What timing for the podcast episode to release - at this point, I've already completely finished Wonder. It's been a few days and I've been thinking about the title a lot. I already want to play it again, but I gotta wait for my co-op buddies to be free.
This was an incredible experience. Not sure where it ranks in comparison to 3 and World, games I've finished many times at this point, but this is absolutely my favorite new game of 2023. Consistently creative with its level design, the most well-rounded power up selection of any 2D Mario game enhanced by the badge syste., so much charm and character in every aspect. Best World 1 of any 2D Mario game, best Desert World of any 2D Mario game, and a great set of courses and Worlds in general. I'm particularly impressed by how much I vibed with the world map and level progression being more Odyssey like even if it was not what I was expecting. Some weak bosses don't prevent this from being the best 2D Mario since the SNES - it's that good.