It may be lacking in new content, but as far as old content goes this game is king.
Yes, the graphics are the same as they were 15 years ago right down to the creepy unaltered title screen, and yes these games are already on VC, but even then this cla$$ic collection deserves a second look. It does have it's obvious defaults, but no gamer can deny that this collection contains some of the most greatest and challenging Nintendo games in history, PLUS a Soundtrack CD and history book containing developer memo's from the game's mastermind Miyamoto, and that's well worth the price.
Super Mario Bros. - This is the game that saved gaming. From stomping Goombas, to kicking turtle shells at Goombas, to eating a super shroom then stomping on a Goomba, to going through a pipe, to reaching the top of the flag pool, to reaching the secret warp pipes, to cursing at Lakitu's and Hammer bro's, to climbing a secret vine (and doing the Mario), to shooting fireballs at squids in an under water stage, to running from jumping Cheep Cheep's the next level, and to finally reaching Bowser only to find out he's a fake because the you rescued Toad say's: "Thank you, Mario. But our princess is in another castle!" - it's gaming magic. Even if you played it hundreds of times before this game never gets old. A stage editor might've been cool but hey, it's a port, so don't complain.
Super Mario Bros. 2 - AKA, the black sheep of the Mario series, the All-Stars version of SMB2 is a remake of a game that just took the Doki Doki Panic NES game and replaced it's original cast with Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Peach. So we end up with a game that doesn't play like any Mario game released at the time or of this era for that matter. The remake is well done however, and the new scenery and background textures compliment the cartoony sty1e of the game. A score meter is the biggest new feature in the remake, which means if you string enough combos and get a big enough score you'll win an extra life. With bizarre creatures and odd locales, SMB2 is a very different approach to the Mario series, but is still a fine plat former, even the second time around.
The Lost Levels - The REAL sequel to SMB, the Lost Levels was Japan-only for a long while, until the release of this collection on the SNES. Calling this game hard is silly nonsense - call it impossible. Unlike other Mario games which offer new features to help you through your adventure this games has new features that work against you. Poison mushrooms, life or death jumping hazards, and reverse warp pipes will all give even a hardcore gamer a rough time. Be fore warned: if you think SMB is tough, don't even think of beating this game the first twenty times - let alone pass the first world.
Super Mario Bros. 3 - The top pinnacle in already great package of games, SMB3 could stand alone and still be worth the money. First timer's can plainly see why this game is considered one of the best games ever made. Not only is the level design, soundtrack, and new power-ups perfect (can you say Tanooki without grinning? I think not) but the game offers a challenge for any gamer in any skill level. Like the other games in the collection, the colors have been sharpened to match the SNES's production values, making this game the over-all best in the collection. Now grab that feather and start flying!
As I mentioned before the collection includes a soundtrack CD featuring 10 tunes from SMB to Galaxy and 10 sound affects for those video editing junkies. Finally, we can listen to Mario themes where ever we go on out portable media devices (ipods, iphones, PSP's…do I have to explain it?)! The soundtrack is great, though I wish that they would've added the Battleship Fortress theme from SMB3. Despite that, over-all; the anniversary compilation of four games, the interesting history booklet, and the awesome though Battleship Fortress lacking soundtrack rounds out an awesome collection. Note that this it's a direct port, so you can't expect anything new, but what we can expect is well worth the $30.