“That’s a difficult balancing question for us. I think that those who are experienced Mario players might feel that there are a lot of 1-ups or power-ups or items that help them out. Others, who are maybe not as experienced, would really need that number to be able to progress through the game. The question becomes, ‘Who do we balance the game for? Who do we make this for?’ One of our goals is to increase the number of people who play a Mario title through to the end. With that being one of our goals, we have an increased number of these items. That being said, for players who need more of a challenge or who are looking for some variation, we have included other modes that will allow for them to get that sort of gaming fix. I think we have created something that has a wide range of features that a very wide range of players will be able to enjoy.” – Nintendo’s Takashi Tezuka

 

I can understand Mr. Tezuka point about finding an happy medium, but that doesn’t mean I fully like it. All of us who played Mario back in the day remember when a 1up was like receiving a gift from the gods. Now, just another thing to collect. Double digit lives was an achievement  now I am pushing triple digests in some recent Mario games.  What do you think?

Link