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.

  • ‘Wang Mingdao’s Diary’ reproduction highlights complexities of contemporary Chinese Christianity

    On December 9, the China Graduate School of Theology (中国神学研究院) hosted a public lecture titled “A Courageous Witness in the Times—Launch of Wang Mingdao (王明道)’s Diary.” The lecture, themed “Faith Patterns in Beijing’s Christian Churches Through the Lens of Wang Mingdao’s Diary,” featured Dr. Ni Buxiao (倪步晓), Associate Director and Assistant Professor at the Christian Faith and Chinese Culture Research Center of Alliance Bible Seminary (建道神学院), as the keynote speaker.

  • Floating library ‘Doulos Hope’ arrives in Taiwan; spreading love and hope from a former cruise ship

    Doulos Hope, the international floating book fair ship, has returned to Taiwan and is now docked at Kaohsiung Port, open to the public from December 18, 2024, to January 12, 2025. Originally built in 1991 and renovated in 2022, the ship features over 2,000 books on various topics, including faith, science, and art. It is operated by a diverse crew of 140 volunteers from 25 countries, offering services such as education, healthcare, and community outreach. The ship's mission is to spread hope and

  • Chinese Online School of Theology publishes annual ministry report: Expanding Chinese theological education through new strategies

    In the 2023-2024 academic year, New York-based Chinese Online School of Theology (COST) has seen significant development in expanding its ministry in theological education and mission outreach. They have promoted a series of new events and projects to explore different strategies that expand theological education for Chinese ministers. The following are some highlights from the 2023-2024 annual report:

  • Dr. Fenggang Yang: How foreign forces transformed traditional Chinese legal systems

    In a recent lecture to Chinese Christians, scholar Dr. Fenggang Yang (杨凤岗) gave an in-depth analysis of the historical evolution and contemporary significance of the modern legal system in Chinese society. He explored the tensions and integrations between traditional law and modern rule of law, highlighting the distinctive characteristics of China’s traditional legal system and emphasizing the role of foreign influences in introducing modern legal practices into Chinese society.

Top Stories