The sequel to 2015’s Wii U and 3DS hit Mario Maker is here, and its core concept hasn’t really changed.
You create 2D platforming levels in the styles of classic Mario games, then play them, tweak them, and share them with friends. But where Super Mario Maker 2 differs, however, is how it expands on the already impressive tool array of the original game.
You can pretty much straight away pop into some levels but the game does ask if you want some help; this time around you are provided with a level tutorial guide in the shape of a talking pigeon that not only explains what some of the objects and tools do, but also teaches some of the more subtle parts of level design - like not trolling players by making impossible levels, and to have others play test your designs.
The Theme types are very faithful to the games that inspired them, especially the 8 and 16 bit beauties. This gives them a charming and familiar retro feel, which also encompasses the things that weren’t included in those games, like Toad, Toadette, and some of the items.
Changing from create to play mode is almost instantaneous, which is essential when building as you’ll want to test the levels as you are making them. Creating games in docked mode feels a bit harder to use, and takes getting used to due to the lack of the touch interface you usually have.
Mario Maker 2 features a story mode, unlike its predecessor. In this mode you play about 100 challenge levels and earn coins to help rebuild princess peach’s castle. These levels are fantastic in introducing you to some of the tools you can use and some clever layouts to inspire you.
This time round you can really mix it up with more variables to play with and some really fun combinations of items that you will pick up through experimentation. With the incredible amount of customisation you can unleash your sadistic side by constructing some fiendishly challenging levels.
All the previous themes are included from classic Super Mario Bros, Mario 3 and Mario World as well as New super Mario Bros. And while Mario 2 still isn't an option, there is one addition in the form of Super Mario 3D World.
It is placed separately to the other themes as it’s a slightly different type of style, with different rules and ways to play, as well as different tools and enemies so it won’t convert your other levels like the other themes.
But you do get to use the awesome Cat Mario suit and there are also spaces for more themes to potentially be added in the future as DLC - so fingers crossed for Mario 2.
There are a few changes in this upgraded sequel; all themes have a night time mode which reverse some of the level hazards, water levels that you can set to rise and lower, the inclusion of physics objects like swinging claws and on/off switches, among others.
You can also add conditions for completing a course, such as players having to get a certain amount of coins or kills, or even set restrictions such as not allowing them to jump.
Having been initially concerned as to how level building would work without the second screen utilised by both the 3DS and Wii U, or without the control of a stylus, it turned out not to be a problem at all.
The Switch’s touch screen, while not quite as accurate, was fine to use. There are also controller shortcuts which, once learned, will speed up your building time and make it much easier. The levels can be played easily with one Joy-Con keeping gameplay simple.
Super Mario Maker 2 supports co-op building which works in theory but not in practice due to the limited amount of screen real estate, and it’s much easier to execute your particular vision for a level by yourself.
You can play online with up to 4 randomly assigned players only, which is a tad disappointing, but there is the option of local play or on one Switch together, which is very fun but a little crazy and hard to follow.
You can download other players' levels and even play them offline, however this time round you can’t edit them, so at least there won’t be people downloading top rated levels and passing them off as their own.
With oodles of variables and options to play with, at first it may seem intimidating, but Super Mario Maker 2 encourages experimentation.
The wacky characters and nostalgic level themes make this game charming and endearing, and it's a vast improvement on the original in every way - being able to edit levels on your commute, then torture friends with them on the TV at home is a great experience.
Between the story mode, online challenges and tutorials there’s loads to learn and do, but the learning is a really enjoyable and rewarding experience, and you can happily get lost in creating your dream Mario Land.
Platform: Switch
Price: £44.99
