92 LINKEDINCOMMENTMORE
LOS ANGELES — One of my favorite levels played in the upcoming video game Super Mario Maker is one where I never had to touch the controller.
Between a variety of treadmills, springs and moving platforms, I watched as Mario effortlessly moved through the level, bopping Koopas (the turtles) on the head and eventually grabbing the top of the flagpole at the end of a mission.
It's a signal of some of the creativity players can use when creating their own levels in Super Mario Maker, which launches on the Wii U on September 11.
Players can create levels modeled after four Super Mario titles: the original Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World and New Super Mario Bros. Wii U.
In yet another solid use of the Wii U's GamePad, players can easily sketch out levels using the stylus. Players use a grid similar to graphing paper to create their levels, easily changing the skin of the game as well as location (ground, air, underwater). Players tap on items and add them to the environment. Blocks with question marks can include treats like mushrooms to level up, or enemies that attempt a sneak attack.
When creating a line of bricks, for example, players simple tap and drag to the size of their liking. Players select between several rows of characters and structures they can use to enhance their levels. Players can also stack enemies, so feel free to build that Koopa tower. It feels really easy to jump in and start building a level, focusing on your imagination without worrying too much about the technical aspects of design.
layers will be able to upload up to 10 levels. As others grade their levels and give them high marks, it will open up additional slots to create even more levels. Players can not only favorite levels, but follow creators to keep track of their latest designs. They can also search for levels based on difficulty, with each one offering stats on the number of attempts and completions.
Most of the levels shown at E3 displayed high levels of creativity -- and insanity. For example, one level featured an army of large and small Magikoopas traped behind brick walls. Each time they struck a brick with their wand, it turned into an enemy players had to take out. Then there was an underwater level where I had to move past a school of swimming Goombas.
Mario Maker will also support amiibo, transporting characters such as the Wii Fit Trainer right into the game. Other amiibo will be available, too, including Kirby, and Link from The Legend of Zelda. There are plans for a 30th anniversary Mario will add a giant mushroom players can use to smash through levels.
Super Mario Maker looks as charming as any Mario game, only with potentially a limitless supply of levels to explore.