Super Mario Maker – Review

Super Mario Maker is a creative building game where you can make your own Mario levels in different styles. It’s lots of fun and in my review for the game you’ll find our more!

Why Super Mario Maker?

Super Mario Maker is a creative platform game that allows players to design, play, and share their own Mario levels. Instead of only playing levels designed by developers, players are given the tools to create their own courses using enemies, blocks, power-ups, and many other familiar objects from the Mario series. The game celebrates the long history of Mario platform games by allowing players to build levels using several different visual styles inspired by classic titles.

The original version of Super Mario Maker was released for the Nintendo Wii U, and later a version called Super Mario Maker for Nintendo 3DS was released for the Nintendo 3DS system. While both versions share the same basic idea of creating and playing Mario levels, there are some important differences between them.

The Wii U version is generally considered the main version of the game. One of its biggest strengths is the level creation system. Using the Wii U GamePad touchscreen, players can easily drag and drop items onto the stage. This makes building levels feel smooth and intuitive, almost like drawing on a digital canvas. Players can experiment with placing enemies, pipes, moving platforms, and many other objects.

The Wii U version also allows players to design levels using multiple visual styles based on classic Mario games. These include the looks of Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World, and New Super Mario Bros. U. Each style changes how the game looks and feels while still letting players create creative and interesting courses.

Another major feature of the Wii U version is online level sharing. Players can upload their creations to the internet so other players around the world can try them. In addition, players can browse and play thousands of courses made by other people. This feature gives the game nearly endless replay value because new levels are constantly being added.

The Nintendo 3DS version includes the same basic building tools and gameplay mechanics, but there are some limitations compared to the Wii U version. The level editor still works well on the 3DS touchscreen, allowing players to place objects and build levels in a similar way. However, the biggest difference is that the 3DS version does not allow players to upload their levels online for others to download.

Instead, the 3DS version focuses more on local sharing. Players can share levels with nearby friends through local wireless connections. While this still allows players to exchange courses, it greatly reduces the massive online community that made the Wii U version so exciting.

The 3DS version does include many pre-made levels that players can try. These built-in courses provide plenty of challenges and examples of creative level design. For players who mainly want to play levels rather than create them, this can still provide a lot of entertainment.

Another difference is that the Wii U version has more online features, such as searching for popular levels or exploring different categories of player-created courses. These features help players discover creative or challenging levels from around the world.

Visually, both versions look similar because they share the same art styles. However, the Wii U version generally runs on a larger screen and can feel easier to view when designing complicated levels. The 3DS version is portable, which means players can create or play levels anywhere.

The music and sound effects in both versions are cheerful and familiar. Each visual style includes classic Mario sounds that longtime fans will recognize. These details help give the game a strong sense of nostalgia.

Despite the differences between versions, the core idea of creative level design remains fun in both games. Players can experiment with unusual enemy placements, tricky jumps, or clever puzzles. Some players enjoy designing traditional Mario-style levels, while others create wild or humorous challenges.

However, the game also has a few drawbacks.

Because the game allows anyone to design levels, not every level is well designed. Some courses may feel unfair or confusing. This is more noticeable in the Wii U version due to its large online library of levels.

Additionally, designing complicated courses can take time and practice. New players might need a while to fully understand how different objects interact.

The 3DS version’s lack of full online sharing is also a significant limitation for players who want their levels to reach a large audience.

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. This game is up to 1-player on one Nintendo 2DS/3DS and Wii U.

Pros

Powerful level creation tools.

Multiple visual styles from classic Mario games.

Encourages creativity and experimentation.

Wii U version includes online sharing and thousands of player-created levels.

3DS version allows portable level building and play.

Fun for both creating and playing courses.

Cons

Some player-created levels may be poorly designed or overly difficult.

Creating advanced levels can take time to learn.

The 3DS version lacks the full online sharing features of the Wii U version.

The Wii U version requires internet features to fully experience the community content.

Summary

Overall, Super Mario Maker is a unique and creative Mario game that gives players the power to become level designers. The Wii U version offers the best experience because of its online sharing and large community of creators. However, the 3DS version still provides fun level creation and portable gameplay for players who want to design courses on the go. Both versions celebrate the creativity and imagination of Mario fans, making Super Mario Maker one of the most inventive games in the series.