Can Mario translate to a compelling mobile experience?
Following the monumental success of Pokémon GO, Nintendo could finally see a path forward. The company, historically hesitant to bring its games and characters to other platforms, recognized the necessity as mobile gaming surged and their own dedicated consoles faced challenges. Pokémon GO generated billions in revenue and achieved global phenomenon status. While some media outlets misreported that it was Google’s most searched word in 2016, following an ambiguous Google press release, it was in fact the search term with the “most significant increase” in 2016. The most frequent searches remained centered around established platforms like “facebook” and regional news outlets. Now, Nintendo has released its most iconic character, Mario, on Apple’s iOS platform with Super Mario Run.
As the title implies, Super Mario Run embraces the mobile runner genre, but distinguishes itself from endless runners (such as Temple Run) with finite courses and a timer. The objective, beyond survival, is to collect five special pink coins within each level. Player input is limited to controlling Mario’s jumps by tapping the screen; the duration of the tap dictates the jump height. Mastering the game requires significant practice and memorization of the courses, as Mario cannot move backwards. Upon death, players are given a second chance via a bubble that returns Mario to an earlier point in the level. However, with only three lives per course, strategic use of this “lifeline” is essential. It often effectively serves as a pause and retry function.
The graphics closely resemble those in New Super Mario Bros and are impressive on iOS.
The visuals in Super Mario Run are impressive, closely mirroring the aesthetic of New Super Mario Bros on the Wii U, released in 2012. The updated renditions of classic courses, including ghost houses, underground areas, and hidden secrets, are visually engaging. The soundtrack features familiar themes, complete with Toad’s characteristic vocalizations, Mario’s energetic sounds, and the iconic chimes accompanying coin and star collection.
Beyond the main gameplay mode, players can enhance their Mushroom Kingdom with buildings and plants purchased using collected coins. A separate mode, Toad Rally, pits players against a ghost opponent on a course, challenging them to collect the most coins with stylish jumps. Success in Toad Rally earns coins and attracts Toads to populate and improve the player’s kingdom. Participation in these races requires tickets, which can be won or unlocked.
The first three courses are available for free trial. Unlocking the full game requires a purchase of 109 SEK. This price point is significant, considering the game’s polished presentation but relatively simple mechanics and limited length. While the game offers quick and engaging entertainment for commutes, the cost approaches that of more complex console and PC titles. A lower price would feel more appropriate. Nintendo has implemented stringent measures to protect revenue: Super Mario Run cannot be shared with family accounts (due to in-app purchases) and requires a persistent internet connection to combat piracy. The latter is less of a concern on iOS in Western markets, but more relevant on Android in Asian regions. This requirement also prevents offline play, even after purchase, which is a drawback for users without consistent internet access.
Super Mario Run is a fun and welcome addition to the iOS platform, showcasing Nintendo’s dedication to delivering high-quality products. The execution on iPhone is noteworthy. However, the game lacks the freedom and exploration characteristic of “true” Mario titles. Ultimately, Super Mario Run is a simplified “jump-in-time” game that emphasizes repetition and memorization over strategic play, potentially underutilizing the iconic character. The price may be too high for some. It’s recommended to try the free portion first; if the gameplay resonates, the purchase is worthwhile. If not, the technical polish cannot fully compensate for the somewhat simplistic and underdeveloped gameplay.
Rebuilding your Mushroom Kingdom is the “builder” element of the game.Note: Super Mario Run’s App Store release on December 15th was problematic, particularly for press and those awaiting review copies. senses.se received reports of users who had “registered interest” through the App Store being unable to download the game upon release (the button remained as “notify me”). Download access was only granted the following day, an unacceptable delay for fans eager to play. This experience suggests potential issues with Apple’s current processes, coinciding with concerns about overpriced new Mac models and software problems. It may be prudent to avoid using the “interest” or “notify me” features in the future. Rovio’s new Angry Birds title, releasing December 22nd, now offers an incentive for utilizing this feature.
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