Photo by BagoGames via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Super Mario Maker 2’s final major update is here with new mechanics, new power-ups and even a new game mode.
First let’s talk about the big news; there is a new style now in the form of Super Mario Brothers 2, bringing with it all the mechanics synonymous with the game. You can stand on nearly every kind of enemy and pick them up from that position and throw them. In snow levels, you can even just create snowballs and throw them like an enemy. This is a rather significant addition to the game, and I can’t wait to see how people abuse the mechanics of this new update.
Another pretty significant addition to the game is a new game mode: World Maker. This new mode allows level creators to compile their creations into cute little maps aping the style of whatever game you choose. You can even customize the world with aesthetic changes, like adding hills or raising elevation.
Now, let’s talk about the many power-ups they showed off; there are quite a few of them in this final update, so let’s go through them all. These power-ups come from their respective games, and as far as I’m aware, they cannot be transferred to other styles unless they are also available in that particular style.
The first power-up they show off is the “Frog Suit.” This power-up increases the player’s mobility in water and even allows the player to run across the water. Another power-up they brought in is “Power balloon.” This one allows you to float through the air and maneuver quite slowly. In a different style, comes the “Super Acorn.” This power-up allows you to glide through the air as well as reduce the fall speed of Mario. Another power-up is the “Boomerang Flower” where Mario can now throw a boomerang that behaves exactly how you think.
They also have a variety of power-ups that usually come from 3D games but are now adapted into a 2D style. The “Cannon Box” allows Mario to shoot cannonballs right out of his body. The “Propeller Box” gives Mario additional jumps in the air as well as a little bit more maneuverability in the air with an air dive. The “POW Box” gives Mario a POW box to use by jumping up into blocks. The “Bullet Bill Mask” allows you to fly in straight lines for as long as the mask allows. And god-damn finally the “Goomba Mask” prevents enemies from attacking Mario.
That isn’t even everything they’ve added to the game.
There are now “Cursed Keys” from Super Mario Brothers 2 that cause the infamous mask “Phanto” to chase Mario when he holds the key and all the koopalings are now available to use in every style.
This is a massive update and well-deserving to be called the last. This update is packed to the breaking point with massive additions that I would think many would imagine not to be in the game. I can’t wait to see how people exploit every mechanic.
Edward Park is a second-year BSED English major in the writings track. EP909756@wcupa.edu