The first major update for Nintendo's build-your-own -level 'Super Mario Maker 2' has finally landed, and it has brought some very special treats and upgrades.
Nintendo has added one of the most iconic items and a character into 'Super Mario Maker 2'. With update 2.0, level designers can now implement the Master Sword, the iconic weapon from The Legend of Zelda series, to turn player's characters into Link, the titular protagonist of the beloved franchise.
While the player's character is transformed into Link, they are able to perform classic moves from The Legend of Zelda. Players will be able to use the sword to cut enemies down while standing still. They can also perform a charge attack that makes their character run forward and with the sword out, attacking anything that comes in the way. Additionally, players can also execute a downward thrust which is perfect for destroying stacked enemies such as Spinys.
Players also get access to a block feature, allowing them to defend themselves from both melee attacks, as well as from pesky ranged projectiles such as fireballs. They also get access to two of Link's special equipment. The bow allows players to hit objects that are too far to run to or poke with the sword. It can be fired in three different directions: Straightforward, diagonally upward, and diagonally downward. There's also the bomb, which can be used to damage enemies as well as trigger switches. However, be warned that bombs have a timer before they go off.
There is one caveat, however. The Master Sword is only available in the classic Super Mario Bros. game style. It is unknown if it'll ever be available in the Super Mario Bros 3, Super Mario World, Super Mario Bros U or Super Mario 3D worlds game style.
Extra tools for level makers
There are also some additional course parts available for level designers. First is Spike, a monster that shoots out spiked balls. These balls can be used as obstacles or can be used as additional puzzle pieces in the course. When used in the snow theme, Spike shoots out snowballs instead.
Pokey, which first appeared in Super Mario Bros 2., finally becomes available for course creators. This cactus-like enemy has multiple parts to his body. Players can destroy each part individually, or try to hit the head directly in order to bring the rest of the body down. They also have flying variants which allow them to, well, fly. In the night time, instead of just standing up vertically, they dance around in a horizontal 8-like pattern.
Frozen Coins give level makers another kind of surface that they can use. These blocks of ice act like regular blocks but thaw out when hit by any fire source. Besides Mario's Fire Flower, environmental obstacles such as the firebar and the burner can thaw out these blocks as well, opening up interesting possibilities for level design.
The P Block has also been added, much to the delight of veteran Super Mario players. Activating the P Block button makes marked blocks become solid, allowing for traversal by players. However, these blocks are usually on a timer.
There's also the Dash Block, which is exclusive to the Super Mario 3D World game type. This block launches characters forwards, forcing them to run if players stand on it.
A New Game Mode
Nintendo also added a new time attack/player ghost game mode. Named Ninji Speedruns, these tests players with limited time event stages designed by Nintendo. While playing this level, players will see the Ninji of their opponents, competing with them in asynchronous time. The fastest players in Ninji Speedruns get a limited duration aura. The three stars circling the players' characters will let others know that that player was previously one of the fastest runners. There are also rewards for player's Miis for completing courses in record time.
