What I Learned from Super Mario Maker

It feels like we're beating a dead horse at this point, but for the gazillionth time, the Wii U was a huge failure for Nintendo. It was poorly advertised and was lacking in third party support to name a few of the issues the system had. But even so, the Wii U was home to some incredible games such as the breakout IP, Splatoon, which just recently hit its 4th anniversary. Another huge title for the system was Super Mario Maker. Despite the Wii U's small install base, the game was massively popular and continues to be played by streamers and YouTubers to this day. The only thing that will put Super Mario Maker to rest is Super Mario Maker 2. With the sequel to what is arguably the greatest level creation game of all time landing on Friday, I'd like to take this time to reflect on the things I've learned from my time playing the original Super Mario Maker.

I was beyond stoked for the original Super Mario Maker. Finally, a Super Mario game that let the players design their own stages. And what did I do when I first got the game? Stare at the blank canvas before me all the while feeling that I could never match the plethora of outstanding courses that were already posted. I never thought I would feel pressured in a Super Mario game, but when you're tossed in the creator's seat, those sweat bullets start droppin'.

The very first course I designed for Super Mario Maker ended up being a simple one that relied heavily on the skill for which Mario is most famous, jumping. Using the New Super Mario U layout, the course I designed had only one type of power-up, the Super Mushroom and not too much in the way of enemies. Some tricky wall jumping was presented near the end but it wasn't anything most would struggle with much. To ease players into some of the more troubling sections, I used coins as a guide My intent wasn't to give players a hard time with my first level. I just wanted to get my name out there.

That first course, basic as it was, became one of my highest star earning courses. The name of the course? Jump Man. This would go on to be a series of levels that was followed up by Jumpman 2, Jumpman 3, you get the idea. Although I never did make it to Jumpman 5 (for reasons that I'll explain below), the Jumpman courses were something vastly different from other courses I would design. I even made it a rule in all of these courses to limit the power up to just the Super Mushroom and (mostly) stick to the Ground theme. The Jumpman courses are going to be making a comeback in Super Mario Maker 2 so I hope your jumping game is on point.

Before Super Mario Maker released, I had the idea to make some brutal, soul-crushing courses. Inspired by the course names from the Special World in Super Mario World, these devilishly hard courses had all kinds of slang names like Wicked, Gravy, and Clutch. I had a huge list of current and old slang to use for these levels. I even looked up some terms I'd never heard of before like Shaka. Not only was looking into old and new slang fun for these tough courses, designing the course was just as, if not more so fun. By no means were these levels unbeatable. They just demanded a lot from the player. Making these types of courses really pushed me and I honestly think these were some of my best levels. And I made sure they always got a Expert or Super Expert rating.

Fleek was a P-Switch run course with a twist. Not only did you have 40 seconds to complete the stage, but beating the level without the aid of the Starman scattered throughout the course was impossible. You had to be fast enough to make it to the next P-Switch AND snag the next Starman. The 40 second time limit made things tense but the sped up Starman theme made sure players were always booking it. I've always felt the the sped up Starman music was a great piece of music that just screams "HURRY UP!" I cannot wait to design another course like this one in Super Mario Maker 2!

Hammer Bros. were my go-to enemies because I loath Hammer Bros. I don't think there is anyone that enjoys dealing with these guys, so I would use them whenever I felt like making the player uncomfortable. Steps at the before a flap pole in Super Mario Bros. theme? Hammer Bros. Need a key to open the door blocking your path? Gotta take out that Hammer Bro. No doubt I'll be using them again in Super Mario Maker 2, but I will be using other enemy types to frustrate you. We've got Fire Bros. now!

Everyone has their own style when it comes to the things they do and that is something I learned for the umpteenth time when making levels in Super Mario Maker. Initially, I felt that my levels weren't on the level (no pun intended) of courses that had hundreds of thousands of stars, but I learned to embrace my own style and improve upon it. If you have even the tiniest bit of interest in level design, Super Mario Maker 2 should be on your to buy list.

Nintendo Murdered E3 2019. In a Good Way

Yes, the winners of E3 are the gamers, but let's be real here. Nintendo. MURDERED that joint. I know that I tried to refrained from picking a side for E3 winners in 2017, but if you were to ask me who the victor was then, I'd have to agree that Nintendo walked away with the crown.

The reveal of the Hero from Dragon Quest and Banjo-Kazooie might have been somewhat ruined thanks to leakers (seriously, eff leakers) but if all the reaction videos I've seen are anything to go by, many are beyond stoked that that the leak was real and some didn't even know about the leak. Either way, people are really excited for the two (three, I didn't forget you, Kazooie) new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate DLC characters.

Stealth drops are always a pleasant surprise. The very day of the E3 Nintendo Direct, I was wondering when the Contra Anniversary Collection was coming out and when the game was show briefly along with the fact that it wold be available on the eShop later that day, my Contra itch was about to be scratched and then some.

Trials of Mana, what Seiken Densetsu 3 is officially going to be called outside of Japan is getting a remake. I know lots of people Didn't like the 2018 remake of Secret of Mana, but as one of the few who did like it, I'm interested to see how the Trials of Mana remake turns out in 2020. Collection of Mana was also stealth dropped, containing the first three Mana games. I have not played Final Fantasy Adventure in eons and that game was in dire need of a re-release and is a perfect fit for the Switch. The big deal about Collection of Mana is that is is the first time the original Trials of Mana has been officially translated and released outside of Japan. I've heard the soundtrack to that game, but I've never played it. I almost bought it later that day but I got word that a physical release was coming in late August and I am all about some physical games in this heavy digital age.

I was already pumped for Luigi's Mansion 3 and Astral Chain but now that we've seen much more, I'm foaming at the mouth over these titles. Astral Chain looks crazy good. Plot wise, I'm not expecting an epic for the ages but as long as the gameplay is tight, and that is ineeded looking to be the case, I'm all in. Nintendo had my money for that game back in February. I cannot throw my money at them fast enough. Still no solid release date for Luigi's Mansion 3 but I'm hoping for an October date. With Dragon Quest XI and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening releasing in the same week in September, we really don't need another great game sucking up our money that month.

I know some are disappointed that Animal Crossing: New Horizons, a game that was originally promised a 2019 release was delayed to March 2020. Personally, I see this is a blessing in disguise. Mu backlog is not getting any smaller and with everything Nintendo showed during the direct, do you really need another $60 game? My wallet crawled up from the grave and thanked Nintendo for letting if live a little while longer.

Nintendo can be a very strange company with whacked out policies and still not comprehending online but one thing they know like nobody's business is games, games, and more games. Other companies are doing yawn inducing press conferences where they talk and talk. Nintendo shows what really matters: the games. Not only did Nintendo show off the games (and gameplay, not just fancy cinematics) they showed off a ton of them and that is why they won E32019.

Favorite Tunes #268: The Hero, the Bear and the Bird

So in case you haven't heard, the Hero from Dragon Quest XI is gonna be in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. His alts? Heroes from other DQ games such as VIII and IV. Oh and Banjo-Kazooie are also joining the battle. It is a GREAT time to be alive.

Battle - Dragon Quest III (NES)

Originally known as Dragon Warrior in the west, with the eight installment, the series would at long last use the original Japanese name in all territories. It has been years since I've played a DQ game. The last one I played, sinking tons of hours into was DQIV on the DS. The next one will be the Switch version of DQXI. If you're curious as to what game "Goku" comes from, it would be DQIII.

Spiral Mountain - Banjo-Kazooie (N64)

A dream was at long last made reality when a Jiggy bounced across the screen during Nintendo's E3 Direct. Donkey Kong, Diddy and King K. Rool going nuts over the sight of Banjo-Kazooie? It perfectly mirrored fan reactions. I am stoked to play as this magnificent duo and the Spiral Mountain stage looks like oodles of fun. Speaking of which, I cannot believe I haven't posted more music from such an iconic N64 game. Way past time we fixed that.

Stardust Speedway G Mix US - Sonic CD (SCD)

Replaying Sonic CD over the past few years had made me come to realize that that game is not great. It suffers from some pretty bad level design that doesn't really work in the game's exploratory nature. That said, it certainly isn't terrible and the game has two awesome soundtracks. The US version tends to get a bad rap but there are a lot of songs that I really like from it. When it comes to the Future Mixes from both the JP and US scores, I tend to lean towards the B Mixes but Man, the G Mix for Stardust Speedway is a big exception.

Twinkle Snow Zone Act 1 - Sonic Advance 3 (GBA)

When people talk about the best Sonic soundtracks, you always hear about the consoles games. And the console outings (for the most part) deliver amazing Sonic jams. But let's not forgot those portable games, in this case, Sonic Advance 3, easily the best soundtrack of the Advance trilogy and really, one of the best Sonic soundtracks. The music team behind this game knocked it out of the park with this one.

Bonus Stage - Shadow Dancer: The Secret of Shinobi (GEN)

I would feel sorry for anyone that had to come in and write music after Yuzo Koshiro. That man is one serious tough act to follow. Shadow Dancer: The secret of Shinobi is kinda treated like the second Shinobi game, releasing after The Revenge of Shinobi when in actuality, it is a different game from the arcade title of the same name (Shadow Dancer, that is). Obviously The Revenge has the better soundtrack of the two, but The Secret of Shinobi still has some fine beats going on. I plan on giving this soundtrack the due it deserves on this blog in future Favorite Tunes posts. Until then, enjoy this sick beat.

Don't Be Afraid - Final Fantasy VIII (PS)

Finally. FINALY Final Fantasy VIII is getting a remaster and it is coming to everything. We are long overdue for this game getting the remaster treatment it deserves. It has been years since I've played this game but I'm excited to go through it again on the Switch. That reminds me, FFVII is on sale on the Switch and I need to snag that sucker.

The Shenmue III Betrayal

In light of the recent event, I find this oldie but goldie to be highly appropriate.

For the seven of you that are not aware, I suppose some context is in order.

Shemue III, a game fans of the series have wanted for the longest time. Back in 2015, Yu Suzuki, director of the series, turned to Kickstarter for funding, asking for $2 million dollars. If it was funded, Shenmue III would enjoy a multiplatform release on PC via Steam and the PlayStation 4. Fans went above and beyond the asking  amount, giving over $7 million. There wouldn't even be a Shenmue III without such overwhelming fan support. And what does developer/publisher Ys Net and Deep Silver do to reward such a show of a good faith? Make the PC version of Shenmue III a Epic Games Store exclusive.

There are not enough words in any language to describe just how dirty Ys Net and Deep Silver did Shenmue III backers. Oh and you've gotta love Ys Net's reasoning for this.


"Development for Shenmue III has been moving forward using Unreal Engine and the support we have received from Epic has been excellent. But most importantly, in looking for the most enjoyable experience on PC, it was decided together with Deep Silver after much discussion that Epic Game Store would be the best distribution platform option."

Don't you just love it when you get a cooperate tool response? Why didn't these greedy sacks of trash just come out and say that they did it for the money? Epic Games offered them fat, fat stacks of cash and Ys Net/Deep Silver jumped on it like flies on stank. Everyone knows Epic Games Store is horrendous, shoddy, pee poor excuse for a gaming service that most wouldn't game on if it were the only option available. If they said the did it for the moola I actually might have some sliver of respect for them.

Understandably, backers are not happy about this Epic Games Store exclusive deal. Many of them are demanding refunds and to the surprise of no one, Deep Silver/Ys Net isn't giving back a dime.

Now some games, time exclusive or otherwise are a part of gaming. However, the case of Shenmue III's Epic Games Store is just bad form. Remember when Bayonetta 2 was announced as an exclusive for the Wii U? Oh man, people were furious over that one. So much outrage against Nintendo. Except the outrage was severely misplaced. Platinum approached Microsoft and Sony over publishing Bayonetta 2. They didn't want anything to do with the game because the first game didn't perform very well on their consoles. So Nintendo stepped in. Nintendo, the company so many Bayo fans were badmouthing, is the reason the game even existed to begin with. Perfectly understandable why at the time, the game was only available on the Wii U.

Kickstarters are always a risky business. Mighty No. 9, a game that was thought to be the long awaited return of classic Mega Man-like gameplay was a disaster on multiple levels and has since served as a cautionary tale on backing games. I actually wanted to throw money at the project but never got around to doing so and in retrospect, I'm glad I didn't. On the flip side, you have games like Shovel Knight, one of the greatest examples of a crowd funded game. I didn't back it but I loved Shovel Knight so much that I bought it five times, digitally on the Wii U, a physical copy on the 3DS and Wii U, two PS4 versions for friends at work. The sixth time I buy Shovel Knight will be when the psychical release of Treasure Trove drops.

Shenmue III's Epic Games Store exclusivity, timed or not, casts an even darker shadow on games that need Kickstarter to get funded. No matter how exciting a game may look, you better believe people are gonna think twice about supporting it after this shady business. And that sucks because for every 5 to ten Ys Net/Deep Silvers out there, there are companies like Yacht Club Games that will make good on their promise.

I picked up Shenmue I & II on PS4 the day it released but never got around to playing it. I was looking forward to Shenmue III but now I'm not sure I would even feel comfortable playing it after the way Ys Net/Deep Silver screwed over the PC audience they once had. Whether they realize it or not, they've caused quite the ripple effect.

The Bear and the Bird Smash Back

Life has not been easy for Rare properties. Once hammering out some of the best games for Nintendo during the SNES and N64 eras, the company has since been purchased by Microsoft and most of the people that made up the are that turned in those old hits have long since left the company. Most would agree that the best thing Microsoft has done with Rare was the Rare Replay compilation that came out a few years ago, which consisted of tons of the developer's best games, with a big stand out being the N64 favorite, Banjo-Kazooie.

I didn't grow up playing Banjo-Kazooie but I did get the game as a gift for Christmas 1998 and I loved that colorful platformer even if Rusty Bucket Bay was ridiculously unfair. The bear and bird duo have long been desired to be added to the ever growing roster of characters for the Super Smash Bros. series. But since Rare was owned by Microsoft, it was thought that their inclusion could lever be. Over the past several months, however, things have changed. Microsoft and Nintendo have been getting pretty buddy-buddy. Like, to the point of letting Cuphead come to the Switch. While Hell is freezing over, we also got Banjo-Kazooie coming to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate this fall. As the kids say, we are living in the best timeline.

The reveal trailer for BK was wonderfully awesome. Tons of homage to the King K. Rool reveal (still one of the best things ever) but this time, we got K. Rool snoozing in the Kong house. Duck Hunt is the troll, only to get squashed by everyone's favorite bear and bird. One of my favorite parts of the whole thing? The excitement shown form DK, Diddy and K. Rool. They are, afterall, all part of the Rare family.

BK look like crazy fun to use in Smash. No matter where they fall on the tier list (seriously, screw tier lists) I'll still pick them up from time to time. I know this bear and bird pair represents a major bright spot in a lot of people's childhood so I'm very pleased to see them occupying a slot in the Smash roster.

Now you can't talk about Banjo-Kazooie without talking about the music. Grant Kirkhope, the musical wizard that he is, was responsible for the music in the Banjo games and I was thinking how awesome it would be if he could arrange some tracks for the Smash debut. I guess Masahiro Sakurai and Nintendo were thinking the same thing because Grant was responsible for the Spiral Mountain remix used in the reveal trailer. I'm hoping that wasn't the only arrangement he did but even if it is, I'm still stoked for BK arrangements. I want a Treasure Trove Cove remix so bad you don't even know! Rusty Bucket Bay? Yes, please! I cannot wait to hear the other arrangements for the Spiral Mountain stage.

Banjo-Kazooie are finally in Super Smash Bros. Thank you Sakurai. Thank you Microsoft. Now how about that Banjo-Kazooie 3?

POWER SHOT!

When a Mega Man arrangement soundtrack pops up on my radar, I've got to give it a listen. When the album in question is by Joshua Morse, well, then I really have to give it a listen. I don't think Joshua has carried an entire Mega Man album by himself since 2011's Mega Man: The Robot Museum, an arrangement soundtrack that I listened to countless times. I've since heard a few tunes from Josh here and there, but it sure is awesome to see him helm an entire Mega Man remix album again. POWER SHOT! released on May 5th and like Josh's previous Mega Man album, I have no idea how many times I've heard this one.

Mega Man music makes for some fine rock arrangements. Having said that, if you're expecting to jam out to some metal tracks, you won't find that here. For the unaware, Josh's specializes in jazz, dance style arrangements, which is what you'll be getting here for the most part.

Similar to The Robot Museum, POWER SHOT! is also a relatively short album. At 10 tracks, its only a little bit beefier than it's cousin. Where POWER SHOT! differs is game representation. The Robot Museum had a single track from the console versions of Mega Man 1-8 and a bonus track from Mega Man & Bass. POWER SHOT! sometimes uses more than one track from a game. Mega Man 3 gets two arrangements as does Mega Man 5 as well as Mega Man & Bass. I should also mention that any track that was arranged in The Robot Museum is not represented here.

The album starts off with one of my favorite tracks from the original Mega Man, Fire Man. Intro is a bit bleep bloppy but I dig it and the transition form retro to modern sounds is smooth. Its pretty common for people to pick Mega Man 2's music over the first game, but I still firmly believe that the first Mega Man has some rocking tunes and I'm always down for a hot Fire Man remix. Another track I've always loved is the Museum theme from Mega Man & Bass, a game that some find to have one of the weaker Mega Man soundtracks, but again, is one I really enjoyed. Not only does the opening stage to Mega Man & Bass get a phenominal remix, so does another favorite of mine, Ground Man, which happens to be the closing track for POWER SHOT!

One track that has always been one of my least favorites is Plant Man Mega Man 6. It isn't that I find the track to be bad or anything. I just don't think there's anything special about it and it comes off bland to me especially compared to other songs in the game. So I'm actually surprised that I ended up enjoying the remix of Plant Man on POWER SHOT! as much as I did.

The more I listened to POWER SHOT!, I think I noticed Joshua used some sound fonts I recognized. The Genesis/Mega Drive has some pretty heavy drums and Capcom's CPS-II boards were known for their distinct guitar whales. You could easily identify them in Capcom's mid to late '90s games such as X-Men vs. Street Fighter. If Josh did indeed use the samples I think he did, my hats off to the man because I love that hard Genesis percussion and those CPS-II guitars.

POWER SHOT! makes me feel like I'm discovering Mega Man: The Robot Museum all over again. I was even tapping my foot and bobbing my head as I was doing this write up. If you're looking for some more chill Mega Man arrangements or just want some dang good Mega Man music, give this sucker a download or take it for a test listen on Bandcamp. The album is a name your price deal so you can get it for free or give Josh some moola. I'll be excited for whatever else Joshua works on but I do hope to see more Mega Man related projects from him down the line.

Get POWER SHOT! here.