10 Most Overrated Video Games Of The Decade (So Far)

1. Super Mario Wonder

Super Mario Wonder
Nintendo

It’s bears repeating that saying something is overrated is not the same as saying it isn’t good, and it’d be foolish to imply that 2023’s Super Mario Bros. Wonder is anything less than another stellar side-scrolling romp with gaming’s favorite plumber.

Indeed, it looks, sounds, and plays great, with delightful graphics, music, levels, and gameplay making every moment immersive and fun. Plus, the new badges, power-ups, and Wonder Flowers ensure that the game checks off virtually every box longtime Mario fans could expect while also throwing in cool changes for good measure.

Therein lies the problem, though, as beneath its gimmicky surface, Super Mario Bros. Wonder is largely the same old formula Nintendo have relied on for literal decades at this point.

After all, Bowser shows up to ruin Mario and friends’ day by stealing something important from their kingdom, motivating Mario to conquer undeniably familiar foes and worlds (in undeniably familiar ways) as he chases after Bowser’s flying craft.

There’s a greater sense of “been there, done that” to the title than many people want to admit, and although the gameplay additions are nice, they aren’t nearly as revolutionary or impactful as the pre-release marketing (and some reviewers) suggested.

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Hey there! Outside of WhatCulture, I'm a former editor at PopMatters and a contributor to Kerrang!, Consequence, PROG, Metal Injection, Loudwire, and more. I've written books about Jethro Tull, Opeth, and Dream Theater and I run a creative arts journal called The Bookends Review. Oh, and I live in Philadelphia and teach academic/creative writing courses at a few colleges/universities.