Is Super Mario Bros Wonder Really “Decimating Testers”?

gameranx.com:

Let’s be honest here when it comes to the 2D and 3D video games that feature Mario; they’re not always known for their difficulty. Yes, there are plenty of challenges to take on, especially in the 3D space, and certain boss fights can be challenging, but it’s not to the level of certain “git gud” video games today. You could argue that’s by design, as Nintendo is looking to bring more casual video games to the fold, and having a “simple game with Mario” is an easy sell. But that might change with Super Mario Bros Wonder, as one insider says the game will not be what you expect.

The leaker in question is Zippo, who has a spotty record of reporting on the Nintendo Switch and its “upcoming titles.” But in the case of Super Mario Bros Wonder, he says that the game is challenging to the extent that it’s “decimating testers” who try it out:

“If you think this game is going to be a walk in the park, then you’re in for a rude awakening. It’s a Mario game, so of course it’s going to accessible for everyone, but I’m hearing that Nintendo has ramped the game’s general difficulty up quite a bit,” claimed Zippo. “So much so, that humorously, the game has apparently been absolutely decimating testers and people working/localizing the game.”

That would be quite a feat if true and definitely something gamers wouldn’t expect. But we do feel the need to put some caveats on these statements. First, as noted, Zippo hasn’t been right many times in the past, including certain franchises getting games on Switch that never materialized.

Another thing here is that while the difficulty might be enough to “decimate testers,” that could be turned down due to how the testers react. It’s common for developers and publishers to find the “right