Note: This is a review of the collection itself and does not reflect my score of the games in them. I might eventually review each game individually in the future.
Prior to when this compilation was officially revealed, it was something that was the topic of numerous rumors and speculation. Despite owning all 3 games, I was really hoping for it to be real since I never completed any of these games at the time and the idea of playing the past 3d Mario games on a portable device was one that I found fascinating. However, I didn't just want these three, I was hoping they'd add Galaxy 2 and maybe 3d Land & 64 DS too if Nintendo were feeling generous. Unfortunately, my wish did not come to fruition.
One good thing I can say is that the games that are in this compilation remain virtually untouched. Each game feels and plays exactly like they did when I played them on their original consoles. I also like how they allow you to use your pro controller for Mario Galaxy. I still had to waggle around my pro controller a little bit, but it successfully managed to carry over the motion controls from the original version nicely. For those who have not played the originals or own the consoles they were on, these are good versions to play. I would recommend this collection to those people if it is still sold at a reasonable price as in terms of quality these games range from good to fantastic.
In terms of extras, the only extras added are the music player mode that plays tracks from the three games. It's a neat feature, but this collection definitely would have benefitted from having a few more extras. Several collections usually have an artwork/memorabilia gallery, challenges, or behind-the-scenes videos like what Rare Replay had with the Rare Revealed videos. Even some of Nintendo's past compilations have had more content and care put into them. Kirby's Dream Collection had most of these including even a few episodes of the anime.
While I'm happy this collection exists, I'm disappointed in how low effort it is. The lack of Galaxy 2 and extra features in this compilation really make this feel like a half-assed attempt at celebrating Mario's 35th anniversary. Mario is the most iconic & influential video game character in the world, our plumber deserves more than a lazy, incomplete collection for his 35th birthday.
Prior to when this compilation was officially revealed, it was something that was the topic of numerous rumors and speculation. Despite owning all 3 games, I was really hoping for it to be real since I never completed any of these games at the time and the idea of playing the past 3d Mario games on a portable device was one that I found fascinating. However, I didn't just want these three, I was hoping they'd add Galaxy 2 and maybe 3d Land & 64 DS too if Nintendo were feeling generous. Unfortunately, my wish did not come to fruition.
One good thing I can say is that the games that are in this compilation remain virtually untouched. Each game feels and plays exactly like they did when I played them on their original consoles. I also like how they allow you to use your pro controller for Mario Galaxy. I still had to waggle around my pro controller a little bit, but it successfully managed to carry over the motion controls from the original version nicely. For those who have not played the originals or own the consoles they were on, these are good versions to play. I would recommend this collection to those people if it is still sold at a reasonable price as in terms of quality these games range from good to fantastic.
In terms of extras, the only extras added are the music player mode that plays tracks from the three games. It's a neat feature, but this collection definitely would have benefitted from having a few more extras. Several collections usually have an artwork/memorabilia gallery, challenges, or behind-the-scenes videos like what Rare Replay had with the Rare Revealed videos. Even some of Nintendo's past compilations have had more content and care put into them. Kirby's Dream Collection had most of these including even a few episodes of the anime.
While I'm happy this collection exists, I'm disappointed in how low effort it is. The lack of Galaxy 2 and extra features in this compilation really make this feel like a half-assed attempt at celebrating Mario's 35th anniversary. Mario is the most iconic & influential video game character in the world, our plumber deserves more than a lazy, incomplete collection for his 35th birthday.
6 Comments
@Maurith I agree. I'd love to see them with a new coat of paint, especially Super Mario 64 since it would look amazing in HD and it could use another remaster/remake.
You were generous with the grade, in my opinion. If we're evaluating only the collection, it would be a 1 for several reasons: hardly any work done on the games, the product was released for no apparent reason, and it's priced at full price.
Now, if we're looking at the games themselves, it's a perfect score. Of course, disregarding the time-related issues.
Now, if we're looking at the games themselves, it's a perfect score. Of course, disregarding the time-related issues.
I agree with you on this bud. I wish they added a few other games like Galaxy 2 and 3D land, it would make the collection much more worth the price of paying for it. £114 is just too much. Though that being said, I just got it lol but solely because...I havent actually played the originals before and im really looking forward to playing these 3 as well as Galaxy 2 that I managed to snag a cheap copy for my old wii (That still thankfully works). I'll be doing individual reviews for them when I complete each one hehe.
@Sanguine Pricewise that's rough, wish you would have been able to get it at a less steep price. I hope you enjoy them & Galaxy 2. I look forward to seeing your thoughts on them.
Thanks bud. Going great on Mario 64 so far
Maurith
10 months ago
I wish Nintendo would do Mario justice someday with improved ports of these games or straight up remakes, not that I mind what the original games look like, but it would certainly be a welcome change to bring back and revamp these games, just like the NES games in Super Mario All-Stars back in the day.