This is something I'm going to keep an eye on because it's an interesting
case of living from creative work with free software. For example, will the
game be available for free as well?
I really like the way you thought about the gameplay/story.
I suggest that you could go even further than cloning Mario with a twist
(like many other classic platform games).
For example, why pipes? Mario was a plumber, so that's one of the rare things
that made sense (there's also all that Alice in Wonderland stuff with the
shrooms, mixed with reptiles, and... Oh, btw, if it's not too late, don't
watch the movie).
Why not some kind of igloo entry design instead?
Why not a sliding-on-the-belly level?
Why not a GNU partner with a winter coat?
Or some levels without snow, where Tux would have to refresh itself regularly
to survive (some kind of timed level maybe)? Sure, a penguin jumping around
breaking ice blocks isn't realistic anyway. But it make the gamplay more
related to the character.
Why not make the evil bosses look vaguely (without risking legal problems)
some iconic proprietary software, like Amazon's smile, (jail) windows,
Google's tentacle monster, Apple's "Nazi" style world (with bananas instead),
etc.
Just some random stuff that comes to mind.
I mildly like the "no lost life" idea: it reflects an idea of hard and steady
work without "losing your life" (like "it sucks, but keep going, it's not the
end of the world"). But at the same time, It somehow means you can't lose.
It's like playing with unlimited coins, it's fun for some games, but not for
all, and only for a while. Also lives are easier to visualize.
But it's still a good idea that deserves attention.
Regarding the graphics, the best free software example to me was a
multiplayer game with bunnies. Can't remember the name, but the artwork and
animation was top notch.
I don't know if ReTux will be in pixel art or with svg (or however handmade
drawings are made), but pixel art is easier to make it look good IMO.
Also, I don't know if you're aware of Mario's inception (graphically). I know
that to make early Mario easier to spot while jumping around, they gave him
white "Mickey Mouse" gloves. There's an article about that on the web
somewhere.
Just a few thoughts, cool initiative :)
