Super Mario Maker 2 reviews: how does the sequel rate on Nintendo’s Switch?

The wait for a new Super Mario Maker game is finally over as the sequel to 2015’s stage-builder is now on sale.

Super Mario Maker 2 is the first of the level-building games to launch on Nintendo’s all-in-one Switch console, allowing players to step into the shoes of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and construct their own stages.

The build-your-own side-scrolling platform game is essentially a larger version of the original, which launched on Nintendo’s Wii U console in 2015.

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The game carries over the visual themes from the first game - including Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario World and New Super Mario Bros. U - and adds a new Super Mario 3D World style to the line-up.

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Having been on sale for only four days, Super Mario Maker 2 has already sold double the number of physical games in the UK than its predecessor managed in its first week, Eurogamer reports.

While it’s proving to be a hit with fans, what do the critics have to say about Super Mario Maker 2?

Reviews

GamesRadar describes Super Mario Maker 2’s release as “inevitable”, given the “surprise success” of the first game in spite of the “overall lacklustre user base” of the Wii U console.

Much like the first game, Super Mario Maker 2 is essentially a toy box of all things Mario. Players can create and customise their own stages with different enemies and challenges. The creator tool is intuitive to use, so even “inexperienced” and “rusty” gamers can pick up and play, the tech site says. Gamers can even share their creations online for their friends to play.

“If you have zero interest in creating your own stages then there’s a substantial story campaign here,” says Metro. The story tasks players with navigating levels “in order to help rebuild Princess Peach’s castle”.

Although Super Mario Maker 2 focuses around level creation, the news site says Nintendo hasn’t cut corners with the 100 pre-made stages for the single-player campaign mode. Each stage “tends to highlight a specific item, enemy, or gameplay concept”, which keeps the game feeling fresh after long periods of play.

Ultimately, Super Mario Maker 2’s ability to offer gamers a range of ways to play makes it one of the Italian plumber’s best games to date.

“Maybe you’re after Miyamoto’s title, an aspiring level-making genius,” says Polygon. “Or maybe you just want to kick back and experience the wide array of stages the game throws at you. Or maybe you want to make something that really pisses off your friends.”

That’s the “magic” of Super Mario Maker 2, the tech site says. “You might find yourself playing for one version of the game, only to stay for another.”

Where to order

The standard edition of Super Mario Maker 2 is available on Amazon for £39.99. A £49.99 limited-edition version is also on offer, which includes a 12-month subscription to Nintendo’s online service.