Nintendo hasn't added a new game to the Super Mario franchise in a little while, aside from side games such as Mario Strikers: Battle League, but another platformer is inevitable. Nintendo owes much of its fame and success to the Super Mario platformers, 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 a Super Mario Odyssey sequel seems likely, it also wouldn't be surprising to see the next Super Mario game step away from a singleplayer narrative to focus on delivering a fun new multiplayer experience instead.
Multiplayer Mario games such as Super Mario 3D World have been inventive in recent years, introducing new power-ups, experimenting with course design, and bringing new level themes into the series. However, many of Super Mario's oldest items continue to serve the same purposes that they always have. Simplicity and tradition serve Nintendo well, but Super Mario Odyssey has proven that the Mario audience is ready for some more complex gameplay options, even if they're not all necessary to beat the game. The next Super Mario platformer ought to add new powers and techniques to classic Mario items to better engage longtime fans.
Evolving Super Mario's Staple Items
Super Mario 3D World features 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-ages Mario formula, 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 the Super Mario standard somewhat, certain old items deserve reworks because of Super Mario Odyssey's changes to 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 for Mario veterans looking to save time or earn style points. Super Mario Odyssey's layered version of platforming ought to inspire some new layers in Mario item design.
Cat Mario, the Super Bell, and Super Mario Odyssey's jumps provide plenty of insight on what item reworks might look like in a Super Mario 3D World sequel 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 few Super Mario items 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 Mario games should always remain fairly easy to pick up and play, since they're meant to be for everyone, but Super Mario Odyssey has proven that the franchise has room for more demanding platforming and skillful inputs too. Cappy may not appear in the next Mario game, but reworked Super Mario items could empower Mario's platforming in Cappy's stead.
