If Mario Maker is a success, then what?
With the 9/11Super Mario Makerrelease, it seems like a lot of people spent the weekend playing and making levels while I spent the weekend playing moreMetal Gear, eating too much at an Indian buffet, and watching sports.
The embellished tool set (replete withbizarre idea booksand all sorts of unique touches) doesn’t quite feel like aMariorelease. I was hoping for more from the authored levels provided, but you’re fed through them seemingly at random, and the casserole of four distinctMarioaesthetics doesn’t leave it feeling cohesive.
For the impressiveness around a well-designedMariolevel, I think some of thatspecial somethingcame with said level’s placement within the context of the whole. That first descent into 1-2 made more stark by the preceding 1-1, and so on. Of course the unique art styles (well, before theNew Super Mario Bros.repetition), collectibles, items, and so on also went far to unify past games.
Mashing these aesthetics (including the HD replication) feels a bit uncanny, while playing individual levels piecemeal is a bit off. But, really, so is playing an officialMariogame with such a distinct, recognized look where “BUTTS” is written out in coins. So I’m ambivalent, but people are enjoying it, and making cool things.
This is new territory, and a surprising route for domineering Nintendo, but recent moves like opening up its IP to mobile show a company that’s adapting. The mad success of all-ages, creative ventures likeMinecraftand even Sony’s now-flaggingLittleBigPlanetare easy answers for the shift. The PS4 has a dedicated Share button, but I saw as many people sharing pictures of theirSuper Mario Makercodes (with their phones, off their TV screens) as I didMetal Gearvideos. Part of that is novelty. But, also, opening up a beloved series to fan-goofing and sharing could giveMario Makera long tail.
Then what?Super Mario Makersupport with DLC, or expansion packs bringing in new 2DMarioaesthetics? Or would you like Nintendo to go whole hog on Sony’s “Play. Create. Share” and start making tool sets for other popular series?
I mean, it’s not like Nintendo wants to make a 2DMetroiditself, clearly.
