Nintendo surprised everyone at Apple’s special event by turning up with a new game for iOS. Super Mario Run is a completely new title from the Japanese developer, and looks to be a major push into the mobile game market.
Super Mario Run plays out like a traditional side-scrolling Mario game, except that Mario runs on his own. All the player needs to do is tap the screen to jump; with a long tap allowing Mario to jump higher. As usual, scores are calculated based on time and the number of coins collected across the level.
Nintendo boss Shigeru Miyamoto also said that there will be special blocks scattered across levels that will add depth to the gameplay; providing effects like changing Mario’s direction or stopping his movement. The on-stage demo also showed Mario performing ledge grabs to pull himself up; something that is traditionally missing from Mario titles.
Multiplayer is also available in Super Mario Run via a mode called Toad Rally. It’s effectively a time challenge where players are scored based on the number of coins they can collect within the time limit. Bonus points are also scored for performing stunts to impress random Toad NPCs. These Toads will also join the player’s Toad Kingdom after each run.
There’s no release date for Super Mario Run at the moment, but Miyamoto has promised that there will be no in-app purchases; although it looks like it won’t be a free title either.
