Super Mario Maker 2surprised Nintendo fans last week with its out-of-the-blue reveal at the start of the Nintendo Direct. Thankfully, it’s not just a port ofthe Wii U title;Super Mario Maker 2looks like it is fully deserving of the2at the end of its title. The Mario community feverishly began combing the trailer for all the new goodies, tools, and content they’ll be able to play with in June.
After looking through the reveal trailer from last week for myself, I decided to lay out all that’s new inSuper Mario Maker 2in one place. There is a ton to unpack. Frankly, it increased my own hype for the game just seeing all the new possibilities that players will have to make the Mario levels of their dreams.
[pullquote]“It increased my own hype for the game just seeing all the new possibilities that players will have to make the Mario levels of their dreams."[/pullquote]
I want to start off with just a list of all the new items/terrain folks have spotted in the trailer. This entire list is thanks to Mario speedrunners Carl Sagan and Grand POOBear.Carl tweeted out his observations, while POO posted a whole video breakdown. I’ll embed POOBear’s video reaction and analysis below. If not for the analysis fromaSuper Mario Makerveteran, watch it for the reaction. It’s priceless.
That said, here is whatSuper Mario Maker 2looks like it is bringing this time around:
That’s a lot of game-changing items and enemies. These alone open up the possibilities for more dynamic levels with more variety. However, new items alone aren’t the only reason this is a true sequel: there are new mechanics and a new art style for creators to make fantastic new levels. The possibilities for Kaizo levels (i.e. extremely challenging Mario levels) has been increased tremendously.
Vertical levels appear to be an option now, and the scroll speed and direction of levels can be adjusted. Levels can have checkpoint parameters where a player has to collect X amount of coins to unlock a checkpoint or progress. Items and enemies can also travel through pipes now, which is super cool-looking with the clear pipes.
A brand new art style in the vein ofSuper Mario 3D Worldhas also been added to the game, with the previous four styles from the firstMario Makeralso being present. The Cat Suit power up is here, alongside at least one 3D mechanic that has been translated into 2D. The ability to climb to the top of trees is in the game; items can be hidden in the tops of trees and pop out when Mario makes it to the top. The art style itself is gorgeous and makes me feel like leavingNew Super Mario Bros. Uin the dust. Enemies and items exclusive to3D Worldare present as well, like a Spring Trap enemy.
[pullquote]“Super Mario Maker 2looks like it is fully deserving of the2at the end of its title."[/pullquote]
Then there is the possibility of multiplayer! Hooooo doctor! Luigi is right alongside Mario on the box art, and he can also be seen in a Cat Suit, as well as Toadette. There is a Blue Toad in a hardhat with a hammer too, all leading toward the possibility of multiplayer. At the very least, there should be multiple playable characters. What could multiplayer look like? Will it just be playing levels like inNew Super Mario Bros. UorSuper Mario 3D World? Or could you create and playtest levels together? I really hope both are possible.
The UI is also worth exploring, since it is essential to the creation element of the game.Mario Makerwas a delight on the Wii U to design with thanks to the GamePad. A big concern forSuper Mario Maker 2on the Switch is creating in Docked Mode, since the touchscreen will be hidden in the dock. It appears Nintendo has found a decent compromise with a radial menu system for selecting items, which will work perfectly for a Pro Controller. There could also be the possibility to use the Joy-Con as a pointer, like inCaptain Toad: Treasure TrackerorThe World Ends With You.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakeningremakemay have been the most surprising announcementfrom the latest Nintendo Direct, butSuper Mario Maker 2was arguably the meatiest. With the game launching just four months after its announcement and in the month of E3 2019, I cannot wait to get my hands on the new game. I adored making levels with my friends on the Wii U orwatching races during last year’s Summer Games Done Quick. From what we’ve seen of the game so far,SuperMario Maker 2can truly be the gift that keeps on giving.
