Super Mario 64 And Portal Mastered The Tutorial And Modern Games Should Study Their Approaches

The article reflects on the author's nostalgia for Super Mario 64 and Portal, emphasizing their exceptional tutorialization techniques. Both games succeed in teaching players essential mechanics without overwhelming them. Super Mario 64, especially groundbreaking in 3D platforming, introduces controls through immersive gameplay rather than tedious instructions. Players learn fundamental abilities in a safe environment, enhancing engagement. The author highlights the effective strategies both games employed to integrate tutorials seamlessly, creating opportunities for exploration and discovery while setting the foundation for future gaming experiences.

'When the Nintendo 64 launched in 1996, the Super Mario 64 development team had the unenviable task of not only teaching players how to play their new game, but also the 3D platforming genre as a whole.'

'The main tutorial happens outside the castle, where Mario emerges from a pipe and is immediately given a rudimentary playground with no enemies or hazards. It's here that first-time players likely discover Mario's ability to triple-jump, climb trees, and even swim.'

Read at Game Informer