Nintendo hasn’t added a new game to theSuper Mariofranchise in a little while, aside from side games such asMario Strikers: Battle League,but another platformer is inevitable. Nintendo owes much of its fame and success to theSuper Marioplatformers, and both the singleplayer and multiplayer adventures remain top sellers on Nintendo consoles. The question is merely what the next game will look like. While aSuper Mario Odysseysequel seems likely, it also wouldn’t be surprising to see the nextSuper Mariogame step away from a singleplayer narrative to focus on delivering a fun new multiplayer experience instead.
MultiplayerMariogames such asSuper Mario 3D Worldhave been inventive in recent years, introducing new power-ups, experimenting with course design, and bringing new level themes into the series. However, many ofSuper Mario’s oldest itemscontinue to serve the same purposes that they always have. Simplicity and tradition serve Nintendo well, butSuper Mario Odysseyhas proven that theMarioaudience is ready for some more complex gameplay options, even if they’re not all necessary to beat the game. The nextSuper Marioplatformer ought to add new powers and techniques to classicMarioitems to better engage longtime fans.
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Evolving Super Mario’s Staple Items
Super Mario 3D Worldfeatures a lot of new items, such as its signature cat-themed Super Bell and the Double Cherry that clones the player, but it also featured classics like the Fire Flower and Super Leaf.3D World’s new power-ups made good use of the 3D format and pushed boundaries, but Fire Flowers and Super Leaves didn’t evolve to match. Instead, these items largely provide the same powers that they always have. While keeping things simple makes sense for the all-agesMarioformula, it’s a shame that these items don’t get any new skills; they feel a little plain compared to versatile items like the Super Bell.
Aside from having aged out of theSuper Mariostandard somewhat, certain old items deserve reworks because ofSuper Mario Odyssey’s changesto Mario’s platforming skills. Fans will remember that the game added a remarkable number of new jumps to Mario’s repertoire, as well as several special cap techniques he could perform with Cappy’s help. While many of these techniques were optional, they provided some great depth forMarioveterans looking to save time or earn style points.Super Mario Odyssey’s layered version of platforming ought to inspire some new layers inMarioitem design.
Cat Mario, the Super Bell, andSuper Mario Odyssey’s jumps provide plenty of insight on what item reworks might look like in aSuper Mario 3D Worldsequel or a similar mainline game. For instance, the Fire Flower might keep its standard fireball attack, but Nintendo could also give Fire Flower wielders a continuous fire-breath attack they can use when holding down a certain button. An explosive alternative to ground pounding also seems appropriate for Fire Flowers. Similarly, Nintendo could stand to upgrade the Super Leaf with special gliding maneuvers, aerial attacks, and so on.
These are only a fewSuper Marioitems worth revisiting in a future game. Aside from these recurring items, Nintendo could bring back some more niche or obscure items like the Propeller Mushroom, Metal Cap, or Frog Suit. More complicated optional techniques could be a great way to make these items relevant again after years of taking a backseat.Super Mariogames should always remain fairly easy to pick up and play, since they’re meant to be for everyone, butSuper Mario Odysseyhas proven that the franchise has room for more demanding platforming and skillful inputs too. Cappy may not appear inthe nextMariogame, but reworkedSuper Marioitems could empower Mario’s platforming in Cappy’s stead.
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