Dream Games: New Super Luigi Switch
As we come into a new age for Nintendo, we always end up with something new that really shines. The Super Nintendo showed us color and multidimensional scaling. The Nintendo 64 moved us into the third dimension. GameCube added smoother graphics and beautiful music. The Wii had the waggle controls, and the second screen of the Wii U was always used for great advantages in Nintendo-created games. Quite often, their flagship Mario has been the game to show off the new mechanics. While we've seen a whopping ten seconds of the new Mario game for the Switch, I'm really curious as to what we'll see that will truly define what Switch will mean. We see a Nintendo heading back to their roots, so there may not be a gimmick to play with, but they still will want people to remember the Switch.
The Switch has been on my mind, both day and night apparently. One morning recently I awoke with a bit of a vision of what I'd like to see, and thought it'd be fun to flesh it out. Perhaps this will lead to a series of "Dream" games, where me, fellow members of The Gamer's Lounge, or even community members who want to can share their own visions of what they'd like to see for an upcoming console or series.
I envision Nintendo using the Mario franchise to "switch" up what you expect in their title. Instead of Mario Switch, we mix it up and get Super Luigi Switch. In this title, Bowser realizes that capturing Peach isn't working. He's not getting anywhere in his world domination plot, because Mario always takes him down. So he heads over to Sarasaland, the kingdom where Daisy rules. He figures Luigi isn't gonna come after his girlfriend, he's too timid to try to save her. This translates to an easy win in his mind. Luigi may be afraid, but he's determined, and begins the traditional Mario game, running left to right to reach Daisy and save the day.
But, we have another chance for a switch-up here. Daisy isn't timid herself, and she finds an escape. The escape switches from running right to running left, starting in World 8. Bowser knows she's gone, so her levels can be a creative combination of stealth, hiding from him/searchlights/his minions, and escape, as he's chasing you across the world. At any time, you could switch between the two. You could play the whole game as Luigi, and have a traditional Mario experience, run from Bowser all the way back to 1-1, or meet in the middle. After finishing any level, you'd have the option to Switch between the two.
If you look back at Mario levels, you know there are particular jumps that are easier going one direction than the other. Putting a higher platform to the left would make a Luigi jump easy and a Daisy jump hard. Levels could be made easier for Luigi in the early worlds, but harder for Daisy coming from the other direction, and vice versa. Different enemy patterns would exist depending on which character was coming through. Each character would also have a certain set of switches only they could push, that could build blocks, bridges, or new paths for the other, so there would be reasons to alternate for the benefit of the other.
With Bowser chasing Daisy, the final battle could be crafted in a style where Bowser is in the background of the level, attacking forward, and every single level could exist as a "final battleground" depending on where Daisy and Luigi meet up. Within the battle, attempts to injure Bowser would require switch-ups, bouncing back and forth between the characters, in real-time this time, to alternate hits or push particular switches that would injure Bowser.
While we're at it, let's just switch out the expected Mario power ups for the Sarasaland (and 6 Golden Coins) era power ups. Bring back the Super Ball from Super Mario Land 1, and the bunny ear flight powers of Super Mario Land 2. Throw in a couple levels with the vehicles from those games as well. Have an airplane level, an underwater submarine shootout, and have an outer space and micro level that we really haven't seen since those black-and-white Mario days. And if you want to go absolutely nuts, let's just switch out Bowser completely and bring back Wart from Mario 2, or dare I say even the villainous alien Tatanga who stole Daisy in the first place!
Whether the Switch ends up as the Next Amazing Console or flops, one thing I know is it will be fun. Even Nintendo's worst consoles have killer apps that my gaming experience would be incomplete without. Without a doubt, I will be getting and enjoying the Switch. And while I know my "dream game" won't fit perfectly with Nintendo's vision, I will undoubtedly play and enjoy the next game in the Mario franchise.
What do you think? Would this be fun? Got any criticisms? Or things to add to the dream? Are there any games you've ever come up with and would like to share? Drop your ideas in the comments below. Maybe we'll ask you to flesh it out and add another article to the series!