This game is a special collection. It includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. They are Mario’s earliest games in 3D. Nintendo let the news slip a bit before the big reveal in 2020. There were talks that Nintendo would really go all out for Mario’s 35th birthday. They were going to remaster Mario’s older games and bring them to the Nintendo Switch. Finally, on September 3rd, 2020, Nintendo made it official during their Mario 35th anniversary direct. They announced Super Mario 3D All-Stars there.
Key Takeaways
- Nintendo remastered three classic 3D Mario platformers for the Nintendo Switch to celebrate Mario’s 35th anniversary.
- The Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy.
- Rumors of this compilation had been circulating for a while before Nintendo’s official announcement.
- The collection promises to bring enhanced visuals and quality-of-life improvements to these beloved 3D platformers.
- Fans have eagerly anticipated the release of this retro game compilation on the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario 3D All Stars: The Highly Anticipated Collection
Mario’s 35th Anniversary Celebration
Nintendo marked the 35th birthday of Super Mario with something special. They decided to remaster some classic 3D platformers. These games were put together in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection for the Nintendo Switch.
A Long-Awaited Compilation of 3D Platformers
Fans were really looking forward to this collection. Inside are three legendary 3D games: Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. With careful remastering done, players can now enjoy these old favorites on the Nintendo Switch.
Super Mario 64: The Pioneering 3D Adventure
Super Mario 64 is a landmark game. It dropped players into Mario’s first 3D world. This game set the stage for 3D Mario games that followed in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection.
Exploring the Mushroom Kingdom in a New Dimension
Super Mario 64 transformed the series. Now, players could venture into the 3D Mushroom Kingdom. They could roam, find secrets, and delight in Mario’s new 3D adventures.
Enhancements and Quirks in the Switch Port
In Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Super Mario 64 got a facelift. It goes from old 320×240 graphics to sparkling 1280×720. Yet, some might notice audio hiccups, like delayed sounds.
Super Mario Sunshine: The Divisive Island Odyssey
The Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection features Super Mario Sunshine. This game is set on a tropical island. The version for the Nintendo Switch now runs in 1080p with widescreen support. This lets players dive into the game’s colorful and detailed visuals.
Revisiting Mario’s Tropical Adventure
Super Mario Sunshine fans can now enjoy the game on the Nintendo Switch. They can join Mario on his tropical adventure. The game’s water-based gameplay and unique island settings set it apart from classic 3D Platformers. It offers a new and exciting experience.
Higher Resolution and Widescreen Support
In the Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Super Mario Sunshine has been upgraded. It now runs in 1080p with widescreen. This makes the game’s colors and scenery look even more amazing. Players on the Nintendo Switch get to enjoy a visually striking game.
Super Mario Galaxy: A Celestial Masterpiece
The third in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars lineup, Super Mario Galaxy shines as a top 3D platformer in Mario’s world. Back in 2007, it amazed gamers on the Wii, taking us on a celestial journey. The game showed us what a 3D Mario game could be, and it has now landed on the Switch with extra bells and whistles.
Pushing the Limits of the Wii
Super Mario Galaxy amazed players when it hit the Wii with its cutting-edge gameplay. It featured huge, gravity-altering levels and creative planet designs. The game has now been updated for the Switch, keeping its magic alive.
Upscaled Videos and Improved UI
The Switch version of Super Mario Galaxy shows better video quality in its cutscenes and cinematics. They have been fine-tuned for a clearer and more beautiful look. Also, the interface is now smoother on the Switch screen, making gameplay even more enjoyable.
Color Banding and Resolution Scaling
However, the Super Mario 3D All-Stars update did face a few tech hurdles. Some scenes have shown color issues, and the resolution might change to keep the game running smoothly.
The Emulation Approach: Pros and Cons
Nintendo chose emulation over full remakes for the Super Mario 3D All Stars titles. By doing this, the games got to the Nintendo Switch faster.
The European Research and Development team at Nintendo made this collection. It has some upgrades, like better resolution and easier menus, but doesn’t change the core of the original games too much.
Developed by Nintendo’s European R&D
Nintendo’s European Research and Development team decided on emulation. They did so to make the games part of the Nintendo Switch easily. This approach also let them add a few improvements for today’s players.
Subtle Enhancements Over Full Remakes
In the Super Mario 3D All Stars collection, you’ll see small upgrades. These include better screen quality and changes in the menu. Instead of big remakes, Nintendo kept the games’ original feel. They still threw in a few updates for the Nintendo Switch crowd.
Missing Elements and Disappointments
The Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection brings together amazing 3D Mario games. But, some fans aren’t fully satisfied. They miss Super Mario Galaxy 2, a much-loved title not in the set. Also, games don’t always play smoothly at 60 frames per second. This and frame pacing issues in some games have left some fans wanting more.
No Super Mario Galaxy 2
Super Mario Galaxy 2 isn’t in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. Many were hoping it would be included. This game, a sequel to the celebrated Super Mario Galaxy, is considered among the best 3D platformers. Its absence is keenly felt by those looking for a complete Mario experience.
Lack of 60FPS Support
One letdown is the lack of 60FPS support in all three games. Even though the games look better, they don’t play at 60 frames per second. This has disappointed fans who were expecting top-notch performance.
Frame Pacing Issues
Many users have also noted frame pacing issues in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection. These problems can make game movements seem uneven. As a result, the overall gaming experience isn’t as smooth as it could be for some players.
Limited-Time Offer and the “Disney Vault” Strategy
Super Mario 3D All-Stars has stirred up talk with its limited-time availability. Nintendo says both the physical and digital versions will be delisted from stores and the eShop after March 31st, 2021. This move is fashioned after the “Disney Vault.” It seems Nintendo hopes to use the hype and the fear of missing out (FOMO) to its advantage.
Just like Disney, Nintendo is limiting the digital availability of Super Mario 3D All-Stars. It’s part of a plan to pull back popular movies and sell them at a higher price later. This method of creating a sense of rarity boosts interest and pushes people to buy before the product goes off the market.
But not everyone is thrilled with Nintendo’s approach for Super Mario 3D All-Stars. Fans have different views. Some see the hurry and thrill in this, while others worry about how easy it will be to get these beloved 3D Mario games in the future. So, Nintendo’s choice to use this marketing strategy is causing some to really think hard about it.
Super Mario 3D All Stars: A Celebration of Mario’s Legacy
Despite some issues, Super Mario 3D All-Stars shines. The collection features three 3D Mario classics that are considered top-notch. They show why the Mario franchise is so loved.
Quality of the Games Saves the Collection
The games in Super Mario 3D All-Stars – Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy are timeless. These masterpieces grip players with their fun gameplay and mesmerizing worlds.
Falling Short of the “All-Stars” Legacy
But, Super Mario 3D All-Stars doesn’t match the older Super Mario All-Stars. That compilation remade 2D Mario classics. While incredible in quality and celebrating Mario, it strays from the ‘All-Stars’ idea because of how it’s done.
Conclusion
The Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection brings joy and disappointment to fans. It has three great games, Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy. But, some problems like emulation and others keep it from being perfect.
Many fans are upset because Nintendo made this collection limited. They see it as a way to make more money and create fear of missing out. Yet, the greatness of the Mario games shines through, making the Super Mario 3D All-Stars still valuable.
This collection is a good nod to Mario’s 3D history, but it doesn’t meet the high bar set by earlier ones. The games in it are top-notch, but issues with how they’re played and some technical problems hold it back. It’s not the grand Mario 3D adventure celebration fans were dreaming of. But still, it’s a good way to remember the journey Mario has taken us on throughout the years.
FAQ
What is Super Mario 3D All-Stars?
What is the significance of the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection?
What enhancements have been made to the games in the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection?
What are the issues or disappointments with the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection?
How does the Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection compare to the previous “Super Mario All-Stars” compilations?
