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Super Mario Maker
Super Mario Maker has invaded our office and while we won't be able to share our review for some time, we can share some of the charming subtleties that stand out to us.
Your Lives Are More Than Just A Number
There are a few modes in the game where you are given a handful of lives and told to do your best. Rather than just show you a number and watch it dwindle as you die, you get to see a whole crowd of Marios waiting in line for their turn.
If you want to see an example of how to lose a whole bunch of those Marios, check out our recent Test Chamber video above where we went through 46 lives trying to play some of the hardest user-created levels.
Sorry for the low-quality picture of Mary. You can't post screen shots of the instruction manual to the Miiverse.
The Game's Whole Instruction Booklet Is Charming
Video games rarely come with instruction booklets anymore, but in the case of Wii U games, at least, there is usually an online booklet that can be accessed through the Game Pad. Super Mario Maker is no exception, but it goes a step further by including details about the game's development and even has a host in the form of Mary O., a Mario Maker administrative assistant of sorts. There is also an FAQ section that answers a number of important questions about how to play the game, but also veers way of course and answers questions like, "I had an awful day today," and "I can't stand brussel sprouts." I won't spoil Mary O.'s responses here.
This Song Reminds Me Of Earthbound
There is a specific track in Super Mario Maker's menus that doesn't sound like Mario music at all. Instead, it sounds like it belongs in Earthbound.
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Perhaps it's an odd thing to call out specifically, but it really surprised me when I heard it. I even went so far as to listen to Earthbound's soundtrack to see if the tune was taken directly from the game, but didn't find anything that matched.
The Loading Screen Is A Workout
This pair of workout buddies shows up whenever the game is loading. They seem somewhat out of place compared to the Mario aesthetic, but I am always happy to see them.
You Can Make It Look Like A Cat Is Building Your Mario Levels
While creating levels on the Game Pad, a hand is superimposed on your television screen emulating your movement as you place blocks, enemies, and other obstacles. By clicking the thumbstick, however, you can change the hand to be a number of different things. My favorite happens to be the cat paw.
Super Mario Maker arrives on Wii U on September 11. For more on the game, head here for an interview with the game's producer.
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