An all-around fantastic compilation consisting of all of Mario's NES outings that still hold up pretty well to this day.
Mario 1 - Not much different from the NES classic except for the new 16-bit coat of paint it has. Still every bit as good as the original but I really don't like the new visuals. Playing Mario 1 in any way that isn't the 8-bit original just feels wrong. It retains the same jank the original has which can get annoying at times.
Lost Levels: It definitely adds a bit more of a challenge compared to the original Mario Bros and a few extra clever puzzles that stood out to me. Specifically the one with the spinning fire right before the final boss. At first, I was annoyed by it but when it finally clicked, I can't help but think it was a really clever trick. Overall, I'd say it is a good sequel to the original.
Mario 2/Doki Doki Panic: Having 4 different playable characters that each have a unique ability was a cool thing that I wish more Mario games would have. I thought the way the levels were designed was a breath of fresh air that was much needed. Compared to the other games in the collection where you basically are just running from the start of the level to the end, there are times when you will have to find keys and backtrack a little to beat the level. Wart was also a cool villain who I wish could return at some point much like Boom Boom and the Koopalings did.
Mario 3: Part of me is biased because I grew up playing this but for me, it's the pinnacle of 2D platformers. Each world has a different aesthetic and the plethora of new power-ups are interesting and have their uses. The Koopalings and Boom-Boom are fun bosses to fight and I like that the final battle with Bowser changes things up compared to the other bosses and the previous times you have fought him. One thing flaw I can point out is that I think this game is a bit too easy in comparison to some of the other games, especially Mario 1.
If you have a SNES, an emulator, or Nintendo Switch Online then definitely play this compilation. You won't regret it.
Mario 1 - Not much different from the NES classic except for the new 16-bit coat of paint it has. Still every bit as good as the original but I really don't like the new visuals. Playing Mario 1 in any way that isn't the 8-bit original just feels wrong. It retains the same jank the original has which can get annoying at times.
Lost Levels: It definitely adds a bit more of a challenge compared to the original Mario Bros and a few extra clever puzzles that stood out to me. Specifically the one with the spinning fire right before the final boss. At first, I was annoyed by it but when it finally clicked, I can't help but think it was a really clever trick. Overall, I'd say it is a good sequel to the original.
Mario 2/Doki Doki Panic: Having 4 different playable characters that each have a unique ability was a cool thing that I wish more Mario games would have. I thought the way the levels were designed was a breath of fresh air that was much needed. Compared to the other games in the collection where you basically are just running from the start of the level to the end, there are times when you will have to find keys and backtrack a little to beat the level. Wart was also a cool villain who I wish could return at some point much like Boom Boom and the Koopalings did.
Mario 3: Part of me is biased because I grew up playing this but for me, it's the pinnacle of 2D platformers. Each world has a different aesthetic and the plethora of new power-ups are interesting and have their uses. The Koopalings and Boom-Boom are fun bosses to fight and I like that the final battle with Bowser changes things up compared to the other bosses and the previous times you have fought him. One thing flaw I can point out is that I think this game is a bit too easy in comparison to some of the other games, especially Mario 1.
If you have a SNES, an emulator, or Nintendo Switch Online then definitely play this compilation. You won't regret it.