Views on Classic Mario Level Design

[Socknic]

Hello everyone. I'm not sure if this topic has been discussed before, but I couldn't find anything about it from the past, so that's why I'm creating this thread. Basically, what I wanted to discuss was level design in its pure classic form, as I have noticed a distinct difference between the level design present in the SMBX community compared to the classic Nintendo titles. The classic levels were, for the most part, relatively linear, and never dragged on too long. Many of the good levels created by this community are longer and much less linear. It's understandable, since, to be honest, the level design wasn't perfect in the classics. Also, one of the most popular uses of SMBX is for the creation of single, extremely polished levels. I was just curious to see what the community thinks of the classic level design and how it compares to masterfully crafted SMBX levels.

[zioy]

I personally really like some of Nintendo's levels. They always seem to come up with a decent gimmick. They also have the advantage of having new features like wall-jump, triple-jump, etc.

[Socknic]

You have a point. Nintendo has come up with their fair share of good, memorable levels. They also have a lot more flexibility with the content they work with.

[zioy]

They also have a lot more flexibility with the content they work with.

Stop making me wish we had the SMBX source code

jk

[LM280]

I feel like in a game like the 16bit Mario games, the short, linear level design gave it an advantage, as the gimmicks never dragged on too long and each level felt unique. In a limited editor like SMBX, we already know all of the gimmicks and level types, so the real gold is in the design, giving way to longer levels with less gimmicks.

Sorry if that made no sense.

[zioy]

less gimmicks.

Less brand-new gimmicks, perhaps, but it forces us to get creative. I can't just program a Missile Bill, I had to replace the chasing Paratroopa instead.

[Socknic]

The only viable reason for having more linear levels in an episode that I can think of, other than being new to the editor, is wanting to keep things simple and classic.

[zioy]

Or because you want to have more levels with less playtime in each level.

[Anphiba]

*sigh* I do wish we had the SMBX source code...
I do like the Classic Nintendo Levels, It's just that SMBX custom levels always look better.
Probably because SMBX has already been made, and all we do is make levels, not design the game.
Look at NSMBU and NSLU.
I mean, NSMBU levels weren't really that good, well, because Nintendo spent most of their time trying to develop the game.
When New Super Luigi U was made, Nintendo spent less time developing the physics and gameplay, and they spent more times on Ideas and levels.
They already had a copy of the game. All they had to do is fix the Characters and physics.
WE WANT THE SOURCE CODE, REDIGIT ISNT HERE THOUGH... I WANT TO FIND A WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH HIM.. Those are my thoughts...
MY THOUGHTS AND ARE ONLY THOUGHTS. DONT TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY.

[Socknic]

*sigh* I do wish we had the SMBX source code...
I do like the Classic Nintendo Levels, It's just that SMBX custom levels always look better.
Probably because SMBX has already been made, and all we do is make levels, not design the game.
Look at NSMBU and NSLU.
I mean, NSMBU levels weren't really that good, well, because Nintendo spent most of their time trying to develop the game.
When New Super Luigi U was made, Nintendo spent less time developing the physics and gameplay, and they spent more times on Ideas and levels.
They already had a copy of the game. All they had to do is fix the Characters and physics.
WE WANT THE SOURCE CODE, REDIGIT ISNT HERE THOUGH... I WANT TO FIND A WAY TO COMMUNICATE WITH HIM.. Those are my thoughts...
MY THOUGHTS AND ARE ONLY THOUGHTS. DONT TAKE THEM SERIOUSLY.

We may not have the source code, but SMBX is flexible enough to pretty much emulate the classic Mario titles.