Mario Paint

All these sort of ideas have been done a hundred times, and nobody cares anymore. It is a very sad thing indeed. However at the time when this was released it was of course a brand new idea, a revelation to the home console. Paint was one of if not the most infamous program created by Microsoft on the home computer. Everyone had it, it wasn't exciting, and it wasn't particularly appealing. It was too simple for anything more complex other than changing the odd pixel of colour. So what did Nintendo do? You know exactly what they did, they made Paint sexy again, but how was this possible? Well basically it wasn't they didn't really make it sexy, in fact due to the age group the 'game' was clearly aimed at, using the word sexy to describe it, really wouldn't have done at all. No in fact, all Nintendo did, was take the big step of moving a software application to a games console. Now the chances are that you will have Microsoft Paint on your computer. So you know what to expect, you're probably thinking of an identical clone, just with a Nintendo license, and a picture of Mario on the box. Well you close, but there is at least a little more to it then that.

So what is it that makes the game stand out? Well for one it isn't just an image editor, there are also functions for animation and even music making! So in fact the title is actually a little misleading.

 

Now before we start discussing the various features in more detail, there is something you should (if you're not already) be aware of. As you can imagine using a SNES controller for this kind of 'game' if it can even be called that, just would not work. So specifically for this game, Nintendo released an official SNES mouse. In fact, you couldn't buy the game without it, not just because the game wouldn't work, but Nintendo put it in the box for you, a special 'big' box, which includes a manual for the game and one for how to work the mouse (as if you didn't know), as well as these there is a small cleaning device, to make sure you don't clog up your mouse with dirt. Now the mouse has just two buttons, there's no scroll well, it isn't optical, it's just the basics that you need, (you'll probably only use the left button too). It plugs in the normal socket that your controller would do. Nintendo being the generous devils that they are also chuck in a free mouse mat in the box; it has a little 'Nintendo' logo and everything. However being made of plastic, it just doesn't give the best response, so you'll probably find yourself using an old mat from your computer, (now a days anyway) so as not to ruin any valuable memorabilia.

 

Now to help ease the transition of peripherals, Nintendo include a few options to help get you up to speed with your mouse. (Or it may have been for the dumb-ass 3 year olds that they were included), anyway they come in the form of a game and an introductory screen. Yes you heard, once you turn the game on, a title screen appears with Mario running around and a large-lettered MARIO PAINT. Clicking on the various letters will have different 'amusing' effects. Once your bored of that though, click on Mario to get to the main editing screen. This is where it all happens; a menu at the bottom of the screen allows you to access the various options. One of which is the following fly swatting game, all very Nintendo this one. The cursor changes from the default gloved hand, to a fly swat. Flies, mosquitoes and other bugs fly around the screen, and you need to whack them as soon as possible. Some of them just hang around the screen, some shoot at you, others attack in swarms, and some are the bosses at the end of each stage. These can handle a lot of hits, and gradually turn red as you kill them. Their attacks either leave small open spaces for you to avoid them, or send out seeking bugs, which you have to dodge. The idea of the game is to increase your hand eye co-ordination when using the mouse, to increase your artistic ability in the main 'game'.

Okay let's move onto the painting. Located at the top of the screen are the different colours you can use, as well as a surplus of Nintendo icons, like Mario and Yoshi for use in your picture. At the bottom you have the usual things, like the three brush sizes, the fill tool, spray painting and the icon tool, which pops one individual icon on the screen as opposed to drawing a line of them with the brush tool. It all looks very 'cute' and very Nintendo; the icons are ripped straight out of other SNES games, mainly Super Mario World. So nothing looks out of place, and it's all nice and easy on the old eye socket. Also due to the lack of extreme precision on the part of the mouse, there is a set of default shaped and lines etc included to make life easier. For the younger or lazier artists among you, there is a colouring book option that includes three pre-drawn pictures, which can be edited or just coloured in using the fill tool. Of course this is just the beginning, we haven't got to music composition or animation yet, we'll start with the latter. Basically you draw up to nine pieces of artwork, which are then used as individual frames, in you animation. It is actually quite difficult to get each image in the right place, so the animation may look a bit jerky when you play it, but with a bit of practise it does get easier, and it's possible to make slightly more complex animations with practise.

 

If you didn't know before hand, the biggest surprise in the game is the inclusion of a Music composing tool. The basic idea is simple; you are presented with a musical score, on which you place the various icons from the painting mode. You can place up to three icons on the same level, depending where you put them will effect how high or low the note is. It really is quite amusing to use, each icon has a unique sound, ranging from the hilarious animal sounds to the rather bizarre groaning type noise of the human face icon. Anyway if you can't seem to find the Mozart inside of you, there are three example tunes included, one of which is a lovely little remix of a classic Mario tune, with some added sound effects and the like. The music options make an even nicer addition once you've become bored of the three pieces of background music you can choose from when drawing normally. Another lovely little extra, is the option to play your own music composition while watching you own animation on the 'big' TV screen. Without the thrill of finishing a race or defeating a boss, this is the thing to do, to get the sense of accomplishment that is so needed in a game. So overall it's a very odd little title that is packed with inspiration, and unique features. This is not the kind of game you will play constantly for hours on end, it's the kind of game, and you'll find yourself coming back to every now and then to whip up a new composition or a lovely new animation.