Super Mario Maker

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 120 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Super Mario Maker Game Cover
Super Mario Maker lets you make your own Super Mario Bros. levels and if that isn't enough for you then you're probably beyond help anyway.
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"Super Mario Maker" is a kids' platformer game that allows players to create and share their own custom Mario levels in single-player mode. The game features easy-to-use tools on the Wii U GamePad, enabling players to let their imagination run wild. Additionally, the game supports amiibo functionality, offering unique power-ups and visual filters. A companion guide and various amiibo figures are also available.

  • Wii
  • Wii U
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 120 reviews
story8 positive mentions
music2 negative mentions
  • Endless creativity and replayability with the ability to create and share custom Mario levels.
  • The game features a robust story mode with well-designed levels that help players learn mechanics.
  • Accessible for all ages, making it a perfect gift for kids and a fun experience for families.
  • Online multiplayer suffers from significant lag, making it often unplayable.
  • Some users report issues with level moderation, leading to frustration when their levels are deleted.
  • The requirement for a Nintendo Online subscription to access certain features can feel like an additional cost.
  • story23 mentions

    The story mode in the game is well-received, featuring a creative premise where players complete levels to earn coins for rebuilding Peach's castle. While the mode offers over 100 levels that range in difficulty, some players find them challenging yet enjoyable, providing a solid alternative for those who prefer not to create their own courses. Additionally, the game includes online multiplayer options, but access requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

    • “The story mode is fairly good too, with the premise being that the 'undo dog' resets the structure of Peach's castle, leaving you with 'jobs' (i.e. levels) to complete in order to earn coins which can be used to rebuild the structure from scratch.”
    • “The story mode levels are actual levels the design team has made and they are pretty creative. Some are easy and some you have to figure out what to do if you aren't up to date with the Mario games, but eventually you figure it out.”
    • “The game has a simple but nice story mode, and a course world where you can create your own levels as well as play other people's.”
    • “Story mode is very difficult; I have not yet played the online games of Super Mario Maker 2, but the story mode games are very difficult and made me a little mad.”
    • “Even if you beat the 100+ levels that the story mode has, you can continue to pick this game up and have fun playing other people's levels.”
    • “The story mode levels are actual levels the design team has made, and they are pretty creative. Some are easy, and some you have to figure out what to do if you aren't up to date with the Mario games, but eventually, you figure it out.”
  • gameplay10 mentions

    The gameplay in Mario Maker 2 is praised for its smooth mechanics and the blend of classic and new Mario styles, offering a rich experience for both newcomers and veterans. The game features a variety of customization options and level design tools, allowing for creative expression, though some players note inconsistencies in mechanics across different levels that can lead to frustration. Overall, it provides hours of engaging gameplay with a strong community aspect and a nostalgic charm.

    • “New to Mario Maker 2 is the inclusion of different backgrounds and customization options for Mario Bros, Mario Bros 3, New Mario Bros U, Super Mario World, as well as the newly introduced 2D gameplay from Super Mario 3D World!”
    • “These are some of the best Mario levels ever made by Nintendo and really help you understand the newer and older mechanics in the game for newcomers and people needing a refresher.”
    • “At the same time, there are some absolutely spectacular and creative levels, and the gameplay is super smooth.”
    • “There's actually a level that's all wall jumping, but there are so many failed jumps that the difficulty is in the game mechanics themselves, not the level design.”
    • “Another issue is that different levels have different movesets. One level requires constant wall jumping, while the next doesn't even allow it, which you typically find out by dying. I've been stuck on some levels simply because they require a new mechanic that I didn't even know about (e.g., throwing jump pads up). Add to that the slip-and-slide motion (it's like ice... until you get to an ice level, which is like Teflon). Don't buy this game just because you love the Super Mario games - this is marginally one, and more like a clone.”
    • “The gameplay mechanics can be frustratingly inconsistent, making it difficult to adapt as you progress through the levels.”
  • graphics5 mentions

    The graphics in the game are highly praised for their beauty and detail, enhancing the overall aesthetic experience. Players appreciate the robust level-creation toolkit and the faithful representation of the source material, which together foster creativity and engagement. The game's visual appeal, combined with its innovative mechanics, contributes to a fun and immersive gameplay experience.

    • “What little building we have done has been fun and definitely clears up some of the issues we had with the original, like the inability to build with 2 players, play with 2 players, and the new 3D Mario with beautiful graphics and details, along with the ability to create a goal they must complete before finishing the level - like defeating the boss when in the original you could simply jump over Bowser - it makes for a fun game with pleasing aesthetics.”
    • “By the looks of the graphics and the adventures this game takes him on.”
    • “Nintendo's aesthetic design sensibility is top-notch.”
    • “The graphics are outdated and lack the detail expected from modern games.”
    • “The character models look flat and lifeless, making it hard to get immersed in the game.”
    • “The environments feel bland and uninspired, which detracts from the overall experience.”
  • humor4 mentions

    The humor in the game is highlighted by its ability to create hilarious moments during gameplay, especially in cooperative play as iconic characters like Mario and Luigi. Players appreciate the blend of funny scenarios and serious challenges, although the potential for frustration, such as losing hard-earned levels, adds a bittersweet twist to the experience. Overall, the game offers a diverse range of comedic elements that enhance the fun.

    • “My partner and I had a hilarious time playing together and look forward to future game sessions now playing as Mario and Luigi.”
    • “It's essentially an infinite number of Mario levels from easy to hard, serious to hilarious.”
    • “Yes, that sounds like a funny prank, right?”
  • music2 mentions

    Reviews indicate that while the music aspect in the game is present, it often feels limited and formulaic, lacking robust customization options like a music creator. Players suggest exploring less popular levels for more engaging experiences, as the mainstream offerings tend to rely on gimmicks rather than innovative musical elements.

    • “The popular tab is always full of gimmicky levels like music or do nothing to win levels, so I recommend looking in hot or new if you actually want to find a good level.”
    • “Unlocking all the design elements is a little too slow; customization tools don't allow you to deviate from the Mario formula much (no music creator, character palette customization, etc.).”
  • replayability2 mentions

    Players highlight the game's high replayability, noting the engaging creation tools and diverse pre-made stages that enhance the experience. The near-infinite replay value offered by the 100 Mario Challenge and the unique feel of each Mario game further contribute to its lasting appeal.

    • “Overall, an extremely fun game with a lot of replayability and new experiences.”
    • “The creation tools are elegantly simple and intuitive, and the pre-made stages smartly showcase design concepts, offering near-infinite replay value in the 100 Mario Challenge. Each Mario game carries its own distinct feel.”
    • “The creation tools are elegantly simple and intuitive, but the overall replayability feels limited after a few runs.”
    • “While the pre-made stages smartly showcase design concepts, they don't offer enough variety for long-term replayability.”
    • “The near-infinite replay value in the 100 Mario Challenge is overshadowed by the repetitive nature of the gameplay.”
  • emotional1 mentions

    The game is praised for its wholesome and heartwarming qualities, making it an enjoyable experience for families and fostering emotional connections among players.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

88% average critic score

Play time

1hMedian play time
1hAverage play time
5hMain story
157hCompletionist
1-1hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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