Genre mash-up
Man it is hard to come up with an original game idea nowadays. Everything feels like it has been done. So when I first saw the trailer for SuperMash I was hooked on the idea. Take two genres and mash them up to create a random game that can be amazing, or downright unplayable. It is something that seems so simple, but the planning and execution have to be perfect for it to work. I am happy to say that SuperMash is like nothing else I have experienced, and I want to keep mashing and mashing more games even after investing hours in for this review.
Everything about SuperMash feels like it borrows heavily from the late 80s, early 90s realm of gaming. The combinations share a lot of the same assets and ideas, but somehow feel different. The range of genres are limited with things like RPGs, Platformers, and Shoot Em Ups being just a few. Mashing two together then uses the same boot up screen and randomizer to create the game name. Then we get some exposition story and off we go.
MSRP: $19.99
Platforms: XB1 (reviewed), PS4, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $19.99
I spent five minutes in some games, while others took me much longer. It is nice as the game allows players to set limitations such as length and difficulty. There are also glitches that crop up that can completely break the game, or make it impossible to beat. The fun comes in figuring out how these affect the game.
So you might be wondering how a game like this coaxes players to keep going. There are dev cards that are unlocked that bring in new assets and mechanics as you progress. These let players control the glitches that end up in the game as well making the possibilities even more exciting. While there are only six genres out of the gate, the developer has said that more are possible with DLC. I really want a fighting game modifier so I can get randomized characters with stupid backstories. Come on, make it happen!
The story mode follows a group of game store employees who mash up games. Sure it is mostly throwaway, but it kept me going.
What makes the game work will depend on your nostalgia. If like me, you grew up playing classic games like Zelda and Metal Gear, then you will appreciate the little nods and comparisons to those games. It really does bank on its player base being of this era. My favorite part is the commitment to mash a few games can be minimal. For someone like me who has less and less time to play games, it is nice to get in and play something new for five minutes and feel accomplished as opposed to spending three hours watching cut scenes or grinding levels just to see something new.
There is a lot to love about SuperMash, and I had a blast making new games. I still pop it in even now to see what it will throw at me. I really hope the DLC delivers and it will continue to earn a spot on my hard drive. I definitely recommend this for fans of classic Nintendo and those like me who want quick and bite-sized experiences.
Review copy of game provided by publisher.
