Game review: Super Mario Run

Mario is finally on mobile - but are you ready to shell out a 'big' amount for the full fast-paced experience?

Once in a blue moon, we throw gadgets away to make way for some other equally interesting stuff. A record-breaking app that was downloaded over 2.85 million times on its first day, more than 40 million times over four days and surpassing 50 million times in a week, certainly falls into that category. We are talking about Super Mario Run, Nintendo's first major splash in the mobile world (they did have a hand in Pokémon GO, remember?). Now here are some queries that you are likely to have, and I have already answered them all!
Is it fun?
Put it this way: Nintendo has hesitated to venture into mobile and preferred to put their own characters on its own consoles. (Super Mario Run is one of the rare instances they allowed their property to be on machines other than theirs.) So when they made their surprise announcement during the iPhone 7/7 Plus launch in September that they have finally given in, that was already fun. But to specifically answer the question, yes, the game is fun; it brings something new to the mobile-gaming world, plus a touch of nostalgia for not-so-millennial fans of the franchise. Great to see characters on the big video game screen squished into the palm of your hands. The graphics are great, and you may get goosebumps hearing tracks you're familiar with - especially the classic sounds of getting a Super Mushroom and entering a pipe.
What's it like to play?
To repeat, it's fun. And the controls are very simple; Mario just keeps running and all you have to do is tap to make him jump. To get items or even go back a bit, you need to strategically time your taps. There are specific blocks that make Mario stop or go back further. And like the Mario games we have been used to, you collect gold coins, and you will find out pretty soon why you need lots of them. There are special-coloured coins - pink, purple and black - which are worth more but are increasingly difficult to get. You can repeat areas you have cleared ad infinitum to get more blings. But unlike tradition, when our mustached plumber hero comes into contact with everybody's favourite stomping character, Goomba, he just vaults over, unscathed. Ditto for small obstacles such as uneven floors.
Luigi, Yoshi, Toad and Toadette get to join in the fun - if you acquire their houses. The main events are the World Tour, in which you make your way through different levels to save (who else) Princess Peach from Bowser, and Toad Rally, wherein you compete with other players to attract Toads to live on your turf and to upgrade/buy stuff and build your kingdom. (Cutest part: both you and your opponent have your own Toad cheering squad while you duke it out - and Toads on the losing side go turncoat and scamper over to the winner of the Rally!)
What kingdom?
The main map looks pretty dry at first, but progressing through the game, you will collect coins (and more Toads of different colours) that'll help you rebuild "A Kingdom Past" by purchasing items from the Shop. Consider it the third mode - Kingdom Builder, in which you get to make your own Mushroom Kingdom.
How do you purchase them?
I just said you need to collect coins and get those Toads to come to you, right?
I mean, do you have to spend real money for it?
Yes. And this is one major criticism of the game: after the first three levels of the World Tour, you need to fork out some cash to access the rest of the game. Actually, by mobile game standards, it's a lot of cash: at Dh36.99 a pop, the game has been labelled too expensive. Toad Rally is still available without purchasing the game - but you only get to attract one colour of Toads, barring you from acquiring more items. Good news: it's only a one-time payment (for now, who knows if they decide to sell some more add-ons, like Rally tickets?). At least, there's a Bonus Game House and Gift Box that can give you some freebies.
Why is it available on iOS only?
Security reasons. Shigeru Miyamoto, the series' creator, has said that the iOS ecosystem is more ideal for them to fight off piracy, compared to the more-open Android platform.
So when does it come out on my Android device?
Umm. some time in 2017?
Anything else that I need to know?
Yes ­- and most importantly - you need an Internet connection to play the game. Full. Time.
AND SO.
I paid for the full version of Super Mario Run and found out that it is worth it, since there aren't any other (dreaded) in-app purchases. But putting aside the fact that I am a Mario fan, the game is somewhat a whiff of fresh air - and probably just the tip of the iceberg for more franchises to follow suit. I do hope Mega Man and Simon Belmont are listening.
alvin@khaleejtimes com

• Hard Drive