‘Super Mario Run’ is now available on iOS

On your marks, get set, go! Super Mario Run is now available on iOS.

It’s a bit confusing to download, or at least it was for me. The normal download/buy icon wasn’t showing and instead it had the same ‘notify’ button that’s been there for weeks. After clicking it though, the game downloaded and I was met with three free levels — if you want all 24, you’ll need to fork over $10.

The simplistic runner is all Mario. This Mario, however, seems to have been using his break to work out as opposed to eating jelly donuts on the couch. Now in middle age, Mario has more endurance than ever and no longer requires you to force this pleasantly plump Italian to move. This Mario has initiative. He’s also learned a new trick or two. Chaining jumps together, a long press for longer/higher jumps, and the ability to scale walls show Mario has indeed been making the most of his mid-life crisis.

Once downloaded you’ll get access to levels 1-1 to 1-3. For 1-4 (the first castle) and beyond, you’ll need to drop 10 bones, or live with the knowledge that Peach is gone and your penny-pinching ass isn’t doing anything about it.

Super Mario Run has three game modes, which add some excitement to the 24 levels, which you’ll breeze through in no time. World Tour is the first, which features 24 levels in six worlds; Toad Rally is sort of a speed run that allows you to race your friends for time through specific levels; and Mushroom Kingdom is sort of ‘Super Mario Maker’ lite. In it, you’ll get the option to create and customize your own courses.

Don’t forget though, Super Mario Run requires a persistent internet connection. If you drop the internet, you’ll get slapped in the face with a pop-up that tells you to reconnect.

You can grab the game now at the App Store.