Editor Reviews

Super Mario Run feels like Nintendo trimmed the old-school Mario experience into a side-scrolling, one-handed version that still feels familiar. Mario keeps running independently, and your only job is to tap to jump. Sounds basic, but more timing and rhythm are involved than expected. It's not a traditional platformer but carries the Mario spirit well; it's tuned for touchscreens.

The game offers four modes: World Tour, Toad Rally, Remix 10, and Kingdom Builder. World Tour is the main campaign-style play, with familiar grassy hills, underground zones, ghost houses, airships, and Bowser's castles. It's short but crafted with care. Toad Rally adds a competitive twist, where you race against others' ghost data and win over Toad fans by pulling off stylish moves. Remix 10 shuffles up quick stages with Daisy waiting at the end. Kingdom Builder is slower-paced — you use coins and Toads earned from the other modes to rebuild a personalized kingdom.

Touch controls are simple, but Mario performs a range of parkour-style moves. He hops over small obstacles automatically and rolls after a high fall, adding a touch of nuance. This makes the game easy but gives it a smooth rhythm when you're doing well.

The catch? The game only gives you a small taste for free. After the first few levels, it asks for a one-time purchase to unlock the full game. It’s not cheap for a mobile title, but there’s no in-app currency to grind or recurring payments.

The level design is thoughtful, with hidden pink, purple, and black coins to collect. These optional challenges give the same levels more life and push players to revisit them, learning better timing and cleaner routes. This is where the depth shows—not in getting through a level but mastering it.

World Tour levels can be breezed through fast, but returning to find all collectible coins makes each run more meaningful. Even though Mario always moves forward, there’s some strategy in when to jump, how high, and how to stall his momentum to grab that last tricky coin.

It's polished. Visually, it's crisp and bright. Mario's animations are smooth, and everything moves like a Nintendo game should. The music is nostalgic and updated — catchy enough to hum and fits the game's light mood.

How to Play?

Step 1: Open the game and tap “Start” on the main screen. You’ll be dropped into World Tour mode, which is the main campaign. Each level has Mario auto-running to the right.

Step 2: Tap the screen to make Mario jump. Hold your finger a bit longer for higher jumps. Mario vaults over small enemies automatically but taps to stomp or avoid larger ones.

Step 3: Grab coins while running. Pink coins are special collectibles that unlock new rewards. Finish the level with all five pink coins to unlock the purple and black coin challenges.

Step 4: Defeat enemies by jumping on them or using blocks to your advantage. You don’t control Mario’s direction, so time your jumps carefully.

Step 5: Use Toad Rally to challenge ghost runs of other players. Win by collecting more coins and impressing Toads with stylish moves. This earns you Toad fans.

Step 6: Spend collected coins and Toads in the Kingdom Builder mode. Here, you can unlock decorations, buildings, and mini-games.

Step 7: Clear all six worlds in World Tour to unlock more characters like Luigi, Yoshi, and Toadette. Each has different jump styles.

Step 8: Practice timing and rhythm. Success comes from knowing when to jump, wall-jump, or spin midair. Short taps and longer presses matter.

Step 9: Use bubbles wisely. If you mess up, they bring Mario back to safety, but they’re limited.

Step 10: Connect online to save progress and access all features like Toad Rally and Kingdom Builder.