Secret Maryo Chronicles
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| Secret Maryo Chronicles | |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | SMC team |
| Latest version | 0.99.5 |
| Release date(s) | February 28, 2007 |
| Genre(s) | Platform game |
| Mode(s) | Single player |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Linux |
Secret Maryo Chronicles is an open-source side-scrolling platformer, which borrows heavily from the Super Mario Bros series by Nintendo.
Contents |
[edit] History
The first beta (0.27) of what is now Secret Maryo Chronicles (SMC) was released in January 2003 under the name Super Mario Clone FX. This featured characters, enemies and sounds taken directly from Super Mario World, with a different engine and original levels. In version 0.4 (February 2003), an in-game level editor was added, making it possible to pause the game, edit the level, and then finish the level in its changed form. This allowed players to create new levels, and to load levels that other players have created. In version 0.95, the name was changed to Secret Maryo Chronicles, and most of the sprites were replaced with original sprites of the same characters, as well as many sounds being replaced. The removal of Nintendo assets was to avoid possible legal issues, as well as to make the game more unique, and therefore more mass market. Version 0.99.5 saw a redesign of the Maryo sprites (which previously looked like just a redrawn version of Mario) to a completely original character. This was a major step in distancing the project from Nintendo's characters. The current version is 0.99.5, and the game is still being actively developed.
[edit] Gameplay
[edit] Mechanics
SMC is very much like the Super Mario platformers in almost every respect. The main character is Maryo. The goal is to get to the end of the level, while collecting as many points as possible. He can powers up with Mushrooms, Fireplants, Stars, Ice and ghost. Maryo can also store extra power ups in a box at the top of the screen, as in Super Mario World. Maryo faces many enemies based on enemies in Super Mario World, including Gumba, Turtle and Thromp. The latest version also features a giant Turtle as a boss character.
[edit] Levels
Currently, the game features three worlds, containing eleven, two and seven levels respectively. These are loosely tied through an overworld map. There are more worlds planned. Recent versions also include some fan created levels, including recreations of actual Nintendo levels, but these can only be accessed via the level editor.
[edit] Music
In the install package, there is no level music, only sounds to keep the file size down. There is an additional download which provides the music. These are mostly licensed remixes of Super Mario World tunes. The music is often described as a highlight about this game, as it's very high quality and well produced, which is rare for a fan game.
[edit] Future
The game is still very much in development. The next major release will be version 1.0, although there will be minor releases before that. This will replace the last of the Nintendo assets in the game (some sounds and a few images), thus making it a completely original project. Also planned for future versions is multiplayer play, flying powerup (as in Super Mario Bros. 3), and some kind of pet for Maryo to ride (equivalent to Yoshi).
