Super Mario Maker redefines the platforming genre by placing the power of creation directly into the hands of players. Released on September 11, 2015, this title allows users to play a near-limitless number of levels created by Nintendo and the global community, or craft their own masterpieces. With a Metacritic score of 80.00, it stands as a testament to creative freedom, offering a robust environment where the impossible becomes impossibly fun. This release marks a significant evolution in the franchise, transforming how fans interact with the iconic universe.
The Super Mario Maker Creative Experience
As a platformer, Super Mario Maker blends tight, momentum-based controls with an intuitive level editor that feels as natural as sketching ideas on paper. Players can switch between four distinct themes: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. U. Each theme offers unique art styles and gameplay mechanics consistent with the original eras. A timeline rule ensures authenticity; mechanics introduced in later styles cannot be used in earlier ones. For example, Mario cannot perform a spin jump in any style that predates Super Mario World, and wall jumping is restricted to the New Super Mario Bros. U style. Items also follow specific exclusions, with Goomba shoes and Yoshi eggs reserved for styles based on their original availability.
The editor utilizes touch controls and the Wii U GamePad for instant editing, allowing creators to place enemies, blocks, and pipes seamlessly. Users can break the conventions of traditional gameplay by blending elements into unexpected twists. This constructive anarchy enables designs such as Piranha Plant-shooting cannons, power-up-tossing Lakitus, or even Hammer Bros. riding on Bowser while bouncing on trampolines. The seamless integration of touch control and a robust online ranking and search system makes the process of creating, playing, and sharing a fluid experience.
Platform Availability and Setting
The narrative focus of Super Mario Maker centers on the joy of exploration within the iconic Mario universe. There is no traditional plot; instead, the setting is defined by the diverse environments players can build or traverse. Creators can design courses featuring vibrant overworlds, dangerous castles, spooky haunted houses, and underwater depths. The game is available on the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS platforms, bringing this comprehensive creative suite to both home consoles and portable devices.
Notable Features and Appeal
Super Mario Maker serves as a massive creative hub, allowing players to discover user-generated challenges through online sharing. The game appeals to long-time Nintendo fans and aspiring game designers, representing a proactive shift in Nintendo's IP policy by offering a legitimate tool for community contribution. It provides endless replayability for those seeking to escape rote platforming. Key features include:
- Switching between four distinct themes with era-specific mechanics.
- Touch control and instant editing capabilities.
- Online sharing and community ranking.
- Blending enemies and traps for unexpected twists.
Physical copies include a collectible book featuring ideas from the development team to inspire creations, special codes to watch videos of team creations via the online manual, and concept art and level designs from the original Super Mario Bros. This edition is valid for US, Canada, and Mexico regions, with digital purchasers able to request a copy or download a digital version.
