Super Mario Run: The Complete Guide to Nintendo’s Mobile Adventure
Super Mario Run is a mobile game that brings the classic Mario experience to your fingertips. In this auto-runner platformer, Mario dashes forward automatically, and you control his jumps by tapping the screen. The game offers four modes: World Tour, Toad Rally, Remix 10, and Kingdom Builder. Each mode provides unique challenges and gameplay experiences. Whether you’re navigating through levels to rescue Princess Peach or competing against friends, Super Mario Run delivers engaging content for players of all ages.
Ready to dive into the Mushroom Kingdom on your mobile device? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Super Mario Run, from gameplay mechanics to tips for mastering each mode. Let’s jump in and explore the adventure that awaits!
Game Overview
Super Mario Run is a mobile game that brings the classic Mario experience to smartphones. In this auto-runner platformer, Mario moves forward automatically, and players control his jumps by tapping the screen. This simple yet engaging mechanic allows for a variety of moves, including stylish jumps, midair spins, and wall jumps, as players navigate through levels to collect coins and reach the flagpole. The game offers multiple modes, such as World Tour, Toad Rally, Remix 10, and Kingdom Builder, each providing unique challenges and gameplay experiences.
Game Development and Release
Developed by Nintendo, Super Mario Run marks the company’s first foray into the mobile gaming market. The game was officially announced on September 7, 2016, during an Apple event in San Francisco, California. It was subsequently released for iOS devices on December 15, 2016, and later for Android devices on March 22, 2017. The development team included key members from the original Super Mario series, ensuring that the mobile adaptation retained the essence of the beloved franchise.
Core Gameplay Mechanics
In Super Mario Run, players experience a side-scrolling, auto-runner platform game where Mario continuously moves from left to right. The primary objective is to navigate through various levels, overcoming obstacles, defeating enemies, and collecting coins to reach the flagpole before time runs out. The game introduces multiple modes, including World Tour, Toad Rally, and Kingdom Builder, each offering unique challenges and experiences. Replayability is enhanced by the inclusion of special coins—pink, purple, and black—that players can collect through multiple playthroughs of each level.
Control System
The control system in Super Mario Run is designed for simplicity and accessibility. Mario runs automatically, and players control his jumps by tapping the screen; a longer tap results in a higher jump. This intuitive control scheme allows players to perform various actions, such as mid-air spins and wall jumps, by timing their taps appropriately. Additionally, the game features elements like pause blocks, which halt Mario‘s movement and timer, and directional blocks that change his jumping direction, adding strategic depth to the gameplay.
Movement and Actions
In Super Mario Run, Mario‘s movement is automatic, propelling him forward through each level. Players influence his actions primarily through jumping, which is controlled by tapping the screen. A quick tap produces a short jump, while holding the tap results in a higher leap. Advanced maneuvers, such as wall jumps and mid-air spins, can be executed by tapping the screen at precise moments, allowing Mario to navigate complex level designs and avoid obstacles effectively.
Scoring System
The scoring system in Super Mario Run revolves around coin collection and performance. Players accumulate coins by navigating levels, defeating enemies, and performing stylish moves. Special coins—pink, purple, and black—are hidden throughout levels, offering additional challenges and rewards for those who collect them all. In modes like Toad Rally, players are judged not only on the number of coins collected but also on their style and flair, with Toads cheering on impressive moves, which contributes to the player’s overall score and kingdom expansion.
Game Modes and Features
Super Mario Run offers a variety of engaging game modes, each providing a unique experience for players. The main modes include World Tour, Toad Rally, Remix 10, and Kingdom Builder. Each mode presents distinct challenges and gameplay mechanics, ensuring a diverse and entertaining experience.
World Tour Mode
In World Tour, players guide Mario through six worlds, each containing four courses, totaling 24 levels. The objective is to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser by navigating various terrains, such as plains, caverns, ghost houses, airships, and castles. Players must collect coins and reach the flagpole at the end of each course before time runs out.
Toad Rally Mode
Toad Rally is a competitive mode where players challenge the play data of other users. Participants select an opponent and compete to collect the most coins while performing stylish moves to impress Toad spectators. Winning rallies increases the player’s Toad population in their kingdom, unlocking new items and buildings.
Remix 10 Mode
Introduced in a later update, Remix 10 offers a fast-paced experience by presenting players with sets of ten very short courses played in rapid succession. The primary goal is to rescue Princess Daisy, who becomes a playable character upon completion. This mode provides a fresh and exciting challenge for both new and seasoned players.
Kingdom Builder Mode
In Kingdom Builder, players use coins and Toads collected from other modes to customize and expand their own Mushroom Kingdom. By placing various buildings and decorations, players can create a unique kingdom layout. Certain structures unlock additional characters, such as Luigi, Yoshi, and Toadette, each with unique abilities, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
Level Design and Environments
Super Mario Run features meticulously crafted levels that pay homage to the classic Mario series while introducing fresh challenges. The game comprises six worlds, each containing four courses, totaling 24 levels. These levels are designed to be completed in a single run, with Mario automatically moving forward, requiring players to time their jumps and maneuvers precisely. The environments range from grassy plains and underground caverns to haunted ghost houses and perilous airships, each with its unique aesthetic and obstacles. The visual design is vibrant and colorful, capturing the charm of the original series while being optimized for mobile devices.
Course Types
The game offers a variety of course types, each presenting distinct challenges and requiring different strategies. Standard courses involve navigating through traditional Mario landscapes, collecting coins, and avoiding enemies. Ghost houses are filled with tricky puzzles and hidden paths, demanding careful exploration. Airship levels feature moving platforms and a higher density of enemies, testing players’ timing and precision. Each course type is designed to keep the gameplay experience diverse and engaging, encouraging players to adapt their approach as they progress through the game.
Challenge Elements
To enhance replayability, Super Mario Run incorporates various challenge elements within its levels. One notable feature is the inclusion of special coins—pink, purple, and black—that are hidden throughout the courses. Collecting all five pink coins in a level unlocks the purple coins, and gathering all purple coins unlocks the black coins, each set progressively more challenging to obtain. Additionally, levels are populated with a variety of enemies and obstacles, such as Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Piranha Plants, as well as environmental hazards like spikes and pits, requiring players to master precise timing and strategic planning to overcome.
Special Courses
Beyond the standard levels, Super Mario Run offers special courses that provide unique challenges and rewards. These courses often feature exclusive obstacles and mechanics not found in regular levels, such as increased enemy density or complex platforming sections. Completing special courses can unlock additional content, including new playable characters and customization options for the Kingdom Builder mode. These courses are designed to test the skills of even the most seasoned players, offering a higher level of difficulty and the opportunity to showcase advanced gameplay techniques.
Characters and Abilities
In Super Mario Run, players can choose from a variety of characters, each offering unique abilities that enhance gameplay. Initially, Mario is the only available character, but as players progress and complete specific objectives, additional characters become accessible. These characters not only provide a fresh aesthetic but also introduce distinct gameplay mechanics, allowing players to approach levels with different strategies.
Playable Characters
The game features several playable characters, including:
- Mario: The default character, offering balanced abilities suitable for all levels.
- Luigi: Mario’s brother, known for his higher jumps, allowing him to reach elevated platforms with ease.
- Princess Peach: She can float briefly during jumps, making it easier to navigate challenging sections.
- Princess Daisy: Similar to Peach, Daisy can perform a double jump, providing extra height and distance.
- Toad: A nimble character with faster running speed, ideal for time-sensitive levels.
- Toadette: She has the unique ability to steal a few Toads from opponents during Toad Rally, potentially swaying the score in the player’s favor.
- Yoshi: Available in various colors, Yoshi can perform a flutter jump, allowing him to stay airborne longer.
Character Unlocking
Unlocking these characters requires completing specific tasks within the game:
- Luigi: Build Luigi’s house in Kingdom Builder mode by gathering green Toads through Toad Rally.
- Princess Peach: Rescue her by completing all levels in World Tour mode.
- Princess Daisy: Unlock her by completing the Remix 10 mode.
- Toad: Link the game to a Nintendo account to add Toad to the roster.
- Toadette: Collect purple and yellow Toads in Toad Rally to build her house in Kingdom Builder mode.
- Yoshi: Gather red and yellow Toads to construct Yoshi’s house in Kingdom Builder mode.
Special Abilities
Each character’s unique ability offers strategic advantages:
- Mario: Balanced abilities make him versatile for all levels.
- Luigi: Higher jumps enable access to hard-to-reach areas.
- Princess Peach: Floating ability aids in crossing large gaps.
- Princess Daisy: Double jump provides additional maneuverability.
- Toad: Increased speed helps in completing levels quickly.
- Toadette: Her ability to steal Toads can be advantageous in Toad Rally competitions.
- Yoshi: Flutter jump allows for extended air time, useful for avoiding obstacles.
These diverse abilities encourage players to experiment with different characters to find the best fit for their playstyle and the specific challenges presented in each level.
Game Economy
Super Mario Run employs a straightforward economic model that emphasizes accessibility and player engagement. The game is free to download, offering a limited selection of levels for players to experience. To unlock the full game, a one-time purchase is required, granting access to all courses and features. This approach contrasts with the prevalent free-to-play models that rely on microtransactions, providing a transparent and upfront pricing structure.
Official Purchase Model
Upon downloading Super Mario Run, players can enjoy a few introductory levels at no cost. To access the complete game, a single in-app purchase is necessary. This model ensures that all players have the same opportunities and experiences without the need for additional spending. The one-time payment unlocks all six worlds in the World Tour mode, as well as other game modes and features.
In-Game Currency
Within the game, coins serve as the primary in-game currency. Players collect coins during levels, which can be used to purchase various items and decorations in the Kingdom Builder mode. These items not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the player’s kingdom but can also unlock additional content and features. Notably, Super Mario Run does not offer the option to purchase coins with real money, maintaining a focus on skill-based progression and in-game achievements.
Progress System
Progression in Super Mario Run is achieved through skillful play and completion of various in-game objectives. As players advance through the World Tour mode, they unlock new levels and challenges. Participating in Toad Rally allows players to earn Toads of different colors, which are essential for unlocking additional characters and expanding the Kingdom Builder mode. This progression system encourages players to engage with all aspects of the game, rewarding dedication and mastery without necessitating additional purchases.
Technical Requirements
To enjoy Super Mario Run seamlessly, it’s essential to ensure your device meets the game’s technical specifications. The game is available on both iOS and Android platforms, each with specific requirements.
Device Compatibility
For iOS users, Super Mario Run requires devices running iOS 12.0 or later. This includes iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch models that support this iOS version. On the Android side, the game is compatible with devices operating on Android OS 4.4 and later. It’s important to note that certain devices may face compatibility issues, especially if they are rooted or running custom ROMs. For instance, some users have reported incompatibility messages on specific Android devices.
Installation Guide
Installing Super Mario Run is a straightforward process:
- For iOS Devices:
- Open the App Store.
- Search for Super Mario Run.
- Tap the download icon to install the game.
- For Android Devices:
- Navigate to the Google Play Store.
- Enter Super Mario Run in the search bar.
- Select the game and tap install.
Ensure you’re connected to a stable internet connection during the download and installation process. Additionally, make sure your device has sufficient storage space to accommodate the game.
Performance Tips
To optimize your gaming experience:
- Close Background Applications: Before launching the game, close unnecessary apps running in the background to free up system resources.
- Maintain Updated Software: Ensure your device’s operating system and the game itself are updated to the latest versions.
- Stable Internet Connection: A consistent internet connection is crucial, as Super Mario Run requires online access for certain features.
- Device Maintenance: Regularly restart your device and clear cache to prevent potential performance issues.
Safety and Security
Ensuring a secure and enjoyable experience with Super Mario Run involves downloading the game from official sources and safeguarding your account information.
Official Sources
To avoid potential security risks, always download Super Mario Run from authorized platforms. For iOS devices, use the App Store, and for Android devices, access the Google Play Store. Downloading from these official sources ensures you receive legitimate versions of the game, reducing the risk of malware or counterfeit applications. Be cautious of third-party websites offering the game, as they may host malicious software designed to compromise your device’s security.
Account Security
Protecting your Super Mario Run account is crucial for maintaining your progress and personal information. Utilize strong, unique passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdays or common words. Implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security, requiring a verification code in addition to your password. This method significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if your password is compromised. Regularly updating your password and monitoring your account for any suspicious activity can further enhance your account’s security.
FAQ
Q1: Is an internet connection required to play Super Mario Run?
Yes, Super Mario Run needs a stable internet connection to play all modes. This ensures access to the latest content and features.
Q2: How can I unlock additional characters in the game?
By completing specific challenges and gathering Toads in Toad Rally, you can unlock characters like Luigi, Princess Peach, and Yoshi.
Q3: Are there in-app purchases in Super Mario Run?
Yes, while the game offers free initial levels, a one-time purchase unlocks all content. There are no recurring microtransactions.
Q4: Can I play Super Mario Run offline?
No, an active internet connection is necessary to play Super Mario Run. This is to ensure game integrity and access to all features.
Q5: How do I save my game progress?
Linking the game to your Nintendo Account allows you to save progress. This enables data recovery if you switch devices or reinstall the game.
Conclusion
Super Mario Run offers a delightful mobile gaming experience, blending classic Mario elements with new features. Its intuitive controls and engaging gameplay make it enjoyable for both new and seasoned players. With various modes and unlockable characters, there’s plenty to explore. Remember to connect your Nintendo Account to safeguard your progress. Dive into this adventure and relive the magic of Mario on your mobile device!
