Mario Wonder- Videogames As Art
Mario Wonder was an unexpected delight that subverted the self-imposed norms which had made the 2D Mario games seem stale over the last few iterations. Games like Rayman Legends, Ori and the Blind Forest and Celeste had been vying to dethrone Mario from his platformer heels but this game blew me away with its sheer lunacy. It dazzled with its vibrant, whimsical art, cartoonish characters and surreal landscapes which all helped to create a playful, captivating world.
The MVP was the Wonder Flower power which unleashed visual chaos, turning levels into shifting, delightful canvases. It's a testament to Nintendo’s creativity and artistry to view their gaming legacy askew and turn this single simple idea into a game-changing vehicle.