Because you’re not nagged with screens like this:
Nor screens like this:
I’ve been playing Super Mario Run the past few days and haven’t regretted paying $9.99 to get the full version. Yes, that’s above average when compared to other apps, but at least you get a real game in return for it:
- A game sporting Super Mario, a well established character which everybody loves.
- A game in line with previous Mario games: enemies, design elements, etc. – it all feels familiar.
- A game that is playable by those that just jump around a bit (read: my kids), but also by those wanting to truly master it.
- A game with levels that can be replayed at least three times: after having collected the 5 pink challenge coins in a level, the level structure changes a bit and then sports 5 purple challenge coins. Rinse an repeat with 5 black challenge coins. Collecting them all will take you time (*)
- A forward-moving game in which you can move in the opposite direction thanks to clever level design/structure and some well chosen elements.
- A game that doesn’t nag you every five steps to buying stuff.
- A game featuring a highly-replayable rally mode, next to the main campaign, in which you can race both friends and strangers to earn more stuff
- …
More photos: What Super Mario Run would look like as a free to play game →
(*) If you just jump around a bit you can speedrun-finish the game in one single day. However, one week in and I’m not even halfway because collecting all special coins will take quite some skills (and time).