In a way, Super Mario Maker is the end-all, be-all of classic, 2D Mario platforming. By giving players a set of expansive, easy-to-use level creation tools (all done up in the whimsical style of Mario Paint), Nintendo is entrusting the future of Mario's timeless sidescrolling gameplay to the creativity and ingenuity of aspiring game architects. And already, it's inspired legions of level inventors to create standout stages, from fun, breezy playgrounds to devilishly difficult gauntlets.
If you're not looking to build your own levels from scratch, that's fine too: the 10- and 100-Mario Challenge modes let you sample some existing concoctions (included 100 arranged by Nintendo), and venturing into the massive selection of user-made courses uploaded online is worth the price of admission. Yes, the portioned unlock system for the building blocks of Mario's world is initially inhibitive - but break through that, and Super Mario Maker becomes an endlessly playable and innovative toy chest.