When it comes to hidden gems, this video game has to be one. Super Mario Maker is an amazing tribute to Nintendo’s Mario paint, which was released in 1992 on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES).

As the name implies, Super Mario maker allows you to create, share and play the levels of your dreams. After owning the title since the release date, the game is amazing. The game allows you to create your own levels with over 60 Course elements to choose from. At first glance, it may seem that there is not 60 course elements, which brings “shaking” into play. When you try shaking an element, it could change into something different. For example, if you shake a koopa, and it turns into a red koopa, it would make flying koopas. This makes the level designer easy to pick up for players of any age. You can make really simplistic levels, or the hardest levels ever, and believe me, there are some super hard levels out there. And with 4 game themes to choose from and different gameplay mechanics, it allows for some strategic and intuitive level design.

The “Course World” is probably where you’ll probably be spending your time. You can upload your levels for other people to play. Depending on the player’s opinion, they can star your level, which allows you to get medals, which, in turn, allows for more uploading levels. This streamlined effect allows for good levels, instead of terrible levels clogging up the servers. Yet the medals coming every 50 stars is somewhat frustrating for 10 more level uploads. When you’re searching for levels, you may run into a snag, due to your friends’ levels not being present. However, the categories that Nintendo presented are a good way to view upcoming and hot levels. In addition, with the new web portal, allowing for more search options–coming next month–will be a good addition to the game.  Additionally, you can play the 100 Mario Challenge which puts you to work beating out a certain difficulty of levels on 100 lives. It may seem like a lot, but the lives will run down quick. This is challenging, and depending on the difficulty, it provides some replay value.

All amiibo will work in this game as amiibo (toys to life figures) costumes. This dresses Mario up in a fun costume, depending on the character, and changes the sound effects and animations. This adds a new layer to the game, and can allow for some strategic level designs and themes. The new 30th anniversary Mario amiibo will change him into a giant Mario, and give the game that retro and somewhat odd look. This amiibo is more common than at launch, and you probably can find the classic one in stores. The amiibo’s other color scheme, the modern look, was exclusive to the console bundle.

Overall, Super Mario Maker is one of those hidden gems you won’t want to pass up. With all of the amazing gameplay mechanics, and the creative elements, it’s a must buy. If you have a Wii U, you should pick this up. It will bring the creativity, and the frustration, out of you.