Originally announced in January, Nintendo has finally laid out the details and release for its latest foray into mobile gaming: Dr. Mario World. Nintendo is still relatively new to games on mobile devices. The company has released the now defunct Miitomo, Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, and Dragalia Lost. In the near future, Nintendo will launch the anticipated Mario Kart Tour.
The original Dr. Mario is a highly liked puzzle game similar to Tetris. Instead of falling blocks however, the player controls capsules. The goal is to match the capsules to the same colored viruses. Dr. Mario has since been ported numerous times. There was also a sequel on the Nintendo 64 titled Dr. Mario 64. In 2013, as part of the Year of Luigi, Nintendo released Dr. Luigi. The most recent game in the series, Dr. Mario: Miracle Cure, was released on the 3DS in 2015. Of course, Mario in his doctor persona has also been featured in some of the Super Smash Bros. installments. Now, Dr. Mario will be making the jump to mobile.
In a press release, Nintendo outlined the gameplay, features, and more for Dr. Mario World. Similar to previous installments, you control capsules, and align them with the same colored viruses. Interestingly, this time around players have access to a limited number of capsules per level. So, if you can't destroy the viruses with the number you're given, it's game over. Mario isn't the only doctor in the house. The press release states he will be joined by Dr. Peach, Dr. Toad, and more. For multiplayer, Dr. Mario World features real-time battling. You can challenge a friend anywhere in the world. The game features over 200 levels across five worlds to begin with. Nintendo says more worlds, stages, and doctors will be regularly added over time.
The trailer highlights a number of notable aspects. Instead of the usual downward approach, this time players will be sending the capsules upward. Also, there are stage items that can affect gameplay, such as shells and bombs. The doctors each have a special skill, which can be a big help in beating a level. The game will be free-to-start, but there are in-app purchases. The trailer explains that in order to play a level, you need stamina hearts. These do run out, and once they do, you have to wait a certain amount of time before they replenish. If you purchase diamonds, you can replenish your stamina instantly. Diamonds can also be used for continues, and acquiring items. Dr. Mario World is now available for pre-register on iOS and Android and launches July 10.
Nintendo has seen mixed success when it comes to mobile gaming. The company is still learning how to implement its franchises in mobile settings, and it shows with the reception they've had. Dr. Mario's gameplay does lend itself well to quick bursts of gaming, though. As it stands, Dr. Mario World could be Nintendo's most popular mobile title when it launches in July.