An intriguing revelation has emerged from the world of Super Mario Bros. Wonder, shedding light on a scrapped feature that nearly made its way into the beloved 2D platformer. The development team considered implementing a “live commentary” feature that would dynamically respond to players’ actions throughout the game, even offering a playful twist with the option to switch to “tsundere commentary.” However, this innovative concept ultimately didn’t make the final cut.
In the third installment of Nintendo’s official Ask the Developer interview for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, published on October 18, game director Shiro Mouri disclosed that the idea for live commentary was initially proposed by producer Takashi Tezuka.
Game designer Koichi Hayashida elaborated on the development process, revealing, “We dedicated approximately six months to the serious development of live commentary. We experimented with incorporating voices that would correspond to the player’s in-game actions. Despite our efforts in adding various voices, questions arose within the team, such as ‘Who should provide this commentary?’ Something about the concept didn’t feel quite right.”
Mouri continued to recount the team’s deliberations, stating, “Even within the team, opinions were divided. The default voice was rather generic, akin to a news anchor, but players had the option to switch to a ‘tsundere commentary.’ Surprisingly, according to our playtest records, a considerable number of players were opting for the tsundere commentary.”
For those unfamiliar with the term ‘tsundere,’ it characterizes an individual or character who may outwardly display harshness or aloofness but occasionally reveals a more tender and affectionate side. This trope is commonly found in various anime series, and the idea of it infiltrating a Mario game certainly sparked curiosity.
Ultimately, the live commentary feature was largely abandoned, primarily due to the immense effort required to create diverse voice variations. Nevertheless, remnants of the concept endure in the form of Wonder’s Talking Flowers. These in-game elements offer various phrases and hints to Mario and his companions as they journey through the side-scrolling levels. Mouri believes that this approach represents “a version of live commentary that harmonizes with the Mario universe.”
Super Mario Bros. Wonder is poised for an exclusive release on Nintendo Switch on October 20. In an early review by TRG, the game received a perfect five-star rating, lauding its delightful secrets, captivating colorful visuals, and the diversity of its exciting levels.
