Super Mario Run is now available for free on the App Store

Of the unlockable characters in Super Mario Run, the easiest to access is Toad; all you have to do is link the game to your Nintendo online account, and Toad is automatically unlocked.

Once you get the first batch complete and the second batch opens up, I’d recommend repeating Steps 3 and 4, above. That led to an unprecedented level of engagement, with App Annie estimating its users spent as much time playing the game as the next 19 titles combined. You are 100 percent on rails in Super Mario Run.

Super Mario Run is Nintendo’s first major entrance into the mobile market, and it’s poised to be big.

However, the way the game plays is very different to any previous Mario title from Nintendo.

The game also includes a new battle mode which can be played against gamers across the world and will arrive later this year. It’s like “ghost racing” as seen in Gran Turismo, but rather than the quickest time players play for the best “performance” to win over Toads (those adorable rascals from the Mushroom Kingdom).

Now, some of the buildings you can make do unlock new playable characters for the game, including Luigi and Yoshi. Of course, the Niantic game grossed $192 million dollars in its opening month but the game is losing players rapidly. Super Mario Run looks simple enough, but it’s deceptively challenging.

If you’ve played Rayman Adventures on mobile you’ll know what to expect, but this takes that specific game to another level. On stage at Apple’s fall event, Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto promised the game would make its way to iPhone and iPad devices mid-December. Here, you’ll find ways to collect points. Directions on how to play, setting up bonuses, running a race – even building a house in a miniature kingdom. Look for the button labeled Purchase Screen. This is like giving someone a cookie, then charging for the milk. But these replenish over time and Nintendo makes good on its promise that there is no encouragement to buy more with real money. It will be up to consumers if such a short game is worth the $9.99 price tag. There are one or two more meaningful additions here, though. Its NES Classic Edition – a smaller version of the original Nintendo console with 40 built-in games – is one of the most sought-after gifts of the US holiday shopping season. “I think it’s completely fair to assume, to have high hopes for this game of Super Mario Run of a billion downloads”. Users with a tendency towards addiction may want to stay away.

Less easy to appreciate is the need to be online to play any part of the game, which feels nearly like a punishment for those that pay – we’ll have to wait and see how effectively it prevents piracy.

“They’re leaving a lot of money on the table by not picking the freemium option”, said Tero Kuittinen, a gaming expert and chief strategist with investment firm Kuuhubb.

I’m somewhat tempted to give it to my almost-4-year-old son, but also anxious I will never see my iPhone again.