A month ago, we had no idea (Well, maybe a little) that Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy would be playable on Nintendo Switch. Now that a big dream has been fulfilled for many Nintendo fans, how do Mario’s previous outings shape up on current generation hardware?
Super Mario 3D All-Stars Delivery
Firstly, emphasis needs to be put onto Nintendos no-nonsense delivery. A quick intro video is followed by a gallery-like menu, with game/CD box art along the bottom to select. One problem with companies re-releasing content is a convoluted menu system. The Megaman Zero legacy collection is a classic example of overdoing it.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars also comes with previously Club Nintendo exclusive OSTs for all three games baked in. Like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, these can be played in music player mode. Just pop the Switch into standby and listen whilst on the go.
Each title has had a slight clean up with inconsistent additions. For example, title screens for all games have been updated with the correct button options. In-game button hints, however, are still the vanilla inputs. Nintendo has combated this by providing a control layout for each game in the pause menu, but it’s still a bit lazy.
There’s Sunshine in the Galaxy
Sunshine and Galaxy come in a 16:9 format in handheld and docked mode. Thanks to decent upscaling and solid emulation, they look great. Super Mario 64, however, is in its native 4:3 format. It’s not a big deal but is something that could have been added quite easily. Readers only have to Google ‘Mario 64 mods’ to see unofficial endeavours fixing this.
Other technical issues remain, albeit small issues. Transparent developer guide-blocks remain in final levels in Super Mario Sunshine. This is simply neglecting to put a bit of effort into presentation. A major issue with Super Mario 3D All-Stars is refusing to bring quality of life updates to the table.
Camera angle issues in Super Mario 64 and Super Mario Sunshine still remain, which there is no excuse for in 2020. Whilst it’s not a game-breaking issue, it would have been a nice nod to fans to fix such an issue.
Don’t Get Cocky Kid
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is self-aware of ageing well, not many titles remain playable over 20 years later. The overall sound engineering is mostly untouched and again stands the test of time. Any audio layering issues (looking at you Oddworld) would have been an issue, but this isn’t the case with any of Mario’s 3D platformer outings.
It’s great to see Super Mario Sunshine in a higher resolution, for example, making its vibrant colour pallet pop. Having these games on the go at all times cements the deal. Much like the Spyro Reignited Trilogy and the Crash Bandicoot N-Sane Trilogy, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a thank you to fans.
Is Super Mario 3D All-Stars worth the hype? Yes, yes it is. The control layouts are well-placed and tight with zero input lag or uncomfortable gestures. Although it isn’t without its issues, frame rates are smooth. 3D All-Stars showcases not only groundbreaking moments in gaming history but peoples childhoods and milestones.
