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The iconic plumber, Mario, needs no introduction. From his humble beginnings in Donkey Kong to becoming a gaming legend spanning over 30 years, his platforming adventures have captivated generations. While Mario has dabbled in various genres, his core remains rooted in the classic platformer style. This enduring appeal, despite minimal core gameplay changes over the decades, speaks volumes about its timeless design.

In 2014, Nintendo surprised many with Super Mario Maker on the Wii U. More than a game, it was a level creation tool, allowing players to craft their own Mario experiences. This unconventional concept proved wildly popular, paving the way for a 3DS port and ultimately, Super Mario Maker 2 for the Nintendo Switch in June 2019. With a plethora of new features and themes, Super Mario Maker 2 quickly ignited a creative frenzy, as players worldwide began building and sharing their unique Mario levels. Let’s explore what makes this “game” so compelling.

A Powerful Level Creation Toolkit

Game Designers, the masterminds behind our favorite games, wear many hats, from crafting narratives and balancing gameplay to designing characters and economies. A crucial task, particularly in puzzle or platformer games, is level design. This看似简单的任务其实充满了挑战, requiring logical thinking, guiding players through intended experiences, and creating intriguing discoveries. The gaming industry has long sought truly effective and versatile level creation tools.

Super Mario Maker 2 excels in this area, providing a robust and user-friendly platform for level building within the Mario universe. Players can choose from various graphical styles, ranging from the classic NES pixel art to the smooth HD graphics of the Wii U era. Each style offers a range of familiar Mario themes like grasslands, ghost houses, and underwater worlds.

Level Editor

Within each theme, a vast array of elements awaits placement in the level. Super Mario Maker 2 categorizes these into four main groups: platforms, enemies, items (coins, mushrooms, power-ups), and special effects (conveyor belts, swinging claws). A user-friendly interface allows for easy browsing, with frequently used items readily accessible. The handheld mode’s touchscreen functionality makes manipulation even more intuitive with simple drag-and-drop actions.

Super Mario Maker 2 doesn’t stop at the basics. It provides quirky features that allow for creative experimentation. Imagine giving wings to Koopa Troopas or super-sizing them with a mega mushroom! Controlling water levels, scrolling speed, and other parameters empowers players to fine-tune the pacing and challenge of their creations.

Helpful Supplementary Features

While the original Super Mario Maker drew criticism for its price tag considering its primary focus on level creation, Super Mario Maker 2 addresses this concern by incorporating valuable supplementary features.

A comprehensive tutorial system, divided into three difficulty levels, caters to players of all skill levels. Through engaging dialogues between Nina and a wise pigeon, the game thoroughly explains the tools, their functionalities from basic to advanced, and core game design principles.

Gameplay

Furthermore, Super Mario Maker 2 features a story mode, where players must help Mario rebuild Princess Peach’s newly constructed castle after its unfortunate collapse. Each mission within this mode presents a cleverly designed level showcasing the versatile application of the level creation tools. These levels serve as advanced training, expanding players’ understanding of the tools’ potential.

The online sharing feature, a returning favorite, allows players to upload their creations for the global community to enjoy, now with enhanced features. Players can set restrictions, such as blocking specific individuals from playing their levels, and track play counts and likes. Embracing the Nintendo Switch’s multiplayer capabilities, Super Mario Maker 2 supports local two-player co-op level creation.

Some Limitations Remain

While Super Mario Maker 2 boasts a significantly expanded toolkit compared to its predecessor, some limitations persist. The available power-ups, for example, feel somewhat restricted, focusing on classics like the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Super Leaf. Notable omissions include the Ice Flower, Tanooki Suit, and Super Bell. Perhaps their unique mechanics pose challenges for integration across diverse level designs.

Gameplay

Players familiar with New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe might miss certain dynamic elements like color-changing glass blocks or quicksand. Their absence in Super Mario Maker 2 restricts the creative possibilities. Again, their specific functionalities might limit their broader applicability.

While touchscreen controls in handheld mode streamline the creation process, using the controller in docked mode can feel cumbersome. Navigating the numerous interactive elements on screen can be challenging, particularly with the dual interface for object selection and level editing.

Conclusion

Super Mario Maker 2 empowers players to unleash their creativity within the beloved Mario universe. While some limitations exist, the expansive toolkit, coupled with supplementary features like the story mode and online sharing, makes it a must-have for aspiring level designers and Mario fans alike. The game offers endless replayability, with a constantly evolving library of user-created levels to explore. Dive in and experience the joy of creating and sharing your own Mario adventures!