'Super Mario Run' release date, news: Game available to download on December 15

A promotional image for "Super Mario Run." Facebook/Nintendo

Apple iOS users are going to have something fun to play next month. Nintendo has announced that the side-scrolling, auto-runner game "Super Mario Run" will be available for download starting Dec. 15.

"The wait is almost over for a 'Super Mario' game that can be played on mobile devices. Developed under the direction of Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, 'Super Mario Run' brings a new take on the series' beloved action-platforming gameplay to iPhone and iPad for the first time," Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of sales and marketing said in a statement.

Apple devices running iOS 8.0 or later should be able to access the game without a hitch. "Super Mario Run" is free to download, and it will feature three different modes. However, players will have to pay $9.99 to access the full game. Nintendo also announced that the game will be available in 151 countries. It will also support a number of languages including English, Japanese, German, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Russian, and traditional Chinese.

Here's a look at the actual gameplay footage.

Is this game going to be a sure-fire hit? A poll conducted by IGN has shown that more than half of the people who voted would not shell out a few dollars for "Super Mario Run." Of course, chances are the people who refuse to pay for the game can still try out the game.

Meanwhile, Jim Lynch of CIO.com thinks the gameplay is a little disappointing. He pointed out that this isn't going to be like the typical "Mario" game since Mario can only move to the right, and he doesn't stop moving in that direction. The author also thinks that playing the game with one hand leaves a lot to be desired.

"The most popular phones these days are much bigger than in years past, and I wonder how many people use them with just one hand," he stated.

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