Enhancing the Multiplayer Experience in Super Mario Bros. Wonder

Playing Super Mario Bros. Wonder is like indulging in a delicious dessert. The game stays true to the essence of the iconic Super Mario Bros. series while introducing exciting new elements into its levels. What’s more, the local multiplayer feature allows me to share this incredible experience with close friends. However, there’s one issue my gaming partner and I have encountered: the multiplayer camera. Instead of splitting the screen between players, it focuses on the character with the crown, which is awarded to the player who performs better in the previous level. This camera behavior tends to disadvantage the other players.

I quickly realized that I am not alone in this frustration. In my search for solutions on Reddit, I came across many others facing the same camera problems. They also pointed out that this system places the non-crowned player at a significant disadvantage, even transforming them into a ghost if they stray too far from the crowned character. While I haven’t discovered a perfect fix for the camera issues, I have stumbled upon an unconventional solution that has brought immense joy to our local two-player co-op sessions. It may not be an ideal solution at first glance, but its simplicity and effectiveness have made it worth implementing.

Introducing Yoshi as a Co-op Companion

The solution involves one player controlling Yoshi while the other rides along. By having Toad hop onto Yoshi’s back during segments that tend to cause separation between players, such as levels with vertical platforms or challenging water sections, the controller can be handed to the player in control of both characters. This way, it doesn’t matter who has the crown because riding Yoshi ensures both characters move together seamlessly. This approach also leads to unforgettable moments, like witnessing Yoshi carry your character in Elephant form, reminiscent of Elden Ring’s horse Leonard hauling around Starscourge Radahn, or exploring a Lakitu Cloud together.

It’s important to note that playing as Yoshi comes with its own set of pros and cons. On the positive side, Yoshi is invulnerable to damage. However, Yoshi cannot collect power-ups, which can be a drawback. Nevertheless, I have found that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. While my partner and I primarily play levels separately, when we choose to replay particularly enjoyable levels, one of us selects Yoshi, and the other takes a ride. The sight of Toad on Yoshi’s back creates a hilarious and unique experience, capturing the essence of the Super Mario Bros. games and their longstanding tradition of innovation.

Don’t let the multiplayer camera setbacks diminish your enjoyment of Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Embrace the whimsical solution of having one player control Yoshi and the other hitching a ride. You’ll discover a delightful and unconventional way to tackle the game’s co-op challenges and create unforgettable memories along the way.