels different

Glad to hear your moving up to Washington friend Arlo. A quick piece of advice if your in the puget sound area, try Ivar's Seafood Bar it is delicious.

I'm loving Super Mario Bros. Wonder! I'm usually not a completionist but this game is so fun that I want to 100% it.

I’m close to 40, and just when I’m starting to think I don’t connect with games in the way I used to, here is this truly delightful game that is pure joy to play! A rare gift of a game only Nintendo could deliver.

Absolutely love 2-D Mario games. It’s just a damn shame there is not enough time in my day to play another brand new game.😂😂 I’ll be picking this up and playing it eventually and also the new voice actor is doing a phenomenal job !

ngl from what I've seen, I'm getting heavy Rayman Origins vibes

Why does RU-vid keep removing my comments as spam yet the kids that fight and argue are just fine

I’m glad Arlo didn’t use the new patreon logo. (The new one really sucks)

My first impression of Super Mario Bros Wonder is that it's a really good game because all the characters, the enemies, the music, the levels, and everything just looks fantastic Nintendo did so good with looks so good with this game and it looks amazing.

Must be the only person on the planet not enjoying it Played the first 10 levels and it feels like yet more generic New SMB only with drugs Realllllly hoping it picks up but I've shelved it for Spider Man now because unlike Mario. SM2 did grab me the moment it started and even doing the side stuff everyone gets bored of. Is more entertaining than a Wonder level so far.

2023 is delivering for videogames, isn't it? Nintendo in particular has been on absolute fire this year! The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the almighty Pikmin 4, & now Super Mario Bros. Wonder. This is what happens when GAMEPLAY comes first & foremost from PEOPLE who are passionate about making GAMES. Never change, Nintendo. Keep putting smiles on Arlo's face.

My first impressions are very positive. I was afraid it was just going to look feel and sound like another NSMB game, but playing it for myself, it’s SO much more. Very charming. I’ve been loving the wonder effects, challenge stages and badge system. My only real gripe is I’m into world 4 now and so far there have only been 2 bosses and neither were too inventive. I’m also not a fan of all the Yoshi’s being easy mode, but these are pretty minor compared to the amount of joy I’m having with this game.

I’m with you, loving Mario Wonder, loving Sonic Superstars too. Not sure why folks are griping about Superstars. It’s literally a 2.5D Sonic game with (finally!) the right physics, multiple characters to choose from and great level design. If you’re a classic Sonic fan and that’s not working for you, what would? I mean, Mario Wonder is the better game, but nobody should be surprised at that. Still, both are great. This was a good week to be a 90’s kid, that’s for sure.

"just wow!" Umm I think you mean wowie zowie

Yep, Piranha Plants on Parade was the establishing level for just about everyone. Nintendo could have included it on the demo I played, though. The game would have been all the rage in previews that way. Can we also (mild, _mild_ spoiler alert) appreciate the levels having a star-measured difficulty level, with a whopping 4-out-of-5 stage popping up in the FIRST world?! Because dang, that level is insane and I'm fearing what else the game might throw at me

It's pretty good but I can't shake the feeling it's basically Super Mario Legends... the Rayman feel is really strong. It's great mind you, but I can't be as enthusiastic as the rest of the internet, I think I'd still recommend Legens over SMW if somebody asked for the best 2D platformer on the switch

Don't want to spoil, but the singing plant level isn't just a one off thing. I stumbled on them again today elsewhere and it's a hectic one. Grats on the move to WA! The visit to Seattle opened my eyes to a whole new culture that doesn't exist here in AZ. Though I probably can't afford Seattle, I could go Redmond or something... not Spokane though, well maybe.

I'm glad Nintendo opted to do something a bit weirder for a new 2D Mario. I'm almost at the end of the game and it has been a really fun ride thus far! This honestly feels a bit like Mario 3/World mixed with the weird creativity of Yoshi's Island. There are lots of secrets and memorable set pieces that were fun to go through. I like that you actually have more character choices as well. There is a lot to like about it. The Switch has given us games of familiar franchises that give us something a bit different from their traditional roots like Zelda: Breath of the Wild/Tears of the Kingdom and Kirby and the Forgotten Land. I hope Nintendo continues to creatively experiment a bit with their franchises.

There were two things early game that made me crack a big goofy grin. Only mild spoilers I promise Captain Toad! Exploring the world map and bumping into him was a delight! The Special Stage Music from Super Mario World.

I'm not really a Mario fan. I have enjoyed the 3D ventures more over the 2D ventures mostly due to them trying different approaches to a familiar concept: Sunshine with Fludd, Galaxy with the gravity, Odyssey with a more open format and the throwable cap. 2D games wete mostly the "New" brand... and they felt incredibly generic. Wonder has a visual style that made me curious, so i watched a few different streamers to gauge an impression on whaf this was like. I ordered this as soon as i was able to. I dont think i have ever seen a 2D Mario game with this level of content, depth, and personality since World, and it's striking as hell. And I'm glad, since I was completely ready to go for Sonic Superstars, but instead I opted for Mario, and I consider myself more a Sonic fan.

I get goosebumps playing this wonderful game.

My personal favorite part of modern mario game trend, is the developers removing unnecessary mechanics. Like removing Lifes from mario Odyssey, and removing the level timer from Wonder. Yhe only times in Wonder is explicitly when the timer IS the challenge. Otherwise yiur given the tome to explore and enjoy each level in Mario Wonder, and I think thats really great.

It's a me, Arlo!

My favorite thing about that Piranha Plant moment is the title of the song "Piranha Plants on Parade" like it's a reference to "Pink Elephants on Parade"! This game is straight up a drug trip and I LOVE IT!!

It felt weirdly out of character for you to spoil the Piranha Plant segment so blatantly. Especially considering how hyper fixated you become when it comes to spoilers yourself. Just seems like the type of thing most people would have liked to discover themselves.

The Piranha Plant level is absolutely amazing. I've lost track of how many times I've played it now....

A good Sonic game? Lol you're funny Arlo. I've not played it yet but I can't believe it. I mean Sonic Mania exists so maybe but I'm not holding my breath.

We may no longer be in the bland era of mario, but... some things never made it out. R.I.P Alphadream 2000-2019

The second level being a piranha plant marching band was an amazing idea.

Glad for this video. The game’s opening really hit me and I’m glad to have that impact articulated this way.

even though Nintendo does sometimes makes big blunders and questionable political and financial decisions from the players point of view, but I think we can all agree, that there is no other company in the world coming even close to the consistency and volume of quality games produced. I really hope the new console is something new and it works, if anyone can (and has the balls) shake off the mold of this quite stale industry, it is Nintendo is the only one that comes to my mind.

I wonder if the piranha plant singing level was inspired by the Super Mario RPG Japanese commercial? 🤔