Super Mario 3D All-Stars Reviews
Whether your new or a veteran fan, you’ll have a blast with the Super Mario 3D All-Stars’ timeless classics
There are some obvious omissions, including special features typical of anthologies like this and, most glaringly, Super Mario Galaxy 2, but the greatness of the included games shines through.
It’s crystal clear: Super Mario 3D All-Stars includes three groundbreaking experiences which effortlessly explain the level of quality, polish and originality we’ve come to expect from the series. As such, it’s undeniably a great addition to the library of Switch owners, especially if they’ve never played these games before. However, these games are great in this collection simply because they always have been. The improvements made to them are not as meaningful as we hoped them to be, which associated to a scarcity of bonus content and a series of questionable decisions leaves us with a sour feeling of wasted potential.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
Thanks to Super Mario Galaxy, Super Mario 3D All-Stars is an essential purchase for Nintendo Switch. Even if you can’t get to grips with the ageing Super Mario 64’s controls, and if you never bother to so much as load up Super Mario Sunshine, Galaxy holds its value and is still worth paying full-price for to this day. Of course, it’s a bonus if you have nostalgia for one or both of the other two games, and their modern enhancements will help those glasses of yours feel just a little less rose-tinted.
A fantastic bundle with the best versions of these three games. A blast for old fans and a must play to new ones.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
If the collection had gone beyond being a simple port and upping of resolution this could have been an utterly amazing experience, but unfortunately the lack of improvements to the game makes it a lacklustre collection.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars shows the young generation what the evolution of Nintendo's mascot has looked like. Starting with an edgy 3D representation with camera problems, up to a wonderfully designed plumber, who is looking for his princess in space. Even nostalgics will enjoy the collection. You may return to your childhood and experience Mario again. You only have to give deductions in the implementation of the games. That in Super Mario 64, no 16:9 aspect ratio was inserted, is a sad fact. Also the price of 60 Euro was chosen very high for a remaster which was not really remastered. All in all, you will have fun with Super Mario 3D All-Stars, no matter if you accompany Mario on one of his 3D adventures for the first time or if you have already experienced them several times.
Review in German | Read full review
There is absolutely no denying that Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a brilliant collection of games that is essential for anyone’s Nintendo Switch library; I just wish that Nintendo did a little bit more to make it that extra bit special. It’s certainly an iconic selection of titles for both newcomers and veterans to to enjoy on their Nintendo Switch though and it really is wonderful to have such an accessible and satisfying way to dive into some timeless classics. This might not necessarily be the best ‘remastered’ release that you’ll see, but there’s no doubting the brilliance of the masterfully-designed platforming adventures included in the package.
Super Mario Galaxy has aged like a fine wine, but one that is occasionally inconvenienced by controls that can feel odd for those who played the Nintendo Wii/Wii U version and that make it harder than necessary to get some of the stars. In fact, the HD makeover given to all three titles is definitely a good reason for playing them. Surely, one or more of the games will bring back fond memories for some and create new ones for anyone lucky enough to experience them for the first time. It’s just slightly disappointing that the games won’t feel the same as their originals and the lack of any proper extra content makes for a no frills collection.
Even Super Mario Galaxy alone is a big reason to buy this pack.
Review in Turkish | Read full review
GOOD - Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a (lazy) collection of some of Mario’s best 3D ventures and some of the best video games ever made. Is it an obvious cash grab? Yes. Will you buy it? Probably.
It is difficult to find a reason why someone who has a Switch does not purchase Super Mario 3D All-Stars. There is a certain lack of polish in the visual presentation of the collection, and it doesn't make much sense for Mario 64 not to run at 60 fps in 1080p widescreen in 2020. However, as much as this collection could be better, it currently offers the best way to play these three absolute classics of video game history.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
The new Mario Collection is the perfect opportunity for anyone who fancies a bit of nostalgia. Only one last drawback remains: The release is strictly limited both physically and digitally, so you shouldn't take too long to make a decision.
Review in German | Read full review
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a limited time release in both physical and digital formats. We can only guess at the reason but whatever misgivings you have about the nature of the collection – or its position as Nintendo’s big fall release – it’s still an essential purchase. The three included games look better than ever and provide hours and hours of exquisitely designed, eye-bleedingly inventive gameplay.
If you’ve never played any of these Mario games, go ahead and take the plunge, but if you’re somebody looking for more, consider voting with your wallet and make Nintendo realize devoted fans deserve more than this. There are other compilation packs of great games with more effort put in for much less than $60.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a collection of three of the most genre-defining releases in 3D platformer history. It brings these games together and makes them easily accessible to give gamers a chance to experience these titles for the first time or the hundredth. I’m left wishing that there was more included with the releases such as additional options or extras, but it’s undeniable that this is a must-play for Switch owners.
So rather than looking at what this collection could have been, it’s easier and simpler to see what’s here and decide if that’s enough for you. If one of these games is an all-time favorite, that even these marginal adjustments make them the best and most convenient versions could make a sale for you. There’s nothing here to “fix” them if you didn’t like them the first time.
This is Nintendo’s love letter to Mario fans around the world and despite minor issues I have with each title’s translation to the hybrid handheld-home console, it will be one I will treasure forever.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a flawed port but includes an exceptional collection of games. It offers a good stopgap between the next 3D Mario and should be a delight for fans of the Italian plumber.