*DISCLAIMER: As per usual, this is one of those moments where I remind everyone that this review will focus specifically on "Super Mario 3D All-Stars" as a collection. Individual quality will only tangentially be taken into account here. For my proper reviews of these games, check my profile*
Pros:
- Three games I'd personally consider 10/10 titles.
- Having such amazing games on one cartridge is pretty convenient.
- All three still hold up tremendously well.
- The up-scaling helps make three games that still look great look...well, greater.
- Switch controls work well for all three games (especially on the Pro Controller).
- Nice that they did add the ability to use Nintendo 64 and GameCube controllers for "Super Mario 64" and "Super Mario Sunshine," respectively, if that's your preferred way of playing.
- Joy-Con controls for "Super Mario Galaxy" helps emulate the Wii controls nicely.
- Adding the soundtrack from each game was a nice bonus, since all three games have incredible music.
Cons:
- There definitely could've been a few more supplemental features (especially if "Super Mario Galaxy 2" isn't allowed to be here).
- It was kinda stupid that Nintendo did the whole "limited release" thing.
Consensus: It's been long enough that I don't have to drag it out; Nintendo could've done more with the "Super Mario 3D All-Stars" collection. Some more special features could've been nice, having 60 FPS across all games would've been cool (don't worry, they still perform extremely well)...hell, why was it a timed release? Some of Nintendo's choices were confounding. But here's where I look on the positive side: "Super Mario 3D All-Stars" allows players to revisit three titles that I consider to be some of the best ever, all in one convenient package on the Nintendo Switch. For me, that's just too amazing of a value. I totally get the complaint, but I'm more than happy to have grabbed this and I'm happy to have the ability to play these fantastic games on my Switch. If you happen upon a copy of this collection, definitely grab it...as long as it's not too expensive from scalpers (dammit, Nintendo).
Final rating: 9 out of 10 "Awesome"