Although it could have used more polish, Super Mario All Stars is a nice little tribute to an awesome video game icon.
Originally released on the Super NES system back in 1994, Super Mario All Stars was an updated compilation of four classic Super Mario games. The first Super Mario Brothers, in spite of its simplistic nature, was a groundbreaking effort that served a catalyst for video games to follow thereafter. Super Mario Brothers 2 wasn't really a Super Mario Brothers game at all---rather a tweaked Western version of a non-related Famicom platformer known as Doki Doki Panic in Japan. Super Mario Brothers 3 returned the series to its roots and introduced new elements such as a map system, a diverse world and those crazy Koopa Kids. Finally, Super Mario Brothers: Lost Levels is the first official Western release of the true SMB2 that was released in the East; an update of the original Super Mario Brothers with never-before-seen levels, the deadly Poison Mushroom and increased difficulty. All of these games have been given a nice 16-bit update with higher-quality music, sound effects and expanded graphics, and the inclusion of a save feature is a big plus for anybody having trouble with a particular stage and wanting to return to it at a later date without having to start the game all over again.
The Wii port of Super Mario All Stars is a faithful replication of the Super NES game. Perhaps a little too faithful. There are no bells and whistles, no updated menus, no widescreen support, no unlockables---nothing of the sort is included. This is basically the Super NES game on a Wii disc; nothing more, nothing less. As great as these games are, the surprisingly threadbare, lackluster presentation is somewhat disheartening---especially in light of the 25th anniversary celebrating one of the most iconic video game characters ever created. You would think Nintendo might have put some more effort into the legendary plumber's 25th birthday party, but it feels like all he's getting is a small cake with a few candles and only a handful of friends showing up. Another unfortunate omission is Super Mario World----one of the finer Super Mario games ever crafted as a launch title for the Super NES. (Ironically, both Super Mario All Stars and Super Mario World were released as one cartridge for later Super NES pack-ins) This will prove most disappointing to Mario enthusiasts expecting much more than what the package offers in hindsight, but the good news is that younger Mario fans who haven't played the original Super NES release of Super Mario All Stars will get the opportunity to experience four excellent, respectfully updated Mario games in their entirety.
And, of course, the saving graces of the deal are the inclusion of the booklet and soundtrack CD---the latter of which contains the first official release of the memorable Super Mario Brothers Ground Theme. The booklet offers a modest retrospective of nearly every major Mario game released---from the 1985 NES classic to the magnificent Super Mario Galaxy 2----with bite-sized commentary from series developers who have worked on the franchise since its birth. They're nice bonuses to be sure, and are worthy inclusions to any gamer's collection.
It could have used more polish, but Super Mario All Stars is far from a horrible effort. If anything, those who have fond memories of the Mario games and don't have a Super NES lying around will reap enjoyment out of what it offers. No matter which category you fall into----be you a longtime fan or a newcomer just starting to stomp their Goombas---Super Mario All Stars is a neat collector's item and a nice little tribute to our favorite platforming plumber. Here's to another 25 years of unflinching dominance.