Welcome, gearheads and Super Mario aficionados! Today, we are diving into the 2017 mobile game sensation, “Super Mario Run” by Nintendo Co., Ltd. Released on March 22, 2017, this mobile adaption of the classic adventure series brings the iconic plumber brothers, Mario and Luigi, to life on smartphones across the world.

Super Mario Run still stays true to its 2D side-scrolling platformer roots but what sets it apart from traditional Super Mario titles is its auto-running mechanic. Mario traverses levels automatically, leaving players to tap the screen in order to jump over obstacles, defeat enemies, and collect coins. The longer the screen is held, the higher Mario will jump, with timing and precision critical to success.

Additionally, Nintendo has introduced a new ability called “Vaulting Jump,” which automatically vaults Mario over basic enemies or obstacles without the player’s touch. While this might seem like an easy way out, this functionality is key to unlocking advanced moves and strategies for experienced players.

Additionally, Super Mario Run offers crisp and vibrant graphics reminiscent of its console counterparts such as “New Super Mario Bros. U” and “Super Mario 3D World.” On mobile devices, the colors pop and the animations are smooth, making for an enjoyable visual experience. Environments range from the classic Mushroom Kingdom to underground caverns and haunted mansions, maintaining the established look of the Super Mario series.

In terms of the gameplay, the main gameplay mode, “World Tour,” contains six worlds with four levels in each world. The level designs are diverse, and veterans of the series will recognize classic elements combined with brand-new ideas. Each level contains Pink Coins, Purple Coins, and Black Coins in escalating difficulty levels, challenging the players to achieve more than merely finishing the stage.

In addition to the core gameplay, Nintendo has provided players with two unique modes to increase Super Mario Run’s replay value.

The first is called Rally Mode: a competitive mode where players compete against one another to collect the most coins in a given level. Each victory advances your Kingdom Builder Toad counter, allowing you to unlock new items and features for your personal Mushroom Kingdom.

Next is the Kingdom Builder mode, a customization mode where players use the resources they’ve collected in the game to upgrade and decorate their unique Mushroom Kingdoms. Completing this task gives players bonus coins and additional Rally Tickets for even more gameplay opportunities. These extra modes provide players with worthwhile reasons to keep playing and experimenting in the established Super Mario Run framework.

It can be clearly seen that Super Mario Run does an excellent job of translating the classic platforming gameplay of the original series into a one-handed, mobile experience. The auto-running mechanic simplifies the game but does not reduce the feel of a true Mario adventure. The additional game modes boost the replay value and add new challenges for players to master over time.

However, the game is not without its flaws. In earlier stages, the simplicity of the gameplay could leave more experienced players feeling bored or frustrated, desiring greater flexibility and control over Mario’s movements. Likewise, the fact that an internet connection is required to play is an inconvenience for some players who may be facing unreliable connections.

Despite these drawbacks, Super Mario Run offers a compelling portable gaming experience that invokes the magic and charm of the original Super Mario titles. It successfully captures the core elements of classic Mario games while adapting to the mobile platform with meaningful gameplay mechanics and modes.

In summary, Super Mario Run is a delightful mobile adaptation of the classic Super Mario series, packed with vibrant graphics and thoughtful level designs. While it may not satisfy the appetite of players seeking something entirely new, it’s perfect for those on-the-go gamers looking for a true Mario experience in their pockets.

By Lydia | Copyright © GameHubX - All Rights Reserved