Loading critic reviews...
Finding live streams...
About Super Mario Maker
Super Mario Maker launched on the Wii U in September 2015 as a platforming tool from Nintendo EAD Software Development Group No.4. It shifts the power dynamic by letting players design their own courses instead of just playing pre-made ones. The game offers four distinct retro styles ranging from the original 8-bit Super Mario Bros to the 16-bit Super Mario World era. You can build levels using a drag-and-drop interface that feels as simple as sketching on paper. This release marked the first time friends could easily share and play through custom levels online. It is a single-player focused title on Wii U that turns everyone into a level designer without needing any coding skills or complex software knowledge.
Gameplay
You start by choosing a visual theme like Super Mario Bros 3 or New Super Mario Bros U to set the aesthetic rules. The core loop involves placing blocks, enemies, and terrain features directly onto a grid using the Wii U GamePad. You can then switch to play mode to test your creation instantly. If you find a spot too hard, you tweak the layout right away without loading screens. The 100 Mario Challenge mode offers a set number of courses from other players that get progressively harder, forcing you to master tight jumps and enemy patterns. Using the Mystery Mushroom feature or specific amiibo figures unlocks costumes for Mario that change his physics and animations slightly while playing. You spend most of your time arranging tiles and testing loops to ensure the level flows smoothly before sharing it with the online community.
What Players Think
Critics and players have responded strongly to this creation tool, with Metacritic giving it an 80 out of 100 and IGDB settling at 85.4 based on 210 ratings. The average completion rate for the 100 Mario Challenge remains high because many users enjoy grinding through the endless user-generated content. Playtime data shows people spending hundreds of hours just exploring levels made by others rather than building their own. Community moods lean heavily toward creative and collaborative vibes, with players constantly sharing new themes and difficulty settings. Review snippets frequently mention the sheer volume of available courses as a major selling point. The integration of amiibo figures like the Big Mushroom Mario has added a layer of replayability that keeps the mood fresh long after the initial release.
PlayPile's Take
This game is worth your time if you enjoy constructing levels or just want endless platforming content without paying for new packs. The price is fair for the amount of user-generated content available on the Wii U. You will unlock various character costumes by completing challenges or scanning amiibo figures. It lacks modern features found in newer titles but offers a solid foundation for creativity that feels complete for its platform. Skip this if you only want to play polished campaigns made by professionals. The lack of cross-platform support limits who you can play with, so check your hardware before buying.
Game Modes
Single player
IGDB Rating
85.4
RAWG Rating
4.1
Deals
Finding deals...
Videos
2Trailer
Screenshots
12Achievements
Loading achievements...
Similar Games
Finding similar games...
Buzzing on Bluesky
Checking Bluesky...