Review: SUPER MARIO: 3D ALL-STARS Is Fun
To celebrate 35 years of everyone’s favorite Italian plumber from Japan, Nintendo has launched Super Mario: 3D All-Stars. This is a collection of three classic 3D platformers: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. Nintendo was kind enough to send me a copy, and I’m really excited. I didn’t grow up playing any of these titles, so it was an exciting chance to finally experience some of these titles.
So, first things first, these games are being emulated as ports. Nintendo didn’t build these versions from the ground up or anything. That being said, the games have all received some upgrades. Super Mario 64 received the most notable ones. There aren’t new models or textures, but the game doesn’t look too bad. This is a point that purists are sure to enjoy and others will be disappointed about. I’ll touch on that later though.
The games are fun. I’ve logged some time into each of the three games, and they’re quite fun. They all play like how I imagine they played on their original systems. Super Mario 64 is the roughest to play in my opinion, but I’ve learned that going back to N64 games can be a little hard to get used to again. I do actually think that having the right analog stick is considerably better than the C-buttons though. One thing I did notice with Super Mario Galaxy though is that handheld mode was a little subpar for me because you aren’t using the Joy-Con like the Wiimote and nunchuck. Instead, anything that you would use the pointer for becomes something you have to touch. Selecting what galaxy to go to? Use the touch screen. Trying to collect random Star Bits? Touch screen! Want to aim your Star Bits to shoot at enemies or other objects? Better not need both hands on the controls. It’s a little annoying if I’m honest, and one of the biggest drawbacks.
If you’re a big fan of the soundtracks for Mario games, you’re in luck as the soundtracks for the games are all included as well for you to jam out to. It’s a small thing that I don’t personally care for, but I’m sure there are some fans who love this.
Is 3D All-Stars worth the price tag of $60, though? In all honesty, I’m not sure. It depends, really. On the one hand, you’re getting three full games from Nintendo. On the other hand, it would’ve been nice if they had done a bit more of a remake for the games. I can definitely understand the complaint some fans have about this being a quick cash grab. I also don’t understand why the game is only available through March 31, 2021. Doing more of an upgrade on the games or dropping the price (even to $50) would’ve definitely helped the game out a bit more though I think.
Super Mario: 3D All-Stars is a lot of fun and can allow some fans to experience these classic games for the first time. I can understand why some aren’t happy about it, but it can be worth it for many fans. Have you enjoyed your time with 3D All-Stars?
