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User:DecafPotato/drafts/Super Mario 3D All-Stars

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This page is about the 2020 compilation for the Nintendo Switch. For the 1993 compilation for the Super NES, see Super Mario All-Stars.
Super Mario 3D All-Stars
Developer(s)Nintendo EPD[a]
Publisher(s)Nintendo
SeriesSuper Mario
Release
  • WW: September 18, 2020
Genre(s)Platform, action-adventure
Mode(s)Single-player

Super Mario 3D All-Stars[b] is a 2020 compilation of three platform video games developed by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. It features enhanced versions of Super Mario 64 (1996), Super Mario Sunshine (2002), and Super Mario Galaxy (2007), in addition to a music player mode able to play the games' soundtracks. In 64, Mario collects Power Stars to rescue Princess Peach after she is kidnapped by Bowser; in Sunshine, he is framed for a crime by his doppelgänger on Isle Delfino and must collect Shine Sprites to save Peach from Bowser and his son; and Galaxy sees him traveling the universe to power Rosalina's Comet Observatory to reach the center of the universe where Peach has been taken by Bowser.

Development focused on maintaining aspects of the original games while offering improvements such enhanced resolution and changed controller binding. After first being reported in March 2020, 3D All-Stars released on September 18 in commemoration of the Super Mario series' 35th anniversary, and was discontinued and removed from online storefronts on March 31, 2021. Reviewers praised the games included in the collection, though criticized the lack of new content, presentation, and limited release. At the time of its discontinuation, it had sold over 9 million copies, making it one of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch.

Gameplay

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Further information: Gameplay of Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy

64

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  • The version of Super Mario 64 present in 3D All-Stars is based on the game's Shindō Pak Taiō version, which removes an exploit used in many speedruns of the game.[1][2] The Shindō version adds controller rumble.[3]
  • Each level is designed for open-ended gameplay.[4]
  • Mario has many actions, including the ability to perform multiple types of jumps varying in legnth and height, the ability jump off of walls, and the ability to dive in midair.[5]
  • In the game, Mario explores Peach's Castle.[6]
  • Mario aims to collect Power Stars throughout the game's levels with the goal of collecting enough to challenge Bowser.[7]
    • Stars are located in several locations to be collected, such as at the end of an obstacle course or given to the player after they complete an objective. Such objectives include defeating a Koopa in a race or returning a penguin to its mother.[8]
  • There are 15 levels, including grasslands, snow-covered mountains, a fortress, and a clock tower.[8]
  • Levels are typically entered through paintings.[8]

Sunshine

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  • In Sunshine, the player, as Mario, utilizes the water-powered jetpack and hose F.L.U.D.D.[c] to solve platforming challenges.[9][1][5]
  • In certain levels, F.L.U.D.D. is taken away from Mario, forcing the player to platform without it.[1][8]
  • The plot of Sunshine sees Mario vacationing to Isle Delfino, where he is framed for multiple instances of graffiti throughout the island. These accusations lead him to be imprisoned and tasked with removing the graffiti.[5][6]
  • F.L.U.D.D. can be used to wash away graffiti, weaken enemies, or defeat bosses.[7][8]
  • Additional "nozzles" for F.L.U.D.D. replace its ability to hover is replaced by either the ability to be launched in the air or dash at high speeds.[8][6]

Galaxy

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  • Galaxy's gameplay makes use of shifting gravity.[4]
  • In Galaxy, Mario adventures through many small planets and other celestial bodies.[4][7]
  • The player collects a Power Star at the end of every stage.[8]

New stuff

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  • The games in 3D All-Stars are all rendered at a higher resolution and frame rate than the original versions.[10] The games additionally feature dynamic resolution and upscaled artwork.[1]
    • 64 is upgraded from 240p to 720p, and the game's sprites were remade.[3]
    • Sunshine's text and heads-up display (HUD) were upscaled, and the display was changed from 4:3 to widescreen.[3]
    • Galaxy is changed to 1080p.[3]

Development

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Super Mario 3D All-Stars was developed by Nintendo EPD and published by Nintendo,[6] and was internally known as "Super Mario All-Stars 2", according to Eurogamer.[11] During development, the team intended to maintain elements of the original games, such as design and spirit, while offering improvements such as an increased resolution and changes to the controller layout. They interviewed team members of the original games to better understand the games' significance.[12] The constituent games of 3D All-Stars utilize software emulation,[13][1] and the emulation used for Super Mario Sunshine was developed by Nintendo European Research & Development, who also worked with the rest of the 3D All-Stars team to develop several other features for Sunshine, including 16:9 rendering, controller bindings, and upgrading the fidelity of cutscenes using deep learning.[14]

On March 30, 2020, a report from Video Games Chronicle (VGC) detailed that Nintendo would re-release several Super Mario games for the Nintendo Switch in commemoration of the series' 35th anniversary,[15] and VentureBeat claimed that the compilation would include Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010).[16] The next day, reports from Gematsu and Eurogamer excluded Galaxy 2,[16][17] and VentureBeat later said that they could not verify the inclusion of the game.[16] A follow-up report by VGC corroborated the inclusion of 64, Sunshine, and Galaxy, and claimed that Nintendo's plans to announce the compilation at E3 2020 were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[18]

Release

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Super Mario 3D All-Stars was released in commemoration of the Super Mario series' 35th anniversary (logo pictured)

Super Mario 3D All-Stars was announced on September 3, 2020, during a Nintendo Direct presentation dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Super Mario series.[19][20] The announcement trailer also revealed the game's release date to be September 18.[21][22] On the same day, it was announced that a limited collectible pin set would be made available to those who pre-ordered the game.[21] An overview trailer released on September 14 showcased more gameplay footage from 3D All-Stars ahead of its release.[23]

On November 17, a post-launch software update added support for the GameCube controller in Super Mario Sunshine, as well as the ability to invert the camera controls in all three games.[24][25] On March 31, 2021, physical copies of 3D All-Stars were discontinued, and the game was delisted from the Nintendo eShop.[26][27] Doug Bowser, president of Nintendo of America, said that the limited release of 3D All-Stars was intended to celebrate the anniversary in a "unique" way, and that Nintendo did not intend on widespread implementation of the release model.[28][29] Despite its discontinuation, the game continued to be sold at retail stores.[30][31][32] In November 2021, an update was released for 3D All-Stars that allowed Super Mario 64 to be played using the Nintendo 64 controller available to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.[33][34]

Reception

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Critical reception

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According to the review aggregation website Metacritic, Super Mario 3D All-Stars received "generally favorable reviews" from critics.[35]

  • HOW THE GAMES AGED – Most reviewers agreed that the games in 3D All-Stars had aged well enough to warrant inclusion in the collection.[37][38] IGN said that 64 had aged poorly, citing its camera control as a major issue, and saying they wished more quality-of-life features were added in 3D All-Stars.[1] VentureBeat felt that Galaxy had aged the best out of the games in 3D All-Stars.[4] Nintendo Life said that the games in 3D All-Stars "don't feel quite as innovative as they used to".[3] Shacknews considered the games included "the pinnacle of 3D platforming".[7] GameSpot said that the games "are still rifle with inventive ideas and surprises" that make up for the collection's shortcomings in presentation.[8]
  • BEING A BUNDLE – IGN said that "the overall lack of bells and whistles make Super Mario 3D All-Stars a bit of a disappointment, but taken as individual works, the games speak for themselves. While I would have loved to have seen a collection more worthy of Mario’s long and winding career, Super Mario 3D All-Stars does just enough to satisfy a longtime fan like myself, but misses the mark by not providing any of the updates and extras that would have really made this collection of classics sing".[1] GamesRadar+ called 3D All-Stars "a glorious, celebratory bundle".[10] While VentureBeat praised the games included in the collection, they said that, "as a package, 3D All-Stars feels a little sparse".[4] VG247 said that "the package bundling them together might be a little bare-bones, but Super Mario 3D All-Stars features three absolute classics", that are all among "the best 3D platformers ever made".[36] Kotaku said that "every game in Super Mario 3D All-Stars is a triumph", despite having qualms with the collection.[5] Nintendo Life said that the games in 3D All-Stars are presented in a "fairly bare-bones" manner. They also lamented the lack of bonus features such as developer interviews, even though the games in 3D All-Stars were "incredible".[3] VGC said that it is "difficult not to feel slightly dissapointed that Nintendo hasn't done more" with 3D All-Stars, despite the quality of the games included in the compilation.[6]
  • SUPER MARIO 64 – 64 in particular received "nearly universal praise".[37] Polygon said that "even 24 years later, [...] Mario 64 is a blast to just mess around in". They said that it "remains one of the greatest platforming games ever made" aside from the "dated visuals and a lack of new features".[9] Kotaku said that while some levels were "still complete bullshit", they were "charmed by [Super Mario 64's] depth".[5] Shacknews said that the biggest weakness of 64 was its camera controls. However, they said that the game remained fun aside from the camera.[7] GameSpot found the camera of 64 "restrictive at the best of times and combative at the worst". However, they said that the problems with the camera were overshadowed by the game's "enduring strengths".[8] Video Games Chronicle said that 64 was "genuinely ground-breaking" for its time. However, they criticized the game's camera system as "hopelessly archaic compared to its modern counterparts".[6]
  • SUPER MARIO SUNSHINE – Sunshine polarized critics.[37] Polygon described the game as "clumsy", and that it was a "miserable experience" to play.[9] IGN said that it was "a good game, [though] not a great one".[1] VentureBeat said that Sunshine is "a fun and charming platformer", though it felt "sluggish" after playing Galaxy.[4] VG247 said that 3D All-Stars retained the charm of Sunshine, though they still felt the game to be "a bit of a frustrating, fiddly game".[36] Kotaku said that the "most enjoyable moments" of Sunshine were sequences in which Mario was unable to use F.L.U.D.D.[5] Shacknews criticized the implementation of spraying and hovering with F.L.U.D.D., and found the need to replenish its water supply "a chore". However, they praised the "bold chance" they felt Nintendo took while releasing the game, and said that "even the worst 3D Mario game is still a pretty good game overall".[7] GameSpot found some applications of F.L.U.D.D. frustrating due to imprecise controls. They also felt that the game was less innovative and polished than 64 and Galaxy. However, they said that the game overall has a charm that outweighs its flaws.[8]
  • GALAXY MOTION CONTROLS – Critics widely lauded the removal of Galaxy's motion controls.[37] Polygon praised the removal of motion-controlled mechanics, though they lamented how certain instances—such as the game's menus—still used the controller's gyroscope. They said that utilizing the touch screen for the gyroscope elements in the Switch's handheld mode felt "awkward". They said that these elements distract from the otherwise "great" gameplay of Galaxy.[9] GamesRadar+ said that while the motion controls in Galaxy were well executed and "recreate the Wii experience tastefully on Switch", it was frustrated how they could not be turned off while playing in the Nintendo Switch's TV mode.[10] IGN said that they believe the removal of motion controls was "a welcome change for most". However, they said that movement in handheld mode is hampered by the need to use the touch screen.[1] VG247 said that the requirement to control the menus using motion controls was "strange".[36] Kotaku said that they were "overjoyed" when it was annouced that Galaxy's motion controls would become optional. However, they said that some minigames still requiring motion controls was "just as much of a problem on the Switch as it was on the Wii".[5] Nintendo Life said that playing Galaxy with the Joy-Con felt more natural, while playing with the Pro Controller felt more stable. They also said that the motion controls required occasional recalibration.[3] GameSpot called the adaptation "a less than ideal workaround".[8]
  • SUPER MARIO GALAXY – IGN said that Galaxy remains "the best 3D platformer ever made", and that the upgraded visuals allow the game to "go toe-to-toe with [Super Mario Odyssey] in terms of art direction and sheer spectacle.[1] VentureBeat said that Galaxy had "some of the most clever Mario levels in history".[4] Shacknews called the game's visuals "gorgeous", its soundtrack "some of the best" in the Mario franchise, and praised its boss battles. They said that the game is a "close second" behind Odyssey in terms of being the "gold standard for 3D Mario platformers".[7] Video Games Chronicle praised Galaxy, saying that it felt the "most accomplished" of all the games included in the collection.[6]
  • BEING EXCITING – The primary issue faced by reviewers was whether an enhanced compilation of three old games warranted excitement,[37] especially with a lack of significant new features.[38]
  • VISUAL ENHANCEMENTS – Polygon said that the enhancements to 64's visuals made its lines and blocks look as "sharp as diamonds". They praised the appearance of more simplistic textures, though said that the more complex textures looked "like a blurry mess". Regarding Sunshine, they said that it "looks terrific". They said that while some textures "look a little washed out" when compared to games such as Super Mario Odyssey, the tropical setting of Sunshine "has aged quite well".[9] IGN said that the changes made 64 go from "glaringly outdated" to "downright charming".[1] Kotaku said that the visual enhancements in Sunshine were "a dream come true".[5] Nintendo Life said that the change to widescreen in Sunshine made the game feel more modern.[3] VGC said that Sunshine looks "bright and appealing" on the Nintendo Switch.[6]
  • FRAMERATE – VentureBeat felt that while 30 frames per second gameplay was tolerable in 64, they "found [themselves] wishing for [the] extra smoothness" of 60 frames per second in Sunshine.[4] Kotaku felt that stutters occurred more often in 3D All-Stars version of Sunshine than they did in the original release.[5]
  • EFFORT – IGN felt that the level of effort in 3D All-Stars was dissapointing when compared to that of Super Mario All-Stars (1993).[1] VentureBeat said that they partially appreciate the decision to port the games in the collection rather than remake them—they felt that the constituent games were "classics" that should be preserved "as close to their original forms" as possible.[4] VG247 said that they "frankly expected a little more" for the celebration of Super Mario's 35th anniversary.[36]
  • NEW CONTROLS – GamesRadar+ praised the new controls present in Sunshine, saying that they make the game "a surprisingly natural fit for the Switch".[10] Kotaku criticized the adaptation of the original controls to the Nintendo Switch, saying that they will irritate experienced players.[5] Nintendo Life said that the new controls in Sunshine would feel more natural to most players.[3]
  • SUPER MARIO GALAXY 2 – GamesRadar+ said that Galaxy 2 felt "like a missing piece" in the collection.[10] VentureBeat called it "a bizarre absence", and that its exclusion was "dissapointing".[4] VG247 said that Galaxy 2 could have "easily been included" in the collection, and that it's emission was strange.[36]
  • UI – VG247 said that 3D All-Stars' user interface was "simple but slick".[36] GameSpot called the presentation "minimal but handsomely designed".[8]

Limited release

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Engadget said that "given Nintendo's history of releasing and re-releasing its games ad nauseam, it seems the company is reserving the right to make more money on these games in a different format down the line".[20] GamesRadar+ called it "an interesting decision on Nintendo's part, especially as [3D All-Stars is] such a great bundle".[10] IGN said that decision was "absurd and feels decidedly anti-consumer".[1]

Fan response

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Sales

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Notes

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  1. ^ Additional development was done by Nintendo European Research & Development
  2. ^ Japanese: Super Mario 3D Collection (スーパーマリオ３Ｄコレクション, Sūpā Mario 3D Korekushon)
  3. ^ F.L.U.D.D. stands for "Flash Liquid Ultra Dowsing Device"[8]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Ryan, Zachary (September 16, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars Port Analysis". IGN. Archived from the original on January 9, 2023. Retrieved January 10, 2023. Cite error: The named reference "IGN" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  2. ^ Stockdale, Henry (September 9, 2020). "What's The Deal With Super Mario 64's "Shindou Pak Taiou" Version, Anyway?". Nintendo Life. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Scullion, Chris (September 16, 2020). "Review: Super Mario 3D All-Stars - Three Of Mario's Greatest Adventures Come To Switch". Nintendo Life. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Minotti, Mike (September 16, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars review — All-star classics in a half-hearted package". VentureBeat. Retrieved January 11, 2023. {{cite web}}: |archive-date= requires |archive-url= (help)CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Walker, Ian (September 16, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars: The Kotaku Review". Kotaku. Retrieved January 15, 2023.
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Robinson, Andy (September 16, 2020). "Review: Mario 3D All-Stars faithfully restores the classics, but makes few improvements". Video Games Chronicle. Archived from the original on November 23, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  7. ^ a b c d e f g h Mejia, Ozzie (September 22, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars review: Imperfect classics". Shacknews. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Knezevic, Kevin (September 18, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars Review – Shoot For The Stars". GameSpot. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  9. ^ a b c d e Frushtick, Russ (September 16, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars review: Not even Sunshine can ruin this collection". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  10. ^ a b c d e f g h Loveridge, Sam (September 16, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars review: "A celebration of some of Mario's greatest achievements"". GamesRadar+. Archived from the original on October 21, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  11. ^ Phillips, Tom (March 31, 2020). "More details emerge on Nintendo's Mario remasters". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on May 23, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  12. ^ Park, Gene (September 14, 2020). "Mario makers reflect on 35 years and the evolution of gaming's most iconic jump". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on September 15, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  13. ^ Ivan, Tom (September 15, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All Stars leak 'suggests all three games are emulated'". Video Games Chronicle. Archived from the original on December 10, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  14. ^ "NERD Develops the Nintendo GameCube Emulation Technology Used in Super Mario 3D All-Stars | Nintendo European Research & Development". Nintendo European Research & Development. Nintendo. February 2021. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  15. ^ Robinson, Andy (March 30, 2020). "Nintendo has big plans for Super Mario Bros.' 35th anniversary". Video Games Chronicle. Archived from the original on December 12, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  16. ^ a b c Grubb, Jeff (March 30, 2020). "Nintendo is making 3D Mario remasters for his 35th anniversary". VentureBeat. Archived from the original on November 28, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  17. ^ Phillips, Tom (March 30, 2020). "Sources: Nintendo Switch 2020 line-up dominated by Mario games old and new". Eurogamer. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  18. ^ Robinson, Andy (March 31, 2020). "More details emerge on Mario Switch remasters". Video Games Chronicle. Archived from the original on September 27, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  19. ^ Gurwin, Gabe (September 6, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars Features Three Fantastic Platformers". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 7, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  20. ^ a b Ingraham, Nathan (September 3, 2020). "'Super Mario 3D All-Stars' comes to Nintendo Switch on September 18th". Engadget. Archived from the original on December 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  21. ^ a b Bankhurst, Adam (September 3, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars Announced for Switch, Includes Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, and Super Mario Galaxy". IGN. Retrieved February 6, 2023.
  22. ^ Keane, Sean (September 3, 2020). "Nintendo reveals Super Mario 3D All-Stars collection for Switch, out Sept. 18". CNET. Archived from the original on July 5, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  23. ^ Ivan, Tom (September 14, 2020). "Mario 3D All-Stars overview trailer shows its modern upgrades and music player mode". Video Games Chronicle. Archived from the original on October 27, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  24. ^ Bankhurst, Adam (November 17, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars Adds GameCube Controller Support for Super Mario Sunshine". IGN. Archived from the original on July 9, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  25. ^ Doolan, Liam (November 17, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars Updated To Version 1.1.0, Sunshine Gets GameCube Controller Support". Nintendo Life. Archived from the original on January 19, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  26. ^ Keane, Sean (March 21, 2021). "Today's your last chance to download Super Mario 3D All-Stars". CNET. Archived from the original on December 10, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  27. ^ Shea, Brian (March 9, 2021). "Reminder: Super Mario 3D All-Stars And Super Mario Bros. 35 Get Delisted At The End Of March". Game Informer. Archived from the original on December 15, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  28. ^ Bowser, Doug (December 16, 2020). "Doug Bowser on Nintendo's obsession with March 31, plus Joy-Con drift and the Switch Pro rumors". Polygon (Interview). Interviewed by Frushtick, Russ. Archived from the original on December 13, 2022. Retrieved January 9, 2023.
  29. ^ a b Gurwin, Gabe (December 17, 2020). "Nintendo Defends Limited-Time Availability For Super Mario 3D All-Stars, Other Games". GameSpot. Archived from the original on August 28, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  30. ^ Watts, Steve (April 1, 2021). "Actually, You Can Still Buy Super Mario 3D All-Stars". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 7, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  31. ^ Lane, Gavin (July 28, 2021). "Poll: Can You Still Find Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. And Super Mario 3D All-Stars?". Nintendo Life a. Archived from the original on May 29, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  32. ^ a b Plant, Logan (August 29, 2022). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars' Brief Run Netted Nearly 10 Million Units According to New Sales Numbers". IGN. Archived from the original on November 16, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  33. ^ Bankhurst, Adam (November 4, 2021). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars Latest Update Adds N64 Controller Support for Super Mario 64". IGN. Archived from the original on May 26, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  34. ^ LeBlanc, Wesley (November 4, 2021). "You Can Play 3D All-Stars' Version Of Super Mario 64 With A Nintendo 64 Controller Now". Game Informer. Archived from the original on January 21, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  35. ^ a b "Super Mario 3D All-Stars for Switch Reviews". Metacritic. Archived from the original on December 9, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  36. ^ a b c d e f g Donaldson, Alex (September 16, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars review: a bare bones wrapper around three stone-cold classics". VG247. Archived from the original on January 9, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2023.
  37. ^ a b c d e Valentine, Rebekah (September 17, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars | Critical Consensus". GamesIndustry.biz. Archived from the original on December 25, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
  38. ^ a b Watts, Steve (September 16, 2020). "Super Mario 3D All-Stars Review Roundup". GameSpot. Archived from the original on September 28, 2020. Retrieved January 10, 2023.
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