Dr. Mario World
Dr. Mario World is a Dr. Mario game for iOS and Android, and the second Mario game for smartphones after Super Mario Run. The game was planned to be released on July 10, 2019, but ended up releasing a day earlier worldwide. This game is co-developed by Nintendo, LINE, and NHN Entertainment.
Unlike the usual Dr. Mario games, capsules "fall" into the game area upwards from the bottom (the reverse of the Dr. Mario norm) to convenience smartphone players. The goal of a stage can be either the usual "clear all the color-coded viruses using colorful capsules" or collect all the coins hidden in the game board. However, capsules come in a finite amount that varies by stage, except for challenge stages where they are infinite as usual (in exchange, they are Timed Missions). Once they (capsule/time) run out, the player is given a chance to refill it again (once per attempt) using premium currency (Diamonds), otherwise they fail. Board power-ups like shells and exploders, special items, as well as the playable Doctors and (up to two at a time) Assistants, can aid the player in the puzzles.
As the game is designed for short bursts of play like other smartphone games, this game takes cues from other Match Three Games, utilizing the Heart system, various worlds each containing loads of stages, non-virus obstacles typical of those games, and, of course, the use of Diamonds. Apart from the "additional chance" use, Diamonds are also used to quickly replenish Hearts, obtain items, among other things.
- Anti-Poopsocking: The Heart system as typical of other puzzle mobile games. The player can either wait for it to replenish... or use Diamonds.
- Bribing Your Way to Victory: The Diamonds provide many useful uses like providing power-ups and giving an additional chance should the player is about to fail.
- Color-Coded for Your Convenience: As usual for a Dr. Mario game. Board items are color-coded this way too.
- Dressed to Heal: Up to Eleven. All main characters are dressed up as doctors and hospital staff. Even resident Big Bad Bowser.
- Enemy Mine: The virus invasion got so bad that even Bowser is willing to work together with Mario and Peach.
- Excuse Plot: Viruses have gotten everywhere! Everyone is in terror! Be a good doctor and save everyone by... playing puzzle, the Dr. Mario way.
- Falling Blocks: Well, "falling" upwards this time for convenience, since this is a smartphone game.
- Match Three Game: At least a match of three similarly-colored objects is required when the capsule locks in to make it count, unlike other games' four.
- Microtransactions: Players can buy Diamonds at the in-game Shop using their real-life money.
- Play Every Day: The Daily Gifts and the Doctor's Orders daily objectives, though the latter technically refreshes every 20 hours.
- Random Drop: Unlocking additional staff involves this game's gacha system.
- Rule of Seven: At least seven successful matches must be made to make the rainbow capsule appear. Rainbow capsules can be matched with any color.
- Scoring Points: Required to get the goal stars. Certain assistants can give bonus score when equipped.
- Socialization Bonus: By linking the player's LINE account and/or Facebook account, the player can invite friends. Having friends allow the player to send or receive Hearts and even battle each other in the Versus mode.
- Timed Mission:
- Challenge stages pit the player against the timer. Capsules are infinite there like regular Dr. Mario gameplay, though.
- A winged ? block may appear on a stage. It only appears for a limited amount of time, requiring the player to beat the designated stage quickly to get the rewards it is carrying.
- Video Game Settings: The worlds are themed after specific settings like the usual Mario platformers. Here are the confirmed themes so far, in order: