NES | Super Mario All-Stars
Super Mario All-Stars is a compilation game for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) released in 1993. Developed and published by Nintendo, it brought together enhanced versions of four classic Mario games that were originally released on earlier Nintendo platforms like the NES and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The game was later re-released for the Wii Virtual Console and the Nintendo Switch Online service.
The included games in Super Mario All-Stars are:
Super Mario Bros. (1985): This is the iconic platformer that started it all. Players control Mario as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Peach from the villainous Bowser. The game features eight worlds with multiple levels in each, and players must navigate through various obstacles and enemies to reach the final castle.
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (1986): Known as "Super Mario Bros. 2" in Japan, this game was originally released only in Japan. It is a more challenging version of the first Super Mario Bros. with harder levels, hidden blocks, and increased difficulty.
Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988): This is the western version of the Japanese game "Doki Doki Panic," which was adapted into a Mario game for international audiences. Unlike the traditional platforming of the original Super Mario Bros., this game introduced unique gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to select different characters, each with their own special abilities.
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990): Considered one of the best platformers of all time, this game takes Mario on an adventure across eight themed worlds, each with its own set of levels, power-ups, and enemies. It introduced the world map feature and the Super Leaf power-up, allowing Mario to transform into Raccoon Mario and fly.
Super Mario All-Stars features updated 16-bit graphics and sound compared to the original 8-bit versions, thanks to the improved capabilities of the SNES. This graphical upgrade provided a more polished and colorful experience while retaining the core gameplay mechanics that made these games beloved classics.
The compilation also included a save system, allowing players to save their progress in each game, which was not present in the original NES versions. This feature was especially beneficial for the longer and more challenging games like Super Mario Bros. 3.
Super Mario All-Stars received critical acclaim upon its release for its combination of nostalgia and enhanced gameplay. It remains a popular choice among Mario fans and a significant milestone in the Super Mario franchise's history.