I couldn't wait to get my hands on Super Mario Maker. I've always wondered what it would be like to create levels on the world-famous platformer; as a child I'd dream up imaginative ways in which I'd put the little plumber-turned-doctor-turned-chef through the ringer, and now finally I and the millions of other Mario fans have been given that opportunity.
Not only can players create strange and unique levels here, but there's also the option to upload any creation straight to the web, where it will be put up for criticism and run throughs for people across the globe. There was no better feeling than getting a star or a positive comment from an unknown stranger after putting passion and time into an intricate level, and that's what makes this game so special - connectivity.
At first in create mode you'll only be given a few tools, blocks, enemies and power-ups to play with, with shipments of new items being added to your inventory as you place and play with the ones you've been allocated.
The way in which extra tools are rolled out were for me a little frustrating, despite the patch which means you can unlock them all in a single day now instead of having to wait a period of nine consecutive days, but it is understandable that Nintendo don't want to overwhelm the casual gamers, for whom it may take a little longer to get to grips with what's on offer.
Those looking for a little boost to their imagination can play through the 10 Mario Challenge, where gamers are given 10 lives to complete sample courses added to the games by Nintendo creators who got a little inventive and wanted to spur on those who aren't sure on where to go next. Through 68 levels you'll find inspiration before realising that you've collected enough information to go and implement them into your own designs.
There's also the 100 Mario Challenge, a similar outing but one which will see you take on up to 16 player-created levels with 100 lives on offer. It's a tough challenge but definitely one worth doing to find some of the best things the online community has to offer.
Personality is driven into each of the stages with creators given the chance to not only create straight-forward levels, but messages, villages and more. The Super Mario world is your oyster, and you'd be a fool not to take the opportunity with both hands and really get stuck in.
Super Mario Maker is both on first look and each play the game in which superfans have been waiting for for some time. With the brilliant creations on display already online, it wouldn't be too difficult to imagine Nintendo plucking ideas from those on offer and implementing them in future Mario titles - so get creating and you never know, your level might just become a part of Super Mario history!
Super Mario Maker is out now and available exclusively on the Wii U.
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