You know, I am not naive to the fact that Minecraft is an extremely popular video game amongst today's youth. Nor am I surprised that its pedagogical application has warranted an education edition given its ability to spawn creativity and collaboration by offering an engaging and exciting platform for learning. My son plays it all the time on his iPad, as do his friends. I have even seen students use Minecraft to design a collaborative virtual model of our school the year we celebrated our 50th anniversary. Their busy thumbs worked so quickly and with such stealth, it was remarkable to watch. Yet, I have never felt compelled to delve into the virtual world and explore exactly what it is you do in Minecraft. I simply had no desire. Until now. Thanks to a brilliant partnership between Nintendo, Mojang and Microsoft, I actually want to play Minecraft for Wii U using the recently released Super Mario Mash-Up Pack!
In Minecraft: Wii U Edition, users can now enjoy a free update inspired by the beloved Super Mario franchise. We're talking 40 different skins including Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Wario and all seven Koopalings. You can also add Super Mario style textures and players can explore an entire Super Mario-themed world or build their own. My favourite feature? Listening to any of the 15 pieces of music from Super Mario 64.
How to Use the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack
If you have the digital version of the Minecraft: Wii U Edition, the first thing you will have to do is download the update. The retail version, which was released in-store on June 17 for $29.99, includes the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack. I received a digital copy for review and, the Minecraft newbie that I am, it took me a while to figure out how to play in Super Mario mode. Yes, I'm embarrassed but hey, we've all got to start somewhere. So... here are the steps you need to start a Super Mario-themed Minecraft game:
- On the Minecraft: Wii U Edition main menu, click on "Help & Options".
- Select "Change Skin" and find the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack.
- Choose your Super Mario character and verify that you have a green checkmark next to the character's name.
- Return to the main menu and select "Play Game."
- Click on the "Create" tab and select "Super Mario World".
- Adjust the game mode to Survival, Creative or Adventure and select the difficulty level.
- The Super Mario texture pack will be highlighted and you can opt for an online game before clicking on "Load."
Alternatively, you can create a new world instead of using the pre-designed Super Mario World in step 5. Just be sure you select the Super Mario texture pack and a random world will be created for you. You do not need to download anything from the Minecraft Store. That was my mistake. I couldn't find the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack there because you don't have to buy it. Makes sense, right? (Insert forehead slap here.)
If you've had a chance to try the Super Mario Mash-Up Pack on the Minecraft: Wii U Edition, I'd love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share in the comments below. For more information, visit the Minecraft: Wii U Edition Official Site.
- Saturday, August 06, 2016
- 5 Comments
