Super Mario Maker 2 similar games & best alternatives

Why it matches

• Both leave room to create Robust level editor with extensive customization and logic systems enables high creative expression and unique player content.
• Both invite you to experiment Encourages trying new mechanics, building complex contraptions, and exploring creative possibilities in level design.
• Both let you chart your own course Players have full control over their actions, decisions, and level creation with a powerful editor and freedom to play or create at their own pace.

Why it matches

• Both leave room to create The Wonder Flower mechanic radically transforms levels in unique ways; badges and new power-ups add customization and fresh gameplay.
• Both invite you to experiment Encourages trying new badges, exploring alternate routes, and experiencing diverse Wonder Flower effects that alter gameplay.
• Both stay away from violence Combat is cartoonish and non-violent in nature; emphasis on constructive gameplay and playful interactions.

Why it matches

• Both leave room to create Features creative level design elements like warp boxes, throwable crates, and vehicle levels, encouraging experimentation within levels.
• Both stay away from violence Minimal cartoonish combat focused on jumping on enemies rather than destructive violence.
• Both let you chart your own course Players have freedom to choose characters, power-ups, and paths through interactive clear pipes, enabling control over gameplay style.
• Same kind of look Screenshots of both games share a very close visual identity (palette, framing, level of detail).

Why it matches

• Both leave room to create Strong emphasis on creativity through a robust level editor, custom characters, resource packs, and community-shared custom levels.
• Both let you express yourself Customization of characters, resource packs, and level design allows for player self-expression.
• Both invite you to experiment Players can experiment with physics settings, damage styles, and level design, exploring new ways to play and create.

Why it matches

• Both leave room to create Robust level editor with scripting enables extensive creative expression and custom content creation.
• Both let you express yourself Customization of avatars and level aesthetics allows for personal expression.
• Both invite you to experiment Players explore new mechanics, test level designs, and experiment with scripting and gameplay elements.

Why it matches

• Both are about exploring Strong emphasis on discovering secret exits, star coins, and alternate routes across multiple worlds.
• Both are built to keep you coming back Players often engage in replaying levels to find all secrets and star coins, showing habitual play and attachment.
• Both lean into fantasy Set in a whimsical, imaginative world with fantastical elements like giant mushrooms and magical power-ups.

Why it matches

• Both let you express yourself Strong emphasis on personal expression through level design and customization.
• Both leave room to create Core motivation is creating and customizing levels with a wide variety of tools and themes.
• Both invite you to experiment Encourages trying new level designs, mechanics, and creative ideas extensively.

Why it matches

• Both leave room to create Strong emphasis on creative freedom with a powerful level and creature editor enabling extensive customization.
• Both let you express yourself Customization of avatars, pets, and levels allows personal expression within the game.
• Both invite you to experiment Encourages trying new level designs, mechanics, and creative uses of electronics and game elements.

Why it matches

• Both stay away from violence Non-violent cartoon-style gameplay focused on platforming and cooperative interaction rather than combat or destruction.
• Both let you chart your own course Players have freedom to choose characters, power-ups, and play styles; multiplayer allows both cooperation and competition with emergent player-driven interactions.
• Both lean into fantasy Strongly rooted in imaginative, fictional Mushroom Kingdom with fantastical characters, power-ups, and scenarios.