Dr. Mario World
| Dr. Mario World | |
|---|---|
| Developer | Nintendo, LINE, NHN Entertainment |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| System | ioS, Android |
| Release Date | July 9, 2019 |
| Rating | ESRB: E |
Dr. Mario World is a puzzle game that was released in 2019 as a mobile spin-off of the Dr. Mario games. It follows a free-to-play model, wherein the game is available for free, but real world money can still be used to unlock different characters, items and other features within the game.
Story
The Mushroom Kingdom has been overrun by Viruses. They have infected not only the citizens of the kingdom, but Bowser's minions as well. Dr. Mario sets off to try to stop the viruses, but he is not alone this time. United by a common cause, Peach and Bowser also step up to help in the battle against the viruses.
Gameplay
This game utilizes a revamped version of the original gameplay style of Dr. Mario. Capsules now float from the bottom of the screen and can be guided through the touch screen. There are also a limited number of capsules that can be used per stage. The player can also choose when to send capsules out, and there are only some stages that have the viruses scrolling downwards. New obstacles and items are also present on the field, such as blocks that can also be destroyed by the capsules.
Some stages require the player to collect all the coins from blocks rather than destroy all of the viruses. There are also bombs and koopa shells which can destroy viruses around them if set off by capsules of the same color. Players will also sometimes gain a rainbow capsule, which can be used to match any color of capsule or virus. Throughout a stage, a player's special meter will also fill up, at which point the player can use their special ability.
In addition to Dr. Mario himself, this game features other playable characters. Each character has a different special ability that they can deploy. There are also assistant characters, who add different bonuses for the player. The player can have two assistants unlocked at the same time. The player also has hearts, and one heart is used during each match. Once one's hearts are exhausted, the player has to wait to play again or purchase more hearts. Real-world currency can be used to buy diamonds, which can be used for the in-game purchases. Alternately, coins accrued during gameplay can be put towards those purchases. Purchases include hearts, special gameplay items and new doctors/assistants.
There are two modes to the game. Stage Mode is the main mode, in which the player progresses through stages set within different areas. There is also Versus Mode, where two players can have competitive matches.