Review: Super Mario Maker 2

Officially launched in 2019, Super Mario Maker 2 is back with big changes and now available on a platform with a much wider reach which is the Nintendo Switch, the franchise has an authentic chance to prove why building and playing levels inspired by many past games is a worthwhile pastime. This time, Super Mario Maker 2 offers new creation options and a new more robust and well-structured story mode, by the way, it's about those games we already know: "don't mess with a team that's winning". But is it really worth playing Super Mario Maker 2? Find out in my review! 🙂

Let's do it by steps. Super Mario Maker 2 has some very interesting modes, although they are quite different, they have a good interaction. Right from the start, players have the option to enter the new Story Mode (Campaign), build their own stages or venture out to play those produced by other people. If your preference is for creation, the game does not leave anything to be desired, but honestly it is not my favorite mode – even after several attempts.

Although several elements have been maintained in Super Mario Maker 2, Nintendo has made some physics adaptations that may prevent levels created in the past from behaving exactly the same in the new version. In practical terms, this mainly affects mechanics that are considered a little advanced and used in stages made to be difficult, in a tradeoff that seems fair given the amount of possibilities that are offered.

In addition, another aspect in which Super Mario Maker 2 leaves a little to be desired compared to its predecessor, especially for those who like to play with the Nintendo Switch on TV, is precisely because the console does not have the same touch screen. of nintendo wii u (easter egg here). While the radial system of items devised by Nintendo is functional, it does not provide the same ease and speed of use that the stylus offered in the past, but these are just details.

Based on my tests and my streams, I can say that in portable mode, Creative Mode works very well based on taps made directly on the screen – it's even simpler. The ideal combination is to use this as an option to create stages and later use your console in the dock only when playing them or checking other people's work, or even when transmitting on the internet. However, I had to create a level using the Nintendo Pro Controller and it was a fun experience, see the stream below: 😀

Before we continue with the review I would like to recommend two very cool things about Mario Maker 2: my Polish friend PiotrusHD created a level (very difficult by the way) in Super Mario Maker 2 and if you want to play it, the code is: 507-Q5K-7PF. The other aspect is that I created a level in honor of my friend marltonthegreat, also very difficult and with the aim of being very funny, the code to play is very simple: D36-KPM-DOH.

Back to the review! Important information and at the same time a recommendation: if you intend to play Super Mario Maker 2 and don't have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, it might be a good idea to subscribe to the service before buying Mario Maker 2. – Why, Juan? Very simple! Only through Nintendo Switch Online will you have access to one of the best elements of the game: the levels created and shared by other players, otherwise you won't have access to these resources and other really cool tools.

In Super Mario Maker 2, there are levels that are very basic and easy — some of them try to reproduce the Level Design from Nintendo itself, even those levels that are based on puzzles rather than your ability with 2D or 3D platforms. And, without a doubt, there is a whole background dedicated to creating scenarios that are much more difficult and that will make you appreciate the challenge and make your brain work, or even give that famous rage moment and admitting that life is too short for certain things.

Still, another recommendation is that before testing your skill as a creator, it's worth taking some time to Story Mode, which despite not being my favorite, is quite interesting. In practice, Peach's castle was destroyed and you have to fulfill different activities to get money to rebuild it, the selection of available levels helps to open your eyes to the possibilities of Super Mario Maker 2, in my sincere opinion.

And you, what did you think of Super Mario Maker 2? Participate in the comments below! 😛