Super Mario Maker 2 has allowed creative gamers to delve deeper into the Mushroom Kingdom than they have ever been able to before. Some of the creations to come out of the game have been downright incredible. The only thing that limits players is their imagination. Well, that and only being able to use elements from Mario games. That was until Nintendo revealed it will be adding Link's Master Sword to the game.
The Master Sword will be added to Super Mario Maker 2 later this week and when discovered by the game's resident plumber, he will transform into Link. Not only will the player then be able to wield and use the sword as they navigate the levels they and other players have created, but many of Link's other powers will be granted to little old Mario.
Not Merely A Sword
The sword can be used to attack and defeat foes, as part of a dash attack to slay multiple enemies at once, and also in a downward thrust when leaping from heights. Should Link wish to slay an enemy from afar or reel in an otherwise unreachable item, his bow and arrow is also part of the arsenal available to transformed Mario upon discovery of the Master Sword. Last but not least, Link's bombs are also in-game and can be used to clear an otherwise blocked path.
We don't want to disparage Mario here, but including the Master Sword in Mario Maker 2 seems to have shown up Nintendo's leading man somewhat. The dungaree-clad hero has been traversing levels such as these for decades, yet when compared to Link seems thoroughly unprepared for them. Even with the power of a Fire Flower or Super Acorn coursing through his veins, Mario can't do half the things that Link can on his own turf.
Anything Mario Can Do, Link Can Do Better
There are levels which can now be created in Mario Maker 2 that simply couldn't be completed by Mario, but will be made to look like child's play to Link. Anything with a blocked path, even if that blockage is just one block wide and a few blocks high, will leave Mario stranded. Link can simply plant a bomb and plow on through. Any level featuring an enemy too big for Mario to jump on, and that is unaffected by fire or ice will also leave Mario looking pretty silly. Link, on the other hand, has a wealth of weapons at his disposal to help him progress.
The only argument one might make in defense of Mario is the plumber's impressive leap. However, since Mario Maker Link is basically Mario in Link's clothing, the Zelda protagonist can jump just as high as Mario can, making it a clean sweep for the archer. At this point, we're hoping the Master Sword is an item that is added to all future Mario games as it seems as if it'll make them a whole lot more manageable.
The Master Sword power-up can be added at will by level creators and after reading this, Mario purists might well choose to scroll on past it once it arrives in-game on December 4, 2019. We love Mario as much as everyone else, but you have to admit, Link's arrival on Mario Maker 2 has made the iconic character look pretty useless.