Skip to main content

This Super Mario Maker level is the work of a monster

Super Mario Maker has seen an eclectic mix of user-created stages over the past several months, ranging from wall-jumping challenges to re-imaginings of Pokémon games, but there has been one type of level that, naturally has become especially famous: the level so hard that it will make you throw your GamePad across the room. Giant Bomb’s Dan Ryckert has been specializing in these levels lately, and his “Armageddan” creation is the work of a true monster.

As of this writing, the Armaggeddan has 25 completions out of more than 34,000 attempts for a completion rate of .07%. The level was created with the goal of defeating Kotaku reporter Patrick Klepek, who had managed to complete Ryckert’s first two creations, “The Ryckoning” and “The Klepocalypse.” The final installment in the trilogy is as much of a psychological test as it is a Mario stage, forcing you to return to the same area several times, collect multiple “P” switches, and rescue a Yoshi from his spiky prison after collecting a helmet. The completed run shown above took eight minutes to complete, while the world record run was finished in just over five minutes. How anyone has the ability to not only beat this level, but do a speed run, is completely beyond my comprehension.

Recommended Videos

Super Mario Maker is separating the good from the evil. It shows humanity that there are demons walking among us, and the demons gladly reveal themselves, ready to destroy every ounce of hope we have left until the world is nothing more than 7 billion people in the fetal position. The levels I’ve made (and enjoyed) have been pretty easy, and I can only hope that the darkness never lays its hands on me.

And in case you’re wondering, Klepek could not beat the Armageddan, and Dan Ryckert released a video to celebrate his victory.

A Message For Patrick
Gabe Gurwin
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
Everything revealed in the Mario Kart World Direct: A Rewind feature and more
Mario in Mario Kart World.

Today's Mario Kart World Direct revealed much more information about the upcoming title, and it looks like a great blend of familiar fun with a whole lot of new gameplay elements. From the Free Roam feature that lets you explore the entirety of the world to a slew of new tricks that include grinding on rails, Mario Kart World looks like the refresh the series needed.

Let's start with the courses. There are numerous courses scattered throughout the map, each one thematically influenced by its surrounding geography. The Direct demoed the Mario Bros. Circuit, Crown City, the canal-focused Salty Salty Speedway, snowy Starview Peak, Boo Cinema, Toad's Factory, Peach Beach, Wario Shipyard, and more. Classic courses make a comeback, but with a few tweaks to the tracks you know and love.

Read more
Mario Kart World Direct: When and where to watch
Baby Peach rides away from a T-rex in Mario Kart World.

If you're itching for more information about Mario Kart World, we've got great news: Nintendo is holding an official Mario Kart World Direct tomorrow at 9 AM ET, 6 AM PT. The Direct will last for 15 minutes and provide more details and information on what to expect from the game.

You can watch a live stream of the Direct on YouTube, but you'll also be able to stream the Direct through the Nintendo Today app. No need to glue yourself to a computer if you're on the go.

Read more
These are the Nintendo Switch 2 sequels I really want to see
An angry Wiggler ambushes the heroes from behind in Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope.

In the torturously long wait for the Nintendo Switch 2 to arrive, I've been reflecting on its predecessor's deep game library. The Switch has one of the best game collections of any console, if not the best. That's largely thanks to a bevy of high-quality exclusives from Nintendo's biggest franchises. Naturally, I want to see new Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing games on Switch 2, but I've also been considering what smaller games could fit right at home on a console that introduces an entirely new control scheme.

As I put together a true dream list of games that could work with Switch 2's new features, I started to realize that it wasn't the big games I was most excited for. Instead, I started dreaming up sequels to some of the Switch's most niche releases. Those are the games that feel like they could take advantage of mouse controls or camera support the most. I say all that to prepare you for this list of Switch games that I'd like to see get a Switch 2 sequel, because it might confuse you at first glance. It's not that I don't want to see Super Mario Odyssey 2 or any heavy hitters of that nature; I just see a lot of opportunities for Nintendo's B-games to reach their fullest potential here.

Read more