Beware Of Super Mario Run Clones On Google Play Store

By Precious Gem de Peralta
Super Mario Run
There are a number of Super Mario Run game app clones on Google Play Store. The newest Nintendo mobile game was recently released exclusively to iOS devices on Dec. 15. It will become available for Android users some time next year.  iPhoneDigital / Flickr

Nintendo’s Super Mario Run game app is already available for iOS users. On the other hand, Android device owners are left wondering when it will be released on Google Play Store. Unfortunately, Nintendo did not offer a specific date. So, it’s not entirely surprising that some game developers have already made Super Mario Run clones for Android.

Nintendo decided to bring Super Mario Run to mobile after the hugely successful Pokémon Go. The catch is, it is only currently available for download from Apple’s App Store. The newest game app was released exclusively to iOS devices on Dec. 15. According to Forbes, Nintendo said in a statement that the game will be released on Android devices “at some point in the future”. This means Android users will likely have to wait for months.

Meanwhile, some game developers are seizing this opportunity to make Super Mario Run clones up on Google Play Store. In fact, you will encounter game apps that are indeed similar to Nintendo’s latest game. Such apps include Super Plumber Run, Mario Run Jumper and a number of other knockoff games.

The Super Plumber Run has less than 5,000 downloads with an average user rating of 3.4. It was developed by Onduck Games and requires Android 4.0 and later versions. Ironically, the developer mentioned on the game’s description, “This isn’t a clone! It has a different premise. Also, this game is free and works offline!” This does not reflect the sentiment of those who commented.

A user named Ningyo pointed out that it is a clone that has the same style as the Super Mario Run. Ningyo added that it still needs some improvement, specifically its controls. Another user named David Wollslair said, “Fills the void like Super Mario Run but doesn’t ask for $10 after first three levels.”

According to TechCrunch, the said in-app fee has received “ton of backlash” on the App Store. It might be the reason why almost half of its ratings are actually only one-star, Apptopia discovered. It is unclear of Nintendo will decide to reduce the fee or increase the number of levels for free play.

As for the Super Mario Run clones on the Play Store, CNET reported that Google has already suspended Mario Run Jumper. A representative said that the tech company is “on the lookout for knockoffs” that are in violation of Play Store’s developer policies. Google is particularly strict with those apps that try to deceive users that it is actually Nintendo’s recent mobile game.

Super Mario Run has beaten Pokemon Go for its first day downloads on the App Store. Apptopia’s data showed that it had 2.8 million downloads. App Annie had it slightly higher at 3.5 million downloads in the US within the first 14 hours.

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