Super Mario Run is a strange beast. It is the first major Mario game built for phones, and it lands with a single mode of play that feels almost entirely unlike anything else in the series. The game asks players to run, jump, and bounce through levels without ever stopping, and it does so with a pace that is both frantic and oddly charming. The result is a game that is easy to pick up and hard to put down, even if it never quite reaches the heights of the console games that came before it.
Trailer, via Nintendo Mobile.
A New Way to Move
The core of Super Mario Run is a single screen of action that scrolls from left to right. Players control Mario with a single finger press, which sends him bounding forward. There is no joystick, no button press, no way to stop. The player taps once and Mario runs, and the only real control comes from choosing when to tap again to make him spring higher, dodge, or change direction. It is a radical shift from the precision platforming that defined the series on consoles, and it takes some getting used to.
The levels themselves are short, tight, and packed with enemies, coins, and moving hazards. Each one is designed to be completed quickly, and the game rewards players who move fast without losing too many lives. That focus on speed over patience is a deliberate choice, and it shapes nearly everything about how the game plays.
Coins and Stages
The main draw of Super Mario Run is the coin collecting. Players earn coins by defeating enemies, finding secret paths, and completing levels with high scores. These coins can then be spent on new stages, new characters, and upgrades for the characters already unlocked. It is a simple progression system, but it works well within the constraints of the mobile format.
The stages are divided into three difficulty tiers: standard, gold, and platinum. Standard stages are straightforward. Gold stages add extra challenges, like moving platforms or enemies that appear at the last second. Platinum stages are the hardest, and they require careful timing and repeated attempts to complete. The game also includes a set of free stages, which are shorter and easier, aimed at players who want to get a feel for the controls before committing to a purchase.
The character roster is small but varied. Mario himself is the default, and he handles the way the game expects him to handle. Other characters, like Toad and Bowser, each have their own movement quirks, which can be useful in certain situations. Switching between characters is done through a separate menu, and it adds a layer of strategy to the game beyond simply running and jumping.
The Stamp Mode
Super Mario Run is not just a platformer. It also includes a mode called Stamp Mode, where players create their own levels using pre-made pieces. This mode is separate from the main game, and it is accessed through a different menu. Players can share their creations online, and the game encourages social interaction by letting others play and rate the levels they find.
Stamp Mode is a clever addition, but it is not the main attraction. It is more of a bonus feature than a central part of the experience. Still, it gives players a way to extend the life of the game beyond the included content, and it provides a reason to keep coming back after the main campaign is finished.
The Price Question
Super Mario Run is available on both iOS and Android, and it is sold as a premium game with a single upfront cost. The price is set at $9.99, which is a reasonable ask for a full game. However, the game also includes a free version that limits the number of stages and features. Players who want the full experience need to pay.
This pricing model is common in the mobile space, but it has been criticized by some players who feel that the free version is too limited to justify a separate purchase. The paid version unlocks all the stages, characters, and modes, and it removes the ads that appear in the free version. For players who are serious about the game, the paid version is the way to go.
Where It Falls Short
Super Mario Run is not a perfect game. Its reliance on auto-run mechanics means that there is very little room for skill-based play. Players who want to test their platforming abilities will find the game frustrating, since the controls do not allow for precise movements. The game also lacks a multiplayer mode, which means that players who want to compete with friends will need to look elsewhere.
The lack of a multiplayer mode is a notable absence. The console Mario games have always included cooperative and competitive modes, and their absence here is a disappointment. It leaves the game feeling more solitary than it should be, especially given how much time players spend in the main levels.
The difficulty curve is also uneven. Some stages are brutally hard, while others feel almost trivial. This inconsistency can be frustrating, especially when a difficult stage stands between a player and a new character or a new stage. The game does not offer much in the way of hints or guidance, so players are often left to figure things out on their own.
The Look and Sound
Super Mario Run looks and sounds like a Mario game should. The graphics are bright, colorful, and full of the familiar characters and settings that fans expect. The music is cheerful and energetic, and it matches the tone of the gameplay. The game does not push the boundaries of visual or audio design, but it does not need to. It is a solid, polished package that feels like it belongs in the same family as the other games in the series.
The presentation is clean and easy to follow. The menus are simple and intuitive, and the game does not waste time with unnecessary screens or options. Everything is placed where it should be, and the game moves from one mode to the next without any fuss. This clarity is important in a game that is meant to be played on the go, and it shows a respect for the player’s time.
Final Word
Super Mario Run is a competent, enjoyable mobile game that borrows heavily from the Mario formula while putting its own spin on it. The auto-run mechanic is a bold choice, and it works better than it has any right to. The coin-collecting and stamp creation modes give the game a sense of depth that extends beyond the main campaign. However, the lack of a multiplayer mode and the uneven difficulty mean that it falls short of greatness.
It is a good game, not a great one. It is a solid entry in the series, but it is not the best Mario game available. For players who want a quick, portable Mario fix, it delivers. For players who want a deep, challenging platformer, it will disappoint.
Key Facts
- Platform: iOS, Android
- Release Date: 2016
- Price: $9.99 (premium version)
- Free Version: Available, limited features
- Difficulty Tiers: Standard, Gold, Platinum
- Characters: Mario, Toad, Bowser, and more
- Mode: Stamp Mode, separate from main game
The game is a solid, polished package that feels like it belongs in the same family as the other games in the series. It is a good game, not a great one. It is a solid entry in the series, but it is not the best Mario game available. For players who want a quick, portable Mario fix, it delivers. For players who want a deep, challenging platformer, it will disappoint.
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