Super Mario Maker 2 – Review

Super Mario Maker 2 is the sequel to Super Mario Maker in which you can make your own Mario levels! you can chose different styles as well, from the original Mario Bros. to Super Mario 3D World! Anyway in my review you can find out more.

Why Super Mario Maker 2?

Super Mario Maker 2 is a creative platform game for the Nintendo Switch that expands on the ideas introduced in the original Super Mario Maker. Like its predecessor, the game allows players to design their own Mario levels and share them with others around the world. However, this sequel adds many new tools, features, and modes that make the experience even bigger and more creative.

The main attraction of the game is the level creation system. Players can build their own Mario courses by placing blocks, enemies, pipes, coins, and many other objects into a level. The building tools are easy to use, allowing players to drag and drop items onto the screen. With practice, players can create simple beginner levels, tricky platforming challenges, puzzles, or even creative mini-games.

One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the ability to create levels in different visual styles based on classic Mario games. These styles include Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, New Super Mario Bros. U, and Super Mario 3D World. Each style changes how the characters and environments look, and some styles include unique items or mechanics that only appear in that theme.

The addition of the Super Mario 3D World style is one of the biggest improvements in the sequel. It introduces new elements such as special enemies, moving platforms, and unique power-ups that give creators even more options for designing interesting courses.

Another major improvement is the Story Mode. Unlike the first game, Super Mario Maker 2 includes a single-player adventure where players complete many pre-made levels created by the developers. In this mode, Mario helps rebuild Princess Peach’s castle by collecting coins and completing various challenges. The levels in Story Mode are creative and varied, showing players many ideas that they can use when designing their own courses.

The game also improves the online sharing system. Players can upload their levels so others can play them, and they can browse an enormous number of courses created by people around the world. These levels come in many different styles, from relaxing adventures to extremely difficult obstacle courses.

Super Mario Maker 2 also introduces multiplayer modes. Players can compete or cooperate with others while playing courses. In some modes, players race to reach the end of a level first, while in others they work together to complete challenges. Multiplayer adds a fun social element to the experience and makes playing community-created levels even more exciting.

The game’s visuals are bright and colorful, staying true to the playful style of the Mario series. Each visual theme captures the charm of the original games it represents, and watching a level instantly change its appearance when switching styles is always fun.

The music and sound effects are also familiar and nostalgic. Each theme includes classic Mario music that longtime fans will recognize. These sounds help make the experience feel like a celebration of the entire Mario series.

However, despite all of its creativity, the game does have a few drawbacks.

One of the main challenges is that not every player-created level is well designed. Since anyone can upload courses, some levels may feel confusing, unfair, or extremely difficult. While there are many amazing levels created by talented players, others may be less enjoyable.

Another issue is that the building tools, while powerful, can feel overwhelming for beginners. New players might need time to learn how all the pieces work together before they can create more advanced levels.

Online multiplayer can also sometimes feel chaotic, especially in competitive modes where multiple players are racing through complicated courses.

Additionally, players who prefer traditional Mario games with long stories and carefully designed worlds may find the focus on player-created content a little different from the usual experience.

Despite these minor issues, the amount of creativity and replay value in the game is enormous.

How We Test Games

For testing games we use a Nintendo Switch firmware version 2H. Hardware includes Joy-con and Pro controller on a large screen TV. Tests are done with up to 5 players. We take turns playing and evaluating games.

Whenever possible we play multiple players. We also use a Nintendo 2DS, DS XL, and for PC games we use a Ryzen 7 1700x CPU, AMD RX580, running on Win 10. Story mode is 1-player, Maker Mode is up to 2-player and playing any level is up to 4-players all on one Nintendo Switch.

Pros

Powerful and flexible level creation tools.

Multiple visual styles from classic Mario games.

New elements and mechanics expand creativity.

Story Mode provides developer-created levels.

Huge number of community-created courses.

Multiplayer modes add social gameplay.

Cons

Some player-created levels may be confusing or overly difficult.

Building advanced levels can take time to learn.

Multiplayer races can feel chaotic.

The game focuses more on creation than a traditional story adventure.

Summary

Overall, Super Mario Maker 2 is a huge playground for creativity. With improved tools, new gameplay styles, and thousands of community-created levels, the game offers nearly endless possibilities. Whether players enjoy designing their own courses or exploring the imaginative creations of others, the game provides an exciting and constantly evolving Mario experience. For fans of platform games and creativity, Super Mario Maker 2 is one of the most imaginative entries in the Mario series.