Super Mario All-Stars

🎮 Super Nintendo ⏳ 8 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)

Definitive Mario Collection #

This game bundle is a stellar compilation that brings together four classic NES Mario titles, Super Mario Bros 1, 2, 3, and The Lost Levels, with enhanced 16-bit graphics, updated music, and a save feature, which helped a lot on the more challenging Mario titles. The visual upgrade adds polish without losing the charm of the originals, and the inclusion of The Lost Levels (previously unreleased outside Japan) offers a fresh challenge. It’s both a nostalgic tribute and an excellent entry point for new players. Overall, it’s a definitive Mario package that stands as one of the best remakes/collections of its time.

SMB3 Standout Experience #

Since this title has a lot of games inside it, I got to admit that I focused on the best ones, and these are the ones that I have the most to say, which is basically the third title haha not gonna lie it is way better than the other ones, at least in my opinion. So I mostly play this one in order to play SMB 3 on the SNES, because I never had the chance to do so on the NES, but I highly recommend checking the other titles out, since you can’t go wrong with old 2D Mario, is just that this one offers a way better experience because of the modernized features such as being able to save your progress.

Refined SNES Presentation #

One thing that really stands out after spending time with the collection is how well the SNES presentation enhances the gameplay. The updated visuals make environments clearer and enemies more readable, which subtly improves precision without altering level design. The remixed OST is also a highlight, they stay faithful to the original melodies while giving them more depth, making long play sessions more enjoyable. These improvements feel respectful rather than excessive, striking a great balance between modernization and preservation.

Modernized Save System #

Another aspect worth mentioning is how the save system completely changes the pacing and accessibility of these games. Being able to save progress removes a lot of the frustration that came with the original NES releases, especially in tougher sections and longer worlds. This makes experimentation more inviting and encourages you to push further more often than not. Because of that, this Mario entry doesn’t just preserve these classics, it arguably presents them in their most user-friendly form, making it easy to see why this collection remains so highly regarded even decades later.