Why Super Mario Run?

Super Mario Run is Nintendo’s first original Mario platforming game designed specifically for mobile devices, and it does an excellent job of bringing the classic Mario experience to phones and tablets. Instead of trying to copy the controls of traditional console Mario games, it introduces a one-handed control scheme where Mario runs automatically while the player focuses on timing jumps and performing stylish moves. This makes the game easy to learn while still offering plenty of challenge as you progress. I like this game a lot, and it has become one of my favorite mobile games because it captures the charm of the Mario series while feeling perfectly suited for short play sessions.

One of the game’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Whether you have five minutes or an hour to play, it’s easy to jump into a level and have fun. The controls are incredibly simple—a tap makes Mario jump, while holding your finger longer makes him jump higher. Although this sounds basic, the game gradually introduces more advanced mechanics, including wall jumps, vaults, spins, and other acrobatic moves that reward careful timing and practice.

The main mode, World Tour, serves as the game’s story mode. Players travel through a series of colorful worlds to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. The levels are creative and filled with familiar Mario enemies, moving platforms, hidden coins, and secret paths. Completing each stage feels satisfying, and replaying levels to collect all the special colored coins provides an extra challenge for players who enjoy completing everything.

Another enjoyable mode is Toad Rally. Instead of simply racing against another player in real time, you compete against recordings of other players’ performances. The goal is to finish with the highest score by collecting coins, performing stylish tricks, and impressing the watching Toads. I really enjoy this mode because every run feels a little different, and trying to improve your performance keeps the gameplay exciting. Winning rallies also allows you to recruit more Toads to your kingdom.

The third major mode is Kingdom Builder. As you earn coins and recruit Toads, you can build and decorate your own Mushroom Kingdom. While this isn’t as deep as a dedicated city-building game, it’s a fun feature that gives players a sense of progression outside the platforming levels. Unlocking new decorations and expanding your kingdom adds another reason to keep playing.

One of my favorite parts of Super Mario Run is unlocking different playable characters. Each character has their own unique abilities, giving players a reason to experiment with different play styles. My favorite character is Princess Daisy. I love playing as her because her double jump provides extra flexibility during difficult sections and makes certain levels feel easier to navigate. Daisy has always been one of my favorite Mario characters, so being able to play as her makes the game even more enjoyable for me.

Visually, Super Mario Run is bright, colorful, and polished. The graphics capture the cheerful personality of the Mario series, with smooth animations and detailed environments. The music is equally enjoyable, featuring energetic themes that fit the fast-paced gameplay without becoming distracting.

Despite all of its strengths, the game isn’t perfect. One of the biggest criticisms is that the automatic running mechanic limits player control compared to traditional Mario games. Some players may prefer having full control over movement rather than focusing mainly on jumping. While the simplified controls work well for mobile devices, they do change the feel of the gameplay.

Another downside is that the story mode is relatively short once you’ve learned the levels. Although collecting all the colored coins and improving your scores adds replay value, players looking for a lengthy adventure may finish the main content fairly quickly.

The game also requires an internet connection for many features, which can be disappointing for players who want to enjoy it completely offline.

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 with online match making on one Android or IOS device, or 4-player on multiple Android or IOS devices.

Pros

• Easy-to-learn one-handed controls
• Excellent adaptation of Mario gameplay for mobile devices
• Three enjoyable game modes: World Tour, Toad Rally, and Kingdom Builder
• Beautiful graphics and cheerful music
• Plenty of replay value through coin collecting and score chasing
• Unlockable characters with unique abilities
• Daisy is my favorite character, and her double jump makes the game even more fun to play
• Great for both short and long play sessions

Cons

• Automatic running may not appeal to every player
• Story mode is fairly short
• Some levels become repetitive after many replays
• Internet connection is required for several features
• Less exploration than traditional console Mario platformers

Summary

Overall, Super Mario Run proves that Mario can successfully make the jump to mobile gaming without losing the charm that has made the series so beloved. Its simple controls, polished presentation, and multiple gameplay modes make it a fun experience for players of all ages. I like this game a lot because it’s easy to pick up whenever I have a few free minutes, and there’s always something to work toward, whether it’s collecting special coins, improving my Toad Rally scores, or expanding my kingdom.

My favorite part of the game is playing as Daisy. Her unique abilities make her enjoyable to use, and having one of my favorite Mario characters available adds even more personality to an already charming game. While it isn’t a replacement for a full console Mario adventure, Super Mario Run is an excellent mobile game that offers plenty of fun, replayability, and classic Nintendo charm.

Super Mario Run – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

Plus, on the published date of this post the game is exactly 37 years old! Happy Birthday Daisy and Super Mario Land!

Why Super Mario Land?

Super Mario Land for the original Game Boy is a classic Mario platforming adventure that brought the famous plumber to Nintendo’s handheld system. Although it is different from the main Super Mario Bros. games in several ways, it has a unique charm that helps it stand out. The game features its own worlds, enemies, music, gameplay ideas, and story, making it more than simply a portable version of a previous Mario adventure. One of the biggest reasons I liked Super Mario Land is that it introduced Princess Daisy to the Mario series, making it an especially important game for Daisy fans.

The story begins with Mario traveling to the mysterious land of Sarasaland. Instead of rescuing Princess Peach, Mario’s mission is to rescue Princess Daisy, who has been kidnapped by the alien ruler Tatanga. This was Daisy’s very first appearance in the Mario series, and that alone makes the game historically special. I really liked the game because Princess Daisy was introduced to the series here. She would eventually become a much more familiar character in later Mario games, but Super Mario Land is where her story began.

Playing the game today is an interesting experience because it feels different from the Mario games that came before it. The Game Boy’s black-and-white screen meant that Nintendo had to design levels around limited visuals, but the developers still managed to create a variety of environments. Players travel through different areas of Sarasaland, including locations inspired by deserts, oceans, and other unusual places. The game doesn’t feel exactly like the Mushroom Kingdom, which helps give it its own identity.

The platforming is straightforward and easy to understand. Mario runs, jumps on enemies, collects coins, avoids obstacles, and searches for the exit at the end of each stage. The levels are relatively short, making the game well suited to a handheld system. You can play a level fairly quickly, making it easy to pick up the Game Boy for a short gaming session.

One of the most interesting things about Super Mario Land is its unusual enemies. While familiar Mario enemies appear, the game also introduces creatures and obstacles that aren’t commonly seen in other entries. This makes exploring Sarasaland feel like visiting a completely different Mario world.

The game also features some unique power-ups and gameplay mechanics. The Super Mushroom allows Mario to become larger, while the Fire Flower gives him the ability to attack enemies with fireballs. There is also the Superball Flower, a special power-up unique to this game. Instead of throwing traditional fireballs, Mario throws bouncing balls that can defeat enemies and collect coins. The Superball Flower is a fun idea that gives the game some personality of its own.

Another interesting feature is the variety of vehicles. In certain stages, Mario takes control of a vehicle and moves through the level in a way that feels very different from traditional platforming. These sections provide a nice change of pace and help prevent the entire game from feeling like the same type of level repeated over and over.

The music is another memorable part of the experience. Because the Game Boy had much simpler audio capabilities than a home console, the soundtrack is quite different from the orchestral or heavily produced music found in newer Mario games. However, the tunes are catchy and fit the fast-paced platforming well. Some of the melodies can stick in your head long after you’ve finished playing.

The game’s difficulty is also worth mentioning. Super Mario Land isn’t an enormous adventure, but some sections can be challenging. Players need to learn enemy patterns, carefully time jumps, and avoid hazards. The controls are simple, but successful platforming still requires practice.

One downside is that the game’s short length can make it feel less substantial than later Mario adventures. Once you’ve completed the levels and learned their layouts, there isn’t as much additional content to keep you playing. The Game Boy’s limited hardware also means the visuals are very simple compared with later handheld Mario games.

Another drawback is that the controls can feel somewhat less precise than those in newer Mario games. This is understandable considering the age of the game, but players accustomed to modern Mario controls may need some time to adjust.

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.

Pros

• Introduces Princess Daisy to the Mario series
• Unique Sarasaland setting
• Simple and enjoyable platforming
• Fun and unusual enemies
• The Superball Flower is a creative power-up
• Vehicle sections add gameplay variety
• Catchy and memorable music
• Short levels work well for a handheld game
• Charming classic Game Boy presentation
• Important piece of Mario history
• Great choice for fans of Princess Daisy

Cons

• Relatively short compared with later Mario adventures
• Limited replay value after completing the game
• Black-and-white graphics can be difficult for some modern players to adjust to
• Controls aren’t as polished as those in newer Mario games
• Some levels and sections can become challenging or frustrating
• Fewer power-ups and features than later Mario platformers

Summary

Super Mario Land is a fascinating piece of Mario history and a fun little Game Boy platformer. It may not be as large or polished as later games in the franchise, but its unique setting, unusual enemies, memorable music, and special gameplay ideas give it plenty of personality.

The biggest reason I liked Super Mario Land is undoubtedly Princess Daisy’s introduction. It is really cool to play the game where Daisy first appeared and see the beginning of a character who would eventually become an important part of the Mario cast. Knowing that this is where Daisy’s story in the series began gives the game an extra level of significance, especially for anyone who loves her character.

Overall, Super Mario Land is a charming classic that is worth remembering not only as an early handheld Mario game, but also as the game that introduced Princess Daisy. Its short length and dated presentation may keep it from feeling as impressive as modern Mario adventures, but its unique identity and historical importance make it a memorable part of the series. For Mario fans—and especially Princess Daisy fans—it is a game that deserves a special place in Mario history.

Super Mario Land – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

The game is meant to be like New Super Mario Bros. series in gameplay, style and so on. I think it’s like it but greatly improved for co-op gameplay. It also reminds us of Super Mario Bros. 3D World.

The story in Super Mario Bros Wonder is Mario and his friend have be invited to the Flower Kingdom by Prince Florian but Bowser comes in and ruins everything like he always does and Mario and his friends must help Prince Florian save the Kingdom.

There’s a wide variety of characters with the usual Mario, Luigi, Toad and Toadette but with added Peach, Daisy and Yoshi. In the Nintendo Switch 2 version you can even play as Rosalina!

The levels are well designed and fun to play through. The Talking Flower are hilarious along with the singing piranha plants.

The game’s biggest new feature is the Wonder Flower. These special flowers can completely change what is happening in a level. When a Wonder Flower is activated, the level can transform in surprising ways. Pipes might come alive, enemies can behave differently, the environment can change, or the player can find themselves participating in a completely unexpected event. Because you never know exactly what will happen when you activate one, exploring levels becomes incredibly exciting.

I especially like how the Wonder Flowers encourage players to experiment. Instead of simply running from the beginning of a level to the end, you want to investigate everything and find out what secrets might be hiding. This gives the game a wonderful sense of discovery (get it? wonderful, Mario Wonder, lol).

The game also introduces Wonder Effects, which are connected to the Wonder Flowers and can make each level feel completely different. One level might suddenly become chaotic and strange, while another can turn into a completely different kind of challenge. This variety is one of the biggest reasons the game stays entertaining.

Another highlight is the collection of Badges. Badges allow players to customize certain aspects of their abilities or gameplay. Some can make movement easier, while others provide new ways to approach levels. This adds a little bit of strategy because players can choose badges that fit their preferred play style.

The playable character selection is another great feature. Players can choose from several familiar Mario characters, giving everyone the opportunity to pick someone they enjoy. Different characters can also make the experience feel more personal, which is especially nice when playing multiplayer.

Speaking of multiplayer, this is one of my favorite things about Super Mario Bros. Wonder. We have so much fun playing it together. Multiplayer can turn even a normal level into a hilarious experience. Everyone is running around, jumping, collecting items, helping each other, and occasionally getting in each other’s way. There can be moments where someone makes a difficult jump perfectly, followed by another player accidentally causing complete chaos.

The multiplayer features also make the game feel cooperative rather than simply competitive. Players can help one another through difficult sections, and being able to work together makes the game welcoming for different skill levels.

The levels themselves are another major strength. There is a fantastic amount of variety, with different environments, enemies, obstacles, and secrets. Levels don’t simply feel like slightly different versions of the same course. The developers constantly introduce new ideas, keeping players curious about what they’ll encounter next.

The power-ups are also fun. In addition to familiar transformations, the game introduces new abilities that give Mario and his friends different ways to interact with the environment. These power-ups add variety and make discovering a new item exciting. My personal favorite is the Bubble Power up.

Of course, Super Mario Bros. Wonder isn’t perfect. One possible downside is that the game’s creativity can occasionally make some levels feel chaotic. While this is often part of the fun, players who prefer straightforward platforming may sometimes find the unusual Wonder Effects distracting.

Another drawback is that some players may find the game less challenging than older Mario games, particularly during the easier portions. However, there are more difficult levels and optional challenges for players who want something harder.

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 4-players on one Nintendo Switch.

New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is similar in the sense of side scroller and some of the characters and power ups. However it definitely does not work for those who like co-op like we do. It works much better for solo players or those who like versus.

Sonic Superstars is the most similar in my opinion. They are both side scroller games with well designed levels, colorful graphics and are great for co-op players. Also, a funny thing is that they released only a few days apart!

Super Mario Bros. 3D World is another similar game, however its a 3D Platformer instead of side scroller. They both have a variety of power ups, levels etc. I like Wonder better but Fox Gamer prefers 3D World but both are really great games.

For more about all these games I mentioned, check out my post: Games like Super Mario Bros. Wonder!

• Excellent co-op multiplayer
• The graphics and visuals are amazing
• Variety in characters and power ups
• Well designed levels with cute, quirky designs
• Wonder Flowers and Wonder Effects make levels unpredictable
• Huge variety of gameplay ideas
• Fun and memorable power-ups
• Badges provide additional gameplay options
• Great game for playing with family and friends
• We have so much fun playing it together
• Lots of secrets and collectibles to discover
• Welcoming for players with different skill levels
• Wonderful sense of humor and personality

• Turning into a ghost and having to catch up to join back in and it’s a little annoying. The bubbling system in other Mario games works better in my opinion
• Some Wonder Effects can feel chaotic
• Easier sections may not challenge experienced players
• Certain collectibles and challenges can become difficult to complete

Super Mario Bros. Wonder is an amazing Mario game that takes a familiar formula and fills it with creativity and surprises. The Wonder Flowers are a fantastic addition because they make every level feel unpredictable. You never know what is going to happen when you activate one, which encourages you to explore and experiment.

For me, though, the biggest reason this game stands out is simply how much fun it is. It is my favorite Mario game, and we have so much fun playing it together. Multiplayer makes the experience even better because the game creates so many funny and memorable moments. Whether we’re helping each other through a difficult section, discovering a strange Wonder Effect, or laughing when something completely unexpected happens, there always seems to be something enjoyable happening.

While there are a few small drawbacks, they don’t take away from the overall experience. Super Mario Bros. Wonder is colorful, creative, charming, and packed with surprises. It successfully shows that the classic 2D Mario formula can still feel fresh and exciting.

Overall, Mario Wonder delivers on the fun factor. We had a great time playing through to the end and I look forward to many more hours playing this game. If you enjoy other Mario Brothers games then Super Mario Bros Wonder is definitely worth getting in my opinion.

LEGO Party – Review brought to you by Gaming Chickadee

Chickadee loves to have family gaming days. She loves birds, unicorns, ponies She also likes the Nancy Drew Games. She loves to play as Princess Daisy in the Super Mario Games, Her favorite games change a lot but right they are: Mario Party Superstars, Super Mario Bros. Wonder and Pretty Princess Party.

We added Sonic Superstars to our library of multiplayer Nintendo Switch games. Since we love everything Sonic, we had to try out this game.

It’s a classic side scrolling game but with a new twist: it supports 4 players! Since they added the capability to play as Tails in Sonic the Hedgehog II. Playing Sonic with two players has provided us with hours of fun.

Four player games are our favorites, so combining two of our favorite things sounded very appealing. We were a bit shocked by the price but couldn’t resist the appeal of this multiplayer action.

If you love the classic Sonic the Hedgehog games then Sonic Superstars is an ideal choice. This game won’t disappoint. As we played we noticed many elements of previous Sonic games make an n appearance in Superstars.

The stages had similar themes and layouts as most Sonic games, albeit fewer speed runs. Which helped with having multiple players on screen. Depth was added to this side scroller by sprinkling in some foreground and background paths. But it was a traditional Sonic game plus 4 players.

We played as Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy. Running our way through the stage collecting rings and fighting enemies along the way. There were also plenty of boss fights with Dr Eggman.

If you enjoyed the bonus stages from the original Sonic game, then Superstars is the game for you. The rotating bonus levels are accessed at every checkpoint, as long as you have 50 rings.

These new and improved rotating worlds were one of my favorite parts of the game. I was glad the checkered globe or half pipe from previous versions did not make an appearance in this game.

If you like classic Sonic games mixed with a lot of new content, then this is the game for you.

We tested Sonic Superstars with 1 player, 2 players, 3 players, and 4 players.

Having 4 controllable players on the screen takes some getting used to. At first it was awkward. But after 10 minutes we adjusted to the respawning from going off screen.

Having 4 players on screen didn’t feel too busy to me. While Sonic II was impossible to stay on screen, Sonic Superstars made it much more forgiving. It was easy to track each character with a few exceptions.

We really enjoyed having each character’s abilities available. It actually plays like a Sonic co-op game should be. I liked that they give you the choice to respawn, similar to Mario 3D world.

We also tested it solo, double, and triple players. Whether it was 2, 3, or 4 players didn’t change much. We still respawned from time to time. The only advantage of 2 or 3 players is the camera tracking was a bit more predictable.

Solo playing was fun too. I missed having the abilities of the other characters available but I was able to go faster.

Sonic Superstars is similar to Super Mario Bros Wonder. I preferred Sonic Superstars, but both games are great side scrollers.

It’s odd but Super Mario Wonder seemed faster, or at least seemed to have more speed runs. In my opinion the levels were hard in Mario while the bosses were easy. But the levels in Sonic were easy compared to the bosses.

The levels in Sonic didn’t require the precise aim or excruciating timed jumps found in Mario Wonder. Bowser was a milk run compared to the mid or final boss in Sonic.

I liked that Sonic just gave you unlimited lives. I didn’t care for the way Mario Wonder leeched away lives just for going off screen. While Mario gave you 5 seconds to recover. An entire level jumping across blink blocks resulted in a brutal loss of lives.

Both games had players transform into different characters, floating through zero gravity, and finding secret paths. They both added new and interesting abilities. Sonic in the form of chaos emerald abilities, compared to Mario’s power ups.

In my opinion, Sonic Superstars is geared for casual gamers while Mario is for hardcore gamers. Sonic is a game anyone can join in and have fun. While Mario just left me speechless at times. Were the game developers trying to make it impossible?

After 10,000 hours of practice I could do some of these levels without Yooshi. Yes, I admit it, I needed to play as Yooshi to make it easier.

The best parts about Sonic Superstars was the new features. Swinging like Spiderman through space after a chaos emerald was fire. Rotating the level and running on the ceiling was great. Playing as a squid, mouse, and rocket was unexpected fun.

I can’t say enough about the graphics and sounds. It just kept getting better and better the further we progressed. The final levels were captivating. We loved the graphics and sounds throughout the game.

The cons were they nerfed Sonic. I missed the super peel out and insta shield. Still, Sonic’s drop dash came in handy many times. But Sonic struggled to get to higher places or have much defense solo. Having multiple players really helped.

Tails could fly. Knuckles could glide and climb. Amy has a double jump and hammer. Trip has climb and double jump. But Sonic just had drop dash.

Then there were the glitches. This game was full of them. I think it has to do with releasing it before Super Mario Wonder. So hopefully they will fix them soon.

Drowning while out of water was weird. Occasionally falling through the floor when it shook was annoying. This only happened once but it was infuriating when the camera glitched and we were all off screen fighting a boss.

Our Sonic Superstars review gives it 9 out of 10 stars. I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. Some may not like the simplicity and find it boring. Still, there’s something about remodeling I found appealing.

It isn’t the most expensive or challenging game. But it offers simple multiplayer fun. It’s not diverse enough to play for hours on end. But we enjoyed playing it for an hour at a time here and there.

Sonic Superstars review brought to you by David M.

I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.