When Super Mario Run was released in December I remember downloading it, playing through the only available levels for the demo (world 1-1,1-2,1-3,1-4), and then becoming disappointed after seeing the pricetag: $13.99 CDN. At the time I concluded that it certainly wasn't worth the pricetag, but after reading a number of very positive reviews on the game and actually purchasing it a few days ago and giving it an honest shot, I can say that I am completely convinced that the pricetag was well worth it.
Gameplay
I find the gameplay to be really, really fluid. Although you can't explicitly control Mario on the x-axis without the aid of objects in game (i.e. jumping off of an object, platforms that send you backwards, etc.) or explicitly control Mario's speed, it plays essentially like a full-fledged Mario game.
What I really enjoyed, though, is the challenge of obtaining all three of the different colours for coins. For each colour the placement of coins of that colour changes and prompts you to utilize the game's environment in a different way to get to them. Some of them are extremely challenging and I can honestly say that I have so far spent about three hours on World 1 alone (1-1,1-2,1-3,1-4 collectively) out of the six just getting the different colours of coins.
Another thing that I found extremely neat was the fact that each player is given their own castle which they can customize (albeit quite limitedly) with various objects such as different trees, fences, etc. You can play bonus levels to obtain even more coins and other neat items, such as Toad Rally tickets. Rating: 10/10
Sound
Sound in this game is extremely crisp and well-done. 10/10
Graphics
The graphics are absolutely gorgeous--very sharp and vibrant, with LOTS of color. Very appealing. 10/10
Story
The story is the staple Mario story: Princess Peach is abducted by Bowser and you need to travel your way to get to her and save her, though I feel that the story isn't exactly the selling point of the gam so I am going to exclude a rating for it.
Overall
Overall (given the average by dividing the total score by 30) the score would be 10/10. It is a very well done game by Nintendo and is essentially a full Mario game that I, in retrospect, feel was worth my money entirely. If you've been mulling over the idea of purchasing this game, go for it--if what I have indicated appeals to you at all then you will likely not be disappointed, particularly if you have been a fan of Mario games.
Gameplay
I find the gameplay to be really, really fluid. Although you can't explicitly control Mario on the x-axis without the aid of objects in game (i.e. jumping off of an object, platforms that send you backwards, etc.) or explicitly control Mario's speed, it plays essentially like a full-fledged Mario game.
What I really enjoyed, though, is the challenge of obtaining all three of the different colours for coins. For each colour the placement of coins of that colour changes and prompts you to utilize the game's environment in a different way to get to them. Some of them are extremely challenging and I can honestly say that I have so far spent about three hours on World 1 alone (1-1,1-2,1-3,1-4 collectively) out of the six just getting the different colours of coins.
Another thing that I found extremely neat was the fact that each player is given their own castle which they can customize (albeit quite limitedly) with various objects such as different trees, fences, etc. You can play bonus levels to obtain even more coins and other neat items, such as Toad Rally tickets. Rating: 10/10
Sound
Sound in this game is extremely crisp and well-done. 10/10
Graphics
The graphics are absolutely gorgeous--very sharp and vibrant, with LOTS of color. Very appealing. 10/10
Story
The story is the staple Mario story: Princess Peach is abducted by Bowser and you need to travel your way to get to her and save her, though I feel that the story isn't exactly the selling point of the gam so I am going to exclude a rating for it.
Overall
Overall (given the average by dividing the total score by 30) the score would be 10/10. It is a very well done game by Nintendo and is essentially a full Mario game that I, in retrospect, feel was worth my money entirely. If you've been mulling over the idea of purchasing this game, go for it--if what I have indicated appeals to you at all then you will likely not be disappointed, particularly if you have been a fan of Mario games.
