For three consecutive days, players at the Nebula Games park enjoyed a true feast.
The park's attractions, whether holographic tours or holographic games, weren't really rare entertainment.
Theme parks everywhere, domestically and internationally, have these kinds of attractions, with only minor differences in detail.
But what excited them was that elements from the games were brought to life, allowing them to experience them in real life.
Just like how fans feel about their favorite things, with this added layer, many players felt it was absolutely worth the trip.
There were also specially prepared music performances: 'Red Dead Redemption,' 'Assassin's Creed,' 'To The Moon,' 'Undertale,' 'The Witcher: Wild Hunt'... a series of Nebula Games' classic IPs, each with a song chosen and paired with holographic projections, provided a unique enjoyment for the players.
However, compared to these experiences, the main trending topics online weren't focused on them.
Why?
Because only a relatively small number of players could actually go there. The rest could only watch longingly from their computer and phone screens.
Also, many of the attractions couldn't be seen on a phone, which made many players even more disappointed.
For the players attending the carnival at the theme park, time seemed to fly by, with a day passing in the blink of an eye.
For players not there, after a brief moment of excitement, it felt a bit hard to endure.
This was because what they cared about more was the final day's Nebula Games Direct, and the new information and content Lucas would bring.
In the huge plaza across from the theme park's man-made lake, countless players sat neatly in chairs.
For the past two days, they had watched music concerts and competitions here.
This was mainly because of the massive number of people; it was impossible to build a huge exhibition hall within the theme park town.
So, an outdoor venue was set up, using massive LED screens and a hugely expensive holographic projection system for the performances.
Players outside started discussing.
"This is the last night. I wonder what surprise news Boss Lucas will bring!"
"It's definitely going to have news about Mario."
"It's a shame I didn't get to experience many of the scenes during these three days. I'll definitely come back once the park officially opens."
"Yeah, yeah, old friend, can I get your contact info? We can find a time to come together then?"
"Uh… sorry, brother, but I was planning to come with my girlfriend."
"…Goodbye!"
Amidst the various discussions from the players on-site, fireworks effects projected holographically suddenly burst on the opposite side of the man-made lake.
As the fireworks bloomed, the Nebula Games logo appeared in the sky, then slowly broke apart to form a green pipe.
'Beep beep beep…'
A familiar sound rang out, and an uncle plumber with a red hat emerged from the green pipe.
"Mario!"
"And Luigi too!"
"Huh… who is this pink and blue mushroom head?"
Countless players looked completely surprised.
But the presentation continued.
What followed next left many players in astonishment.
Before this, players were very clear that the new Switch game would be Mario-themed.
Many players' first thought was 'Super Mario: Odyssey,' but from what they were seeing, this looked like a 2D side-scrolling platformer!
Mario, Luigi, and the blue and pink mushroom heads were seen jumping and moving forward.
But then a giant Bowser descended from the sky, breathing a blast of fire. Just as the four were about to be engulfed by flames,
It was as if time froze, and the screen went still.
Various tools appeared on the map. Then, a thick black paintbrush suddenly appeared in the game, clicking on the status button among the row of tools and selecting an invincibility star.
As Mario in the game exclaimed, "Let's go," the game resumed.
An invincibility star descended from the sky, and Mario, now glowing golden, charged forward with his three companions. The seemingly massive Bowser was directly knocked away.
But soon, Mario and his friends encountered another problem: a cliff with no path ahead.
Just like before, time paused, and various tools appeared.
The paintbrush then selected the ground option. A white glove appeared, dragging the ground icon and stretching it in the air. Where the cliff edge was, a path for moving forward was created by the white glove.
Following this path, they collected coins and stomped on monsters, and soon Mario and his friends reached the finish line, striking a victory pose with the flag.
Then, various different game scenes began to appear.
With the help of the white glove from before, many interesting-looking mechanisms were placed on different maps.
Cable cars that could turn in the air, spiky floors that could only be passed by riding Yoshi or sitting in a shoe.
Four-way transparent pipes, eating a hammer to become a craftsman and smashing bricks blocking the way, hiding bells in trees, which Mario ate to turn into Cat Mario, able to pounce and climb walls.
There were also strange bosses, and the familiar big Bowser.
Then, the screen switched from the game to reality.
Players holding controllers and paintbrushes used these tools in the game to unleash their creativity, making interesting levels and uploading them for players worldwide to enjoy.
As these players uploaded their creations, a giant Earth appeared.
Map numbers made by Zack Zack players formed into threads, connecting together, and finally forming the game's logo: "Super Mario Maker."
With the name "Super Mario Maker" appearing, players on-site, and those watching the livestream, began to discuss the game.
After all, in terms of genre, this game truly felt like a renaissance.
Platformer games, especially 2D platformer games.
Although 'Super Mario: Odyssey' had sparked a platformer craze when it launched,
That was a different situation. While 'Super Mario: Odyssey' had platforming gameplay,
its core was sandbox exploration. This new game, on the other hand, looked like a pure 2D side-scrolling platformer.
The only new and interesting aspect seemed to be the creator mode, which looked like a mod, essentially Nebula Games' creative workshop.
"Oh my god, I never expected Boss Lucas's new game to be a platformer."
"Although 2D platformers are ancient, there's a very strong sense of nostalgia. Look at the pixel art, it brings back memories!"
"Hahaha, truly. The later versions have so many pixels, it's even more pixelated than Minecraft's blocks!"
"Who are you looking down on? Play 'Minecraft' with full mods, with high-definition models and lighting, 'Minecraft' looks no worse!"
"Stop talking about graphics and such. Haven't you noticed that this game is actually quite special?"
"It seems like it's merging all the Mario versions from the Switch member library together?"
"Not only that, the key thing is that the game seems to let you create your own levels and maps!"
"Exactly, exactly. Thinking about 'Warcraft' and 'Minecraft,' I have a feeling I won't be able to get through all the maps in 'Mario Maker'."
"But it seems quite fun, a game where four people cooperate to clear levels and build friendships?"
"Haha, Boss Lucas has really changed lately! I declare 'Warrior of Love' is well-deserved."
Players on-site shared their views on the game with each other.
After all, it was utterly unexpected.
They never imagined Lucas would release a platformer.
But despite the surprise, many players were overjoyed.
Previously, 'Party Animals' and 'Human: Fall Flat' had provided a lot of entertainment, relaxation, and healing.
And now, a unique platformer Mario game, combined with this very interesting gameplay,
This was clearly another healing and fun-oriented game!
Many players felt that Lucas was truly committed to the path of a 'Warrior of Love' this time.
However, some long-time fans expressed a sense of nostalgia, saying, "My youth is ending." While this was a good thing, the thought of Boss Lucas starting to focus on healing games made these players feel a bit reluctant, for some reason.
After all, the years they were "fooled" by Boss Lucas were also part of their youth!
(End of chapter)
---
Read +100 advanced chapters on my patre*n
patr eon.com/GustinaKamiya
Free Tier can read 3 advanced chapters
---