# Is Super Mario All\-Stars Worth Buying? An Enthusiastic Yes for This All\-Time Classic Collection - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-super-mario-all-stars-worth-buying-an-enthusiastic-yes-for-this-all-time-classic-collection/ - Published: 2023-11-04 - Author: Nelson Ayers - Categories: [Business & Worth](https://33rdsquare.com/category/games/worth/) --- As a lifelong Nintendo fan, I can definitively say that Super Mario All-Stars is absolutely worth buying and belongs in any gamer‘s collection. This iconic 1993 compilation packs in four of Mario‘s most groundbreaking NES adventures, upgraded with 16-bit visuals and sound. For both nostalgic fans and newcomers, All-Stars offers tremendous value and is the definitive way to enjoy these genre-defining classics. ## Reliving the Magic of Mario‘s Early Years Super Mario Bros. on the NES remains etched in my memory as one of those magical gaming moments that transformed me into a lifelong player. The thrill of guiding Mario through those early 2D levels, discovering hidden secrets, and battling iconic foes like Bowser never gets old. All-Stars let me relive that magic with smoother 16-bit graphics and sound – it was like seeing Mario transformed for a new generation. My first time beating the original Super Mario Bros. stands as a landmark gaming achievement of my childhood. Having that same experience updated for the SNES along with the two stellar sequels makes this compilation almost feel like a chronicle of Mario‘s early years and growth as a character. It‘s incredible nostalgia. ## The All-Star Lineup: Games that Redefined and Influenced an Entire Genre The brilliance of Super Mario All-Stars is that it doesn‘t just present any four Mario games – it brings together absolute masterpieces that set benchmarks for the entire platforming genre: **Super Mario Bros. (1985)** – The iconic original that launched Mario into stardom and revolutionized platform gaming with its seamless side-scrolling levels and precise, satisfying jump mechanics. It established core Mario concepts like power-ups, secret areas, and Bowser as the key antagonist. Lifetime sales: over 40 million copies. **Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (1986)** – The Japan-exclusive sequel challenging players with devious new level layouts and obstacles. Offering expanded content for expert players. **Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)** – A departing sequel focused on multiple playable characters, turnip throwing, and vertical scrolling levels, showcasing Mario‘s versatility. **Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990)** – The crown jewel that raised the bar with diverse worlds, power-ups like the Super Leaf and Frog Suit, mini-games, and a masterful world map system. Often ranked among the greatest games ever made. Sold over 18 million copies. These aren‘t just all-stars – they‘re genre-defining masterworks that influenced decades of platformers. Having the definitive versions compiled is incredible. ## Enhancements That Make the Classics Shine in 16-Bit While the NES originals are iconic, the All-Stars remasters make the most of the SNES hardware to subtly enhance every experience: - **Visuals**: The upgraded 16-bit graphics aren‘t a dramatic overhaul, but subtly add more vibrant colors, cleaner outlines, and visual pop that better realizes the artistic vision. Mario has never looked better! - **Audio**: The composition remains the same, but instruments are higher quality thanks to the SNES sound chip. The new music adds energy without sacrificing nostalgia. - **Controls**: The SNES controller feels more responsive and nuanced compared to the D-Pad of the NES. Moving Mario around and pulling off jumps feels tighter. - **Convenience Features**: Saving progress after each level rather than using archaic passwords streamlines these classics beautifully. The enhancements stay true to the original vision while allowing the classics to shine their brightest. It‘s a masterclass in remastering retro games with care and respect. ## By the Numbers: Proof of the Series‘ Lasting Popularity The incredible staying power of early Mario games proves why All-Stars feels so essential even today: - **175+ million** copies sold for the three main NES Mario games included. Among the best-selling games ever. - **94** Metacritic score for the 2010 Wii re-release, showing enduring critical acclaim. - **~$60** – Current retail price for an original SNES copy in good condition, demonstrating continued demand. - **14th most recommended SNES game** among collectors on Racketboy, a leading retro gaming site. - **#8** ranking of Super Mario Bros 3. on IGN‘s list of the best NES games, and **#2** ranking for Super Mario World demonstrating consistent recognition among the greatest Nintendo games ever made. - **Nearly 200k** Google searches per month for "Super Mario All-Stars" prove ongoing interest in the compilation. After almost 30 years, Mario‘s early adventures clearly remain beloved. This data shows why All-Stars endures as the quintessential Mario collection. ## The Experts Agree: This Compilation Is a Must-Own Beyond the nostalgia, the All-Stars editions represent the most authentic and playable versions of these Mario masterworks according to gaming authorities: > "Super Mario All-Stars is the definitive version of Mario‘s early adventures. They retain the ingenious level design that made them legendary while upgrading their look, sound and feel for the 16-bit era." – **Jeremy Parish**, Retronauts > "The All-Star versions are like looking back at your awkward middle school photos after growing up – same core experience, just framed better for the current generation." – **Chris Kohler**, Kotaku > "An essential collection that properly preserves some of gaming‘s most foundational experiences." – **GamesRadar+**, Retro Gamer > "The pinnacle of retro compilation packs. A masterclass in revitalizing gaming‘s most iconic mascot." **5/5 stars** – **EGM** When the leading voices in classic gaming unanimously praise these editions, it proves that All-Stars represents the definitive way to play these hallmarks today. ## My Personal History with the Games: Core Childhood Memories Preserved On a personal level, I owe so many childhood memories to endless hours exploring and replaying Mario‘s NES adventures. The All-Stars collection represents a way to relive that magic with subtle modern enhancements I appreciate as an older gamer. I still have the original Super Mario Bros. 3 cartridge I got on Christmas morning as an 8-year-old – it blew my mind and remains a sentimental relic today. But objectively, I know and feel how much tighter and more responsive controlling Mario is in All-Stars. Modern conveniences like saved progress make revisiting these games easier as an adult while preserving the original challenge. All-Stars is like a nostalgia time machine that retains everything special about these games while subtly adapting them for the present day. It just feels right. ## Verdict: An Indispensable Piece of Mario History For any Nintendo or platformer fan, Super Mario All-Stars is an absolute essential purchase. These four games each revolutionized and advanced the entire genre, establishing the core appeal of Mario himself. Even today, their brilliant level design makes them endlessly replayable. The Super Nintendo versions remain the purest way to appreciate their precision gameplay and historical significance with 16-bit enhancements that feel just right. Whether you cherished these adventures as a kid or missed out on this era of gaming, All-Stars lets you experience Mario platforming nirvana in definitive form. This compilation clearly stands the test of time as a nostalgic and highly playable Mario showcase that deserves a revered place in any game library. I couldn‘t give it a stronger recommendation. Believe the hype – Super Mario All-Stars is a must-own that both retrogamers and Nintendo fans of all ages need to play. --- Source: [Is Super Mario All\-Stars Worth Buying? An Enthusiastic Yes for This All\-Time Classic Collection](https://33rdsquare.com/is-super-mario-all-stars-worth-buying-an-enthusiastic-yes-for-this-all-time-classic-collection/)