We revisit the first Metal Gear Solid release on PsOne (this time on PC) where we sneak around Alaska’s military base, expand our arsenal of weapons, and clash with Revolver Ocelot in a high-stakes gun duel.
METAL GEAR SOLID 2: Sons of Liberty – Master Collection Version
Join us as we complete the whole Tanker chapter in the long-awaited Steam release of MGS 2: Sons of Liberty. Expect a lot of stealth, some shootouts, and a Holywood-level plot twist to wrap it all up!
METAL GEAR SOLID 3: Snake Eater – Master Collection Version
Snake is back in this trip to the past with way more close combat skills, spy devices, and bosses. This time emphasis is on survival so we have to hunt & eat and pay close attention to our camouflage index. Enjoy the full playthrough of the Virtuous Mission.
The origin of stealth action returns. METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION Vol. 1 unifies the beginning of the METAL GEAR gameplay experience in one single package. Infiltrate enemy fortresses all over the globe, complete your missions with stealth, and experience the thrilling cinematic story of the METAL GEAR series.
Volume 1 line-up features the original titles and the beginning of the METAL GEAR series, including the original versions of Metal Gear and Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, Metal Gear Solid (which also includes VR Missions/Special Missions), and the HD Collection versions of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater.
METAL GEAR SOLID: MASTER COLLECTION VOL. 1 Developer: KONAMI Publisher: KONAMI Platform: Windows, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5|4 Release Date: 24th, October 2023 Price: $49.99 USD
Not Recommended – “The absolute basic collection of the first five Metal Gear games with no improvements whatsoever. Only get it if you’re a hardcore Metal Gear fan or wait for some fixes.”
Sydney, Australia, October 31, 2023 – Publisher Microids, Microids Lyon/Paris studios and Paul Cuisset are delighted to reveal the Flashback 2 Developer Diary ahead of its launch next month. In this video, Paul Cuisset, creator of the license, and Anthony Bouraba, one of the game’s producers, offer insight into the link between Flashback, released in 1992, and its highly anticipated sequel.
From the return of Conrad and his quest for identity, to his relationship with his A.I.S.H.A. weapon, the Developer Diary covers all these topics and more. Additionally, the video dives into the connection between the most renowned characters from Flashback who will once again makean appearance.
The Developer Diary also highlights how the essence of the original game has been maintained, while significant improvements elevate the Flashback 2 experience. Die-hard fans will be delighted to rediscover the fresh mix of action and exploration as well as discovering new gameplay mechanics that modernize and expand the franchise.
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About Flashback 2:
In the 22nd century, the United Worlds extend throughout the Solar System, but this tranquillity is threatened by the Morph invasion led by the fearsome General Lazarus. In search of his lifelong friend Ian, Conrad B. Hart dives once again into an action-packed adventure full of twists, turns, and revelations with the help of his allies and AI-powered weapon A.I.S.H.A.
Flashback 2 features:
A vibrant sci-fi/cyberpunk universe full of immersive environments including New Tokyo, New Washington, and the Jungles of Titan.
Use A.I.S.H.A., a lethal adaptive weapon enhanced with combat AI.
A gripping fluid and intricate platform shooter.
A 3D environment crafted for even deeper immersion.
Designed and developed by the creator of the original Paul Cuisset.
Flashback 2 will be available November 30th, 2023 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will be available in Q1 2024.
Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.
About Paul Cuisset
Known worldwide for his video game productions, Paul Cuisset is one of the most prolific French video game creators. Co-Founder of the company Delphine Software, he has worked as a programmer, game designer and/or scenarist on titles as prestigious as “Future Wars”, “Operation Stealth”, “Cruise for a Corpse”, “Moto Racer” and “Darkstone”. In 1992, his Action/Adventure masterpiece “Flashback” made the Guinness Book as the worldwide bestselling French video game. In 2005 Paul Cuisset founded the studio VectorCell and developed “Amy” (PS3, Xbox 360) and the HD remake of “Flashback” (PS3, Xbox 360, PC). In 2015, Paul Cuisset released the adventure game “Subject 13” on PC/Mac, PS4, Xbox One.
Sydney, Australia, October 31, 2023 – Tintinimaginatio and Microids are pleased to unveil a new gameplay trailer for the video game Tintin Reporter – Cigars of the Pharaoh.
Tintin Reporter – Cigars of the Pharaoh will be available on November 15 2023 for PlayStation 5 (digital/physical), Xbox Series X (digital/physical), PlayStation 4 (digital) and PC (digital). The Nintendo Switch version will be available in 2024.
The Limited Edition for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Nintendo Switch (2024) will include:
The retail version of the game
An official Steelbook
Three postcards
Inspired by an iconic adventure from the series of albums “The Adventures of Tintin” created by Hergé and sold more than 275 million copies worldwide, this new video game marks the return of the famous reporter with the puffball to the world of interactive entertainment thanks to a dynamic co-production between Tintinimaginatio and Microids.
In the game Tintin Reporter – Cigars of the Pharaoh, the famous reporter and his faithful companion Snowy are going to experience some extraordinary adventures…After meeting Professor Sarcophagus whilst cruising the Mediterranean Sea, the famous reporter sets out in search of the tomb of the Pharaoh Kih-Oskh. What are the dark secrets hidden in the tomb? From Egypt to India, passing through Arabia, Tintin & Snowy will end up investigating a gigantic drug trafficking network throughout the East.
With all the facets of the Tintin universe and a story full of twists and turns that are part of Hergé’s great creative legacy, Tintin Reporter – Cigars of the Pharaoh immerses the player in the heart of a mysterious Egypt and other lands of infinite beauty.
Combining all the best elements of adventure and investigation games, Tintin Reporter – Cigars of the Pharaoh invites the player to dress up as an investigator/reporter: search, infiltrate to find clues and solve enigmas with the help of investigation dialogues enriched with video sequences, infiltration phases or even plane or car chases. Tintin Reporter – Cigars of the Pharaoh offers a unique and innovative gameplay to allow everyone to live the adventure like a real reporter!
Tintin Reporter – Cigars of the Pharaoh will be available on November 15 2023 for PlayStation 5 (digital/physical), Xbox Series X (digital/physical), PlayStation 4 (digital) and PC (digital). The Nintendo Switch version will be available in 2024.
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About Microids
Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.
About Tintinimaginatio
Tintin is linked to both the present and the future. Imagining a future for Tintin and a heritage like Hergé’s is essential and paramount. To do this, we must adopt a long-term vision and a culture of responsible ethics that respects the artist.
It is important not to fall into a rut, but to show initiative and innovation. Our slogan, ‘keep imagining – new activities’ pursues this objective.
About Tintin TINTIN might be the hero everyone would like to be, but is surely the friend everybody would like to have. This friend who would do anything for the ones he cares about. Today, the Adventures of Tintin still resonates vibrantly: They inspire artists, writers, movie and theater directors alike. Tintin embodies the universal values in which each and everyone can rely. Tintin is a unique mix, combining exciting stories, a “ligne claire” drawing style and universal themes.
Tintin is famous all over the world. Distributed worldwide, Tintin’s adventures are devoured with the same enthusiasm since its debut back in 1929 in the pages of the Petit Vingtième magazine. Who could have envisioned such a success? Definitely not its creator, Hergé (Georges Remi), autodidact comic book artist whose got lucky to publish his work during his teenage years in the pages of his homeland of Belgium’s scouts’ magazines.
Today, ATLUS released a new trailer for the upcoming tactical RPG Persona 5 Tactica, sharing more details about the different techniques to use on the battlefield, how to best strategise against unique enemies, fusing Persona’s, and crafting powerful new weapons. In addition, the team shared more details about how Sub-Personas can maximise each squad member’s capabilities and putting different difficulty levels to the test for further challenges.
Watch the Battle Trailer #2 below:
Overthrow your enemies in Persona 5 Tactica with powerful Personas, an assortment of weapons, and wipe them out with style in this fresh new tactical RPG from the award-winning Persona 5 game. Persona 5 Tactica launches on Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch on the 17th November 2023.
Closed Beta Recruitment Starts Today for Players in UK and Australia
SYDNEY (31st October, 2023) – Square Enix Ltd has revealed a new teaser trailer and announced a closed beta test for the upcoming mobile release of KINGDOM HEARTS MISSING-LINK. This latest entry in the beloved KINGDOM HEARTS series will debut on iOS and Android devices. The application for closed beta test participation is now live for those in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Watch the newly released teaser trailer below:
Approximately 3,000 participants total from UK and Australia will be selected to take part in closed beta testing for the newest entry in the beloved franchise. Created by Disney and SQUARE ENIX, the KINGDOM HEARTS series is one of SQUARE ENIX’s longest running franchises, first debuting in March 2002.
Closed Beta Details
The recruitment period for the upcoming title begins today and closes on 19th November, 2023 for both iOS and Android testers. Selected iOS testers will be notified via the e-mail address registered on the application form on or around Tuesday, November 28, 2023 (only selected testers will receive an email notification. Those who are not selected will not receive an email notification). The closed beta testing for iOS begins on 29th November, 2023 at 7:00 AM (UTC) and ends on 8th December 2023. The selected Android testers will be notified via the email address registered at a later date for Android closed beta test, which is now planned for January 2024. More updates for the Android closed beta test will be shared on the KINGDOM HEARTS Missing -Link official X (Twitter).
Closed Beta Test Application Requirements
Residents of United Kingdom or Australia
Ages 18 or older
Users must accept and agree to the “Closed Beta Test Application Requirements”, “Closed Beta Test Precautions”, and the “Closed Beta Test Tester Agreement (KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link)” on the official website.
Those interested in joining the closed beta can apply using the application form on the official website here
KINGDOM HEARTS is a series of role-playing games created through the collaboration of Disney and Square Enix. Since the first KINGDOM HEARTS was released in March 2002 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the series has expanded with additional entries and has shipped over 36 million units worldwide. Since the launch of KINGDOM HEARTS III in 2019, the critically acclaimed RPG has shipped more than five million units globally, both physically and digitally, making it the fastest selling game in the history of the series. KINGDOM HEARTS IV, the next mainline entry in the series, is currently in development for console devices.
About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 185 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 88 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, and TAITO are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Teaching goes super-Sonic, as study shows use of gaming culture helps 90% of primary students learn more
Checkpoint, London — October 30, 2023 |A new study by Brunel University reveals that video games are making a huge difference in the classroom for teachers and students alike. More than 90% of students who attended lessons where video games formed a key part of the experience, said that video game content helped them to enjoy subjects more and learn more effectively.
The principles behind these teaching methods have arrived in classrooms courtesy of Checkpoint, a video-game inspired education platform that, according to this new study, is responsible for genuine and marked improvements. Both in the way pupils are engaging with the teachers — and their implementation of the National Curriculum.
Partnering with SEGA for this study, Checkpoint designs, writes and curates teaching materials that tap into gaming culture. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Planet Zoo, Checkpoint is helping teachers educate their students through the lens of gaming. These learning materials were welcomed by any school who used them.
“We wanted to see whether our approach actually had the benefits we intended,” said Checkpoint’s founder and editor-in-chief Tamer Asfahani. “So we approached the educational experts at Brunel University London to design an independent study to evaluate the extent to which key stage 2 children engaged with our learning materials.”
Brunel’s Professor Kate Hoskins led a team of experts from the university’s Department of Education, who worked with five teachers at four London schools to trial learning materials for a science lesson that’s part of the National Curriculum. The aim of the lesson was for the students – aged 7 to 11 – to learn how animals are classified into different species and groups based on various characteristics, and to practise doing this themselves. Instead of categorising normal animals, the students were tasked with organising Sonic and his fellow SEGA characters into the correct groups.
Interviews and questionnaires found that the lesson was “overwhelmingly positive”, with teachers praising the engagement of children who they knew struggled in a more traditional learning environment. “The link to children’s game culture enabled participation across otherwise marginalised groups,” said Professor Hoskins. “Including minority ethnic, SEND” — those with special educational needs and disabilities — “and low socioeconomic status children.”
Checkpoint were thrilled with the findings and are continuing to develop their gaming-inspired learning modules, which are completely free of charge, on their website and are looking forward to working with more schools and improving childrens’ education with the vehicle of video games.
For more on Brunel’s research, check out quotes from teachers, Tamer Asfahani, and Professor Hoskin’s, below.
Research Data and Developments in a Modern Classroom
One of the teachers pointed out how when they started talking about the character, the students were immediately engaged. “They loved the fact that it’s something that’s in everyday life. Especially the boys — they realise, okay, yes, that’s different,” the teacher said, adding that the learning materials were something that he and his colleagues can use as a basis, and adapt to the needs of various classrooms. The students were similarly enthusiastic.
And when the researchers analysed which of the National Curriculum’s key skills were hit by the lesson, all the desired ones were being gained; with listening, creativity and problem-solving scoring particularly well.
“The students’ responses suggest that incorporating gaming culture elements in the classroom can lead to a more enriching learning experience for students across the socioeconomic and cultural spectrum, transforming the way they engage with and understand scientific concepts,” Professor Hoskins said. “Teachers can potentially foster a deeper connection between students and the subject matter when bringing the excitement and challenges of video games into the learning process, ultimately promoting a lasting interest in science education.”
Checkpoint’s Asfahani welcomed the findings. “Thanks to this study, we have data confirming that teachers and researchers should work together to create innovative instructional strategies that harness the power of gaming culture and facilitate deeper learning for students, in key stage 2 science lessons and beyond,” he said.
“This collaborative effort will not only contribute to the ongoing development of effective teaching practices, but also inspire a new generation of students to become passionate, lifelong learners in the field of science and other subjects; with the potential to be especially positive for less confident learners.”
The research was made possible by the Brunel Innovation Voucher Scheme, designed to promote collaborative innovation between the university and UK-based small businesses, social enterprises and third-sector organisations.
Enjoy the Terrifyingly Beautiful Graphics and Highly Acclaimed Gameplay on the go Natively with the Latest Apple Devices
London (October 30, 2023) Spooky Season just got a little scarier! Resident Evil™ Village, the award-winning eighth core entry in Capcom’s iconic survival horror series, is now available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPads with the M1 chip or later. The highly acclaimed title takes players on a thrilling adventure through a desolate European village teeming with horrors. The Winters’ Expansion also joins Resident Evil Village on the App Store today. This downloadable content includes Third Person Mode, new playable characters for The Mercenaries mode, and Shadows of Rose, the surreal final chapter of the Winters family story set 16 years in the future.
With ultra-realistic graphics that parallel the fidelity of consoles, players can now take Resident Evil Village on the go with iPhone and iPad and relive Ethan Winters’ nightmarish journey to rescue his kidnapped daughter. The experience is powered by Capcom’s RE ENGINE, which takes full advantage of Apple silicon and advanced features like MetalFX Upscaling to deliver scary-good performance.
Conjuring the console roots of Resident Evil Village, the action-packed survival horror gameplay can be enjoyed on iPhone and iPad with wireless game controllers. Built-in touch controls are also included and are fully customizable to deliver easy on-the-go play. Resident Evil Village also supports cross-progression between iPhone and iPad, enabling saves to be shared across devices.
Resident Evil Village is available to try as a free download on the App Store, allowing players can experience the intense gameplay and striking visuals before purchasing the full game. In celebration of the launch, Resident Evil Village and Winters’ Expansion are on sale until November 20, 2023. iPhone and iPad users who purchase the base game and expansion before that date will receive the Street Wolf Outfit as a special bonus. This alternate costume can be worn by Rose Winters in Shadows of Rose, where she explores a mysterious realm of consciousness in search of a cure for her unwanted powers.
The Resident Evil Village Original Soundtrack Complete Edition is also out now. Available first on Apple Music, this album features 135 spine-tingling songs. The haunting package includes 110 previously unreleased tracks from the base game, Shadows of Rose, and The Mercenaries Additional Orders expansion content. A special offer is available today to commemorate the soundtrack’s release, providing listeners up to 3-months free of Apple Music.
The reawakened Resident Evil™ 4 and its high-flying downloadable content Separate Ways are coming soon for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and every iPad and Mac with the M1 chip or later. The App Store release of Resident Evil 4 will support Universal Purchase and cross-progression across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Note: Resident Evil Village for Mac is also available as a standalone purchase.
ABOUT RESIDENT EVIL VILLAGE Set three years after the events of Resident Evil™ 7 biohazard, Resident Evil Village once again sees tragedy befall the Winters family. After their home is attacked, Ethan ventures into an eerie village to rescue his kidnapped daughter, Rose. Resident Evil Village resumes Ethan’s journey in the first-person view with photorealistic visuals that take survival horror to the next level. The Winters’ Expansion introduces three additional pieces of content: Third Person Mode, The Mercenaries Additional Orders, and Shadows of Rose, an epilogue to the story set 16 years after the main game. This award-winning title has sold over 8 million copies since its debut in May 2021.
About Capcom
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including groundbreaking franchises Resident Evil™, Monster Hunter™, Street Fighter™, Mega Man™, Devil May Cry™ and Ace Attorney™. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Tokyo, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com or news.capcomusa.com.
Capcom, and the Capcom logo are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. or other countries. Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil and Street Fighter are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
Samsung Electronics pays homage to the innovative design and features of SGH-E700 with the release of Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro, marking 20 years of technical advancement
SYDNEY, Australia – October 30, 2023 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that it is set to release the Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro — a limited edition phone that embodies Samsung’s legacy of innovation — from November 1 in Korea, the UK, Germany, Spain and Australia, and on November 2 in France.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro draws inspiration from the SGH-E700, a product that captured the market’s imagination with its exceptional design and performance 20 years ago in 2003. At that time, the SGH-E700 was a ground-breaking mobile phone, being Samsung’s first to feature a built-in antenna. This innovation, coupled with the phone’s widespread popularity, played a pivotal role in advancing Samsung’s position in the mobile phone industry.
Now, Samsung plans to engage its customers by showcasing its history of innovation, spanning from its founding to the present day, with the classic SGH-E700 and the new Galaxy Z Flip5 serving as representative examples.
Samsung Electronics has provided innovative mobile phones in the market for decades. In addition to the SGH-E700, the company has launched a series of other revolutionary mobile products, starting with the MP3 phone SPH-M2500 in 1999. This was followed by the watch phone SPH-WP10, the TV phone SCH-M220 and the camera phone SCH-V200. Each product earned acclaim for its innovative new features that pushed the boundaries of what was possible at that time.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro skilfully implements various distinctive features of the SGH-E700, such as the combination of indigo blue and silver colours, a UX design reinterpretation of 2000s pixel graphics and an exclusive animation on the Flex Window that portrays a cityscape with a touch of nostalgia.
The unique package includes three Flipsuit cards featuring logos from different eras of Samsung’s history, a Flipsuit case and a collector card engraved with a unique serial number that will add to the product’s collectible value for purchasing customers.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro will be available in limited quantities in Korea, the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Australia. Consumers in these select countries can purchase this iconic device exclusively through Samsung’s official website, Samsung.com.[i]
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
In Little Nightmares III, the two main protagonists, Low and Alone, will have to travel through the Spiral looking for a way out of the Nowhere. Their journey starts in the Necropolis, a peculiar place, raised from the desert sands and powered by gusting winds. It has been described as a city of eternal energy and certain death. It used to be inhabited by the Dwellers, but nowadays the ancient metropolis is more of a ghost town where the two children will have to avoid several dangers, including Monster Baby.
This 18-minute long gameplay video of Little Nightmares III, played in co-op mode, immerses players into the depth of The Necropolis, revealing some of its secrets.
Little Nightmares III will be playable in online co-op for the first time in the franchise, letting players each take on the role of one of the 2 new characters, Low or Alone, in this dreadful world. The game will also be fully playable in single player with AI controlling the second character.
Little Nightmares III will be released in 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.
There is no mascot more familiar or famous than Mario. Nintendo have reinvented their hero numerous times, consistently releasing quality titles – but there is no doubt that a small echo of staleness still is heard from the aging fanbase who have swooped these titles up for decades. Super Mario Wonder is everything you know about Mario and pals, but with some innovative ideas in play to refine older mechanics. Can a 2D Mario really still prove relevant? Let’s find out.
Story
Mario, Luigi, Peach, and nearly the whole colorful cast visit Flower Kingdom. During the ceremony, Bowser comes and snags the all-powerful Wonder Flower, merging his ship with the power, while causing chaos all over the lands. Along with Prince Florian, the heroes set out to find Bowser and return the Kingdom back to its normal state by utilizing the magic of the Wonder Seeds. While it sounds familiar, this may be the first 2D adventure in a long time that is beaming with originality. There may be a huge roster of characters on this journey, but each feel important, as no matter who you pick, the game makes it feel as if was built for that hero – despite the lack of change throughout based on your decision of who to play as. Sure, the story isn’t exactly deep, but this world feels alive, with talking flowers adding commentary as you play, as well as stages that create a feeling that you are in a living storybook of sorts. It’s a 1+2=3 narrative that has been fleshed out so well, it feels as if each playthrough is distinct and interesting, as the amount of detail and lore flooded within every level creates Mario’s most memorable adventure to date.
Gameplay
Super Mario Wonder is the best Mario game since Super Mario World, hands down. I know that is a bold statement, but this is a bold game, filled with imagination and “wonder” in every stage. The gameplay mainly takes its notes from past 2D romps, with players evading and squashing enemies as they get to the flag located at the end of each stage. Its not about end however, as the journey makes this title truly special. Each level feels unique, with plenty of places to explore. As mentioned, talking flowers will greet you throughout each stage, shouting various bits of commentary based on the hazards at that particular section. Basically, your job is to find the hidden wonder seeds, purple and gold coins, and discover whatever secrets happen to emerge. There is always a feeling to slow down and poke around at any area as the level of interactivity creates an engaging experience where the main goal is not just to finish, but to unearth some new door or treasure.
The character roster may be the largest yet in a game of this kind, with multiple Toads, Yoshis, Mario, Luigi, Daisy, and Peach all being playable, along with Nabbit, with each character adding their minor quirks to the gameplay. For instance, Yoshi is invincible but cannot pick up abilities, and Nabbit acts as an easy mode, with more resistance to enemies within the game. New power-ups are limited, but do pack a bit of a punch overall. The elephant fruit allows Mario and friends to transform into an elephant, which can bash through obstacles and absorb water, which in turn can water plants or used as a normal projectile. Along with the fire flower is a new ability that has the player shoot bubbles, which can trap enemies. There is also a drill variant that adds complexity by allowing players to drill underground, which may seem minor but comes in handy while avoiding large stampedes of foes at once. Sure, there are not a ton of abilities, but this world utilizes everything it has, making it a joy to run through stages various times with different powers. Badges can also be unlocked, which add one small nuance each to the gameplay. The ability to glide, a wall jump, and so on are obtained through this method, which can be a lot of fun to also play around with as you progress through the game.
The polished gameplay is lovely, but by far, the wonder flowers are where the magic can be found within this title. When you obtain one of these, the world immediately changes. The enemies, the pipes, and so on all come alive in a different manner and guide you to the hidden wonder seed within the level. For instance, there is one stage where normal piranha plants come alive and out of their pipes in full song, choreographing their way to your potential demise. A wonder flower almost feels like turning the stage into a theme park ride, where the player straps on and watches in awe as they get to fully participate in whatever fantasy thrill this development team put together. Sure, the game was already great, but there is some hidden joy buried inside the player that these seem to bring out to the surface, which is another element that makes it so special.
Super Mario Wonder has a bit of something for everyone. Kids could play it without much discourse as the game is super accessible. Adults are also welcome, as the stages can be a relaxing getaway or a chaotic speedrun – if they so choose. Multiplayer works well and adds in a bit of suspense, as the players now need to be in control of each other’s safety. Go to fast, you may kill a teammate. If a member of your party goes down, you need to work to bring them back to safety before their little ghost soul vanishes. The online aspect, which Nintendo are not known for doing well, adds a lot as well as players can create little cut-outs of themselves to show others how they beat a particular portion. Not a huge addition, but a neat idea that I think works well within these walls.
Audio
The soundtrack here is pure bliss. Nintendo could have went with the old tunes and still had a passable experience, but the new music is surely to remembered as truly setting the atmosphere and charms of the entire product. Charles may have also left the franchise, but Kevin Afghani does a remarkable job in his first role as Mario and Luigi, as well as those little talking flowers. All the other bells and whistles come together to make this a stunning audible showing for Super Mario Wonder, one that may be used as a bar to compete with for future titles going forward.
Visuals
The bold colors, the polished models, and so on really look stunning on the Switch. Sure, its a 2D Mario game, but it is still a stunner. There are so many animations that create this world and never hold back with surprises for the player, providing such a satisfying ride as you make it through each world. Little touches now have Mario snag his hat as he goes through pipes and even obtaining power-ups now come with a burst of new celebration that come with the added animations. Sure, there are not a lot of cutscenes, but there really doesn’t need to be as the game never misses a beat, managing to sync its experience of every level with the sound and the player themselves in a seamless fashion.
Overall
Super Mario Wonder is extraordinary. There is so much life and charm throughout this entire game that is so detailed and imaginative, most will be happy to travel through time and time again as they hunt for more secrets or better times. Over the years, we have always had Super Mario World pointed at as the reference for level design, and I think this may be the title to finally shift that perspective to the present, as it really is as good as that thirty year old masterpiece of the past. Nintendo are at a point with the Switch where they didn’t have to prove anything, but managed to craft Super Mario Wonder into this one-of-a-kind experience that will be heralded for years as one of the greatest pieces of software for the platform. Sure, it doesn’t give you a brand new Mario game, but it does refine the product to perfection with new ideas and satisfying gameplay that have truly brought this franchise full circle.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
