Screenshots & trailers
How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 88 | 20 |
| Creator reviews (1 tracked) | – | 75 | 1 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 87 | 717 |
| Backloggd ratings | – | 80 | 750 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 2h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (97)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 75
“I expected Super Mario Maker 2 to be an outstanding sequel but instead, it’s simply good. It takes steps forward and back in near equal measure, having significant post-launch shortcomings that go beyond mere nitpicking. Namely, the inferior online implementation at present, especially the, at times, borderline-unplayable online multiplayer. I certainly don’t expect perfect, but I also don’t expect a selling point this flawed from the Big N. It forfeits the right to a higher score, but I’m absolutely confident the game will continue to improve with updates. Meanwhile, it still offers a ton of creative potential and courses to play, representing good value for the cost.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Whatever barriers to the player’s imagination existed in the first iteration of this game, Nintendo has torn many of them down.”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Put in as simple a manner as possible, this is likely to be the last 2D Mario game you’ll need. It’s Super Mario Maker but with more of everything that made the original so phenomenal. Enemies, themes, game styles, gizmos, powerups, the Story Mode having an actual story, multiplayer, the list of additional gubbins is truly massive when you take a step back. There are a few small niggles here and there, but they're overwhelmingly dwarfed by the sheer joy and unbridled freedom that exceeds the original in spades. Realistically this game poses the question as to whether this is the future for 2D Mario as a whole. For any fan of Mario who owns a Switch, heck, for any Switch owner full stop, buying this game is an absolute necessity.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The most powerful Super Mario level designer tool is back. Whether you want to create or test out the creations of others, there is no doubt you will have a blast with Super Mario Maker 2. Unless Cappy brainwashed you and... Oh who am I kidding, this is a great game, and a must buy for any lover of the classic Super Mario platformer adventures.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“A comprehensive mission-driven campaign, boundless tools and tiles and additional themes serve up a tonne of potential for creators. Super Mario Maker 2 offers a canvas to create a truly authentic Super Mario Bros. experience.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Super Mario Maker 2 is a must have game for every Nintendo Switch owner. We are talking about a project that offers what seems like endless possibilities. All the additions are welcome and very fun to use and experiment with. It also tries it best to teach the player to design good levels and to think about the game in a creative way.”
read full review ↗ - 85
“Super Mario Maker 2's newfound strength is hidden within the details, and that is what I really like about it. In its wake, it lost some of its Mario Paint roots, but Story Mode brings enough fun to overcome that sadness. Players and creators, rejoice.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Super Mario Maker 2 is an outstanding game that is marred by some odd choices familiar with Nintendo games. Their online features still feel like a relic of the past, and with something that relies so much on creation and sharing it sticks out like a sore thumb here. Still, getting past that and knowing updates are on the horizon makes me comfortable in recommending this title. It is a pure blast creating and sharing levels with friends, and of course letting my son’s creativity run wild in creating new levels. The single player content is a welcome addition to an already impressive package. Super Mario Maker 2 is a fine addition to the Switch library, now can we please get that Zelda Maker stat?”
read full review ↗ - 100
“Overall, this is a truly astounding accomplishment by Nintendo. The suite of tools is easy to learn and use, there are a ton of elements and features to employ, and with the ability to play what is practically an endless stream of new stages, this is a triumph of Nintendo’s creative spirit. A must for Switch owners, don’t sleep on this one!”
read full review ↗ - 85
“All in all, Super Mario Maker 2 is about as solid of a sequel as you could ask for. It's fun and easy to play, offers a staggering amount of content, feels like it adds enough new fresh features that it isn't just a DLC/re-release with a fancy name, and it's generally everything the game should be. If you enjoy Mario-style gameplay, then you owe it to yourself to give SMM2 a shot. The Nintendo-provided levels are a delight to play, and there are so many varieties of user-created levels out there that you'll never run out of options.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Super Mario Maker 2 is just brilliant. It takes the best elements of previous games of the series and merges them, adding a huge series of new elements and games modes. The course editor is deeper than ever and there are a new single player story mode, new competitive and cooperative modes both local and online. This is just dope and you cannot stop playing this game.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Whether exploring the full potential of a single element or throwing things at the wall to see what sticks, I've got the itch to join the creator's club. Mario Maker 2 makes the learning process intuitive and enjoyable. Most importantly, it's enabled designers amateur and professional alike to share their creativity with the world. The community is off to a great start, and thankfully, the fun has only just begun.”
read full review ↗
Pure Nintendo
Slant Magazine
Nintendo Life
PLAY Zine
Cubed3
LevelUp
NintendoWorldReport
ZTGD
Nintendojo
Worth Playing
Eurogamer
GameSpot…and 85 more tracked reviews.