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A screenshot showing a Goomba transformation in Super Mario Bros. Wonder
Image via Nintendo

Super Mario Bros. Wonder will reveal the secret of how Goombas attack for the first time

How do Goombas damage Mario?

The deceptively simple Goomba is critical to the design of Mario games. These approaching enemies introduce players to the concept of enemy stomping and present platforming challenges in an accessible manner. Super Mario Bros. Wonder reveals how Goombas can hurt Mario by means of walking, with the game’s new art direction and expressive animation presenting this enemy in the way Nintendo intended since the NES days.

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In Nintendo’s ‘Ask the Developer’ interview on Oct 17, Masanobu Sato, the art director for Wonder, recalled a conversation involving Mario’s creator Shigeru Miyamoto and another staff member during the development phase of Super Mario Bros. “Someone once asked Miyamoto-san why Mario takes damage when he bumps into a Goomba from the side… It’s because the Goombas bite him,” he said.

A screenshot of a Goomba biting Mario, showcasing the new level of detail seen in Mario's enemies in Super Mario Bros. Wonder. Screenshot via Nintendo of America YouTube.
Goombas can now be seen biting Mario for the very first time. Screenshot via Nintendo of America

You might be wondering why information hasn’t been released until now. Senior programmer Shiro Mouri explained this was because of the hardware limitations of the 16 and 32-bit titles, which Sato says were a blueprint for the nostalgia-driven New Super Mario Bros series. Rules regarding Miyamoto’s characters were also hinted at in regards to the recent change, which fans will not be surprised by.

Another legacy idea that is being brought back for Super Mario Wonder is a seemingly new enemy, the Roller Troopa (pictured below). The idea behind this Koopa Troopa variant came from the development of Super Mario World where pitches for rolling enemies were discussed. Ultimately these troopas were scrapped in favor of the belly-sliding Super Koopa.

4 Concept art images from the Super Mario World presenting different designs featuring Koopa Troopas with roller skates. Image via Nintendo.
Super Mario World concept art featuring a Koopa Troopa with roller skates. Image via Nintendo

Super Mario Wonder is presenting itself as an entirely new direction for the series but it’s clear that many of the game’s most creative ideas have formed from classic ideas. Wonder is continuing Mario’s legacy by giving creative freedom to staff who worked on prior Mario games, and it’s clear they want to see the series evolve while paying tribute to the plumber’s legacy.

Super Mario Wonder launches on Oct 20.


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Author
Image of Kate Robinson
Kate Robinson
Staff Writer. Kate has written about all aspects of the games industry, from the smallest of indie titles to the largest of RPGs. She also has a game design degree obtained from the developers of Sneak King and a unique writing style that is present in all her work.