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Making Mario Maker a Masterpiece

by Nicholas Bray - January 20, 2015, 9:18 am EST
Total comments: 6

Aside from the stock level editor, what else could be added to expand the possibilities?

When Nintendo revealed that they would be making a Mario level editing application, I was instantly excited by the possibilities. Having an easy way to create and share Mario levels with the world is just a tantalizing prospect.

After the initial information trickled in, one of my main thoughts was, "what else would they include?" At first, I was hoping for various graphic styles and physics, which has now been confirmed. But what else could there be? Will there be extra modes and features to play around with, or will the app basically only feature the stock editor with online sharing?

Overall, there isn’t a lot that is currently known about Mario Maker. So I have decided to share some possible ideas and directions on how Nintendo could expand the scope and features of the Mario Maker concept.

1. Mario Classroom

Aside from simply using the editor to create your own Mario levels, I feel this title will need some more depth beyond its editing tools.

One possible idea would be to include a Mario Classroom so to speak. In this mode the player could be taken through various interactive lessons in designing Mario levels. Some of these could even take the player through the creation of famous Mario levels to explain the basics on good level making technique.

This would show people why it’s good to avoid certain things, or why Nintendo designers choose to place certain objects where they do. The idea is to give a real insight into how Nintendo goes about designing levels in their various Mario games. This mode could also effect the general quality of the levels that will be shared online, hopefully mitigating awful creations.

2. Make a Campaign

The next mode could be a good way to follow up the classroom mode. Now, some people have pointed out that Nintendo could look into including some levels with Mario Maker for people to play right away. Why not take that a step further and let users fill in the various level markers themselves?

Players could take what they have learnt in the classroom and put it to use in creating a campaign. The length of a campaign could vary, but lets say that the game provides three over-world layouts off the bat. Filling in each of the level dots on a map could be fun, and the ability to give friends your own unique Mario campaign would be great.

Nintendo could also provide a "fill" option for players who would like to have something to start with as well. These pre-made options would also allow people to simply jump in and play a few worlds of new Mario levels. These levels would also be editable, so that players could make their own little tweaks if they wanted.

3. Mix ‘n’ Match

One of the cooler ideas that Nintendo employed back when they made those Super Mario Bros. 3 e-Reader levels was including items that weren’t originally in SMB3. Now that they have confirmed that Mario Maker will use all the different sprites and physics, why not take that further and let players mix and match elements of both the stage design, power-ups, and enemies?

Imagine usiing the cape in SMB1, or the Raccoon tail in Super Mario World styled levels. What if they even included elements from SMB2? Pull up the turnips? Playable Peach and Toad? Even something like the double cherry could be an interesting inclusion.

4. Bosses

Boss levels would also be required in some modes, so why not let players get creative? What if you created a level in which the player had to face all eight Koopalings at once? Or were able to bring back Wart to use in Bowser’s place?

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These are just some things I think could and should be implemented into Mario Maker. What would you like to see? Let us know in the comments section below!

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Talkback

KhushrenadaJanuary 20, 2015

I thought this was cancelled.

rlse9January 20, 2015

I like the Mario Classroom idea, having a little direction in how to make good levels and insight into why designers made levels the way they did would definitely add to the value of the game.

KITT 10KJanuary 21, 2015

When is this supposed to come out?

KhushrenadaJanuary 21, 2015

Mar. 12, 2016. It was in the last Nintendo Direct.

MythtendoJanuary 21, 2015

Quote from: KITT

When is this supposed to come out?

Nintendo hasn't announced a release date other than a generic "2015" date.

Mop it upJanuary 22, 2015

Isn't it the users who will be making masterpieces?

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