Smartphone Puzzler ‘Dr. Mario World’ Out Now, Dataminers Discover Additional Characters

Dr. Mario World, the latest entry in Nintendo’s premiere puzzle series, was slated for release today, but both the Apple and Google Play stores uploaded the game yesterday. It’s free to download and play, although it does feature optional microsotransactions. Those who don’t mind spending extra coins can swiftly replenish their stamina meter (an annoying practice other mobile titles, like Pokémon Shuffle, employ) or purchase items for use in-game.

As I noticed last month, World – presumably to accommodate smartphone gaming’s limitations – is adjusting the traditional mechanics and rules that have powered the series since its 1990 inception. Dr. Mario’s trusty Megavitamins rise from the bottom of the screen and you’re only given a finite amount of them to clear a stage.

Building upon concepts seen in 2015’s Miracle Cure and unrelated puzzle games, items and special moves are available to use. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Toadette, Yoshi, Bowser, Bowser Jr. and Koopalings Wendy and Ludwig have all procured medical licenses and bear their own unique move, though only the series’ mascot is available on the onset. Other doctors and assistants are gained through a gacha-esque system.

Dr. Mario World, per Nintendo’s previous mobile endeavors, should enjoy continued post-launch support, gaining new content and features over time. One such element players can expect are the inclusion of more playable doctors; dataminers crept through the game’s files, finding models for Rosalina, Daisy, Wario, Waluigi, Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Luma, Baby Mario, Baby Luigi, Baby Peach and Baby Daisy. None of them are shocking choices – they’re all mainstays in other Mario universe spin-offs – but the notion that four babies and an anthropomorphic star managed to graduate from medical school is humorous.