A great collection of classic games and sounds, but it still feels dated and slapped together.
Super Mario Bros.: 6/10
Ah, the classic game that started it all. If by some chance you haven't played it by now, this would be an ideal collection to purchase. Unfortunately, the updated 16-bit graphics have an odd color palette that isn't very easy on the eyes. Personally, I think that the original 8-bit graphics looked better. Everything is so obviously tile based that it feels like it's made out of Legos. The music is unpleasant; it sounds grossly artificial without the classic 8-bit beeps and boops. The physics feel a bit off. My biggest problem is the level order. While the level design is top-notch, you can only play them in order without going back. The lack of an overworld or the ability to replay previous levels is a major inconvenience, especially during the brutal World 8, where 1-Ups are rare and you have to repeatedly go over the same levels over and over again. Game Overs send you back to the beginning of the world, so expect to play World 8-1 A LOT. The lack of anything new to this game since the SNES version is disappointing. It has old graphics but without the nostalgic feel of the 8-bit pixels. I really wish they would have rendered this game with 32-bit graphics or even 3-D, like in New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels: 3/10
This game has all the problems of Super Mario Bros. without the ingenious level design. All the same mediocre graphics and physics and lackluster additions make this game dissapointing. The worst part, though, is its absolutely frustrating devious difficulty. The game seems to WANT to make you rip your hair out. Reverse Warp Zones, insanely high winds, single block jumps, pirahna plants on every pipe, POISON MUSHROOMS?! No thank you, sir! Good luck getting past World 1! Unless you are a BEAST at platformers, this will probably be the game you will spend the least amount of time playing, Augh, it's just plain FRUSTRATING!
Super Mario Bros. 2: 9/10
What do you get when you take beautiful Mario graphics along with the gameplay of an absolutely bizarre Japanese game? Super Mario Bros. 2, of course! While this is unlike any other Mario title, it is nonetheless an awesome game. Stomping does nothing here: instead, you pick up items and enemies and chuck them at each other! Music and graphics are top-notch, and the levels are briliantly designed. This game is an absolute blast!
Super Mario Bros. 3: 10/10
This game is HUGE! Funky graphics, an awesome overworld, and sweet levels make this one of the best Mario platformers. A seemingly endless amount of levels are all tied together in a huge and maze-like overworld that is an absolute joy to explore. Huge airships, rolling green hills, sprawling deserts, and charasmatic enemies make this arguably the most fun game in the package. They don't get any more classic than this.
CD: 7/10
A decent collection, but it still lacks several classics such as the Super Mario Bros. Underworld Theme!
Booklet: 8/10
This is perhaps one of my favorite items in the collection. It contains a detailed history of the Mario series. If you're a fan of the plump plumber like I am, you will find this book to be an absolute treat. The interviews are too short and the Japanese art needs to be translated! However, it was still a joy to read and look at, and I'm glad they included it.
Overall: 8/10
A pretty sweet collection. Many of the games aged surprisingly well, but some did not. I really wish they would have added something new to the actual disc, not just ported an exact duplicate of the SNES version to Wii. Nonetheless, it is still loads of fun. If you missed out on any of these games or are a fan of Mario, this is a must-buy. If you're one of those FPS or WoW fans who find Mario "uncool," you should still consider this title. As for those who already own these games or the SNES version of Super Mario All-Stars, pass. I recommend this game to any Mario fans who have yet to experience his classic games.