INITIAL THOUGHTS Super Mario Maker 2 was one of my most hyped game of the year. The first Super Mario Maker was amazing, even if there were some many horribly designed levels. The only questions were how would SMM 2 handle the single screen for level creation and how would the endless challenge fair as a replacement for the 100 Mario challenge.
The single screen level creation, though cramped, works very well, and can lead to excellent level creation (as long as you play test every section of your level before posting), especially with the addition of the crane and other assets.
Following the success of the Super Mario Maker franchise, I would be surprised if another traditional 2D Mario game was ever made. It would make more sense for Nintendo to create new assets to insert into Super Mario Maker for the creators of the world to explore their imagination. GAMEPLAY The story mode is an excellent introduction to all of the types of gameplay that you may see in the new Super Mario Maker, even though the "hard" levels aren't very difficult. Being able to play levels of all of the classic Mario styles, including Super Marion Bros 3 and Super Mario World, while introducing a 2D version of Super Mario 3D world.
The multiplayer mode, while fun, was a little disappointing, as currently you are unable to play with friends. This should be fixed in the coming updates, but the big hoopla will have already died down by the time the update comes, especially with other great Nintendo switch releases coming.
REPLAYABILITY
This game has an infinite level of replayability. There are thousands of levels already uploaded, with many more to come. During the first week of release, I personally only completed story mode and 92 other levels, with no duplicates. With the new search engine that allow you search level types and skill levels, a player can continue to find the exact levels that would be of most interest.There is even more replayability if you are are trying to beat the world records of your favorite levels.
RATING 4.8 Antlers out of 5. The score would have approached the perfect mark if the multiplayer had been worked out for you to be able to play with friends, instead of 3 other random players. (It has been announced that Nintendo is trying to fix this issue.)