In a game defined by its endless pool of player-created levels, it sounds like a bit of an oxymoron to say that there's a secret level for you to play in it. While the fly-swatting game Gnat Attack is technically more a mini-game than a level, the way it's been concealed in the game is ingenious enough that it warrants mentioning. To unlock it, you have a couple of options; the long route is to go into the level maker, then put your controller down and wait for around 15 minutes until your screen goes dark and a trio of flies begins flying around the screen. Swat the flies with your stylus, and the game will begin. Alternatively, you can grab an item, such as a '?' block or a Muncher in the level maker, then shake it around vigorously until the trio of flies appears. Again, swat them to start the mini-game. Gnat Attack will be instantly recognised by people who played Mario Paint, where the mini-game made its first appearance. If you complete Gnat Attack, then you unlock the Builder Mario outfit for Costume Mario. As of the 1.20 update, you can also play a tougher version of Gnat Attack by shaking a Muncher until the wasp-like boss Watinga spawns. Swat him to enter the special version of Gnat Attack.
Gamer, Researcher of strange things.
I'm a writer-editor hybrid whose writings on video games, technology and movies can be found across the internet. I've even ventured into the realm of current affairs on occasion but, unable to face reality, have retreated into expatiating on things on screens instead.
