Here we go!

If one thing is certain in video games, it is that Mario is timeless. I still remember the impact that Mario 64 had on me at release. I would frequent Toys R Us every day after school just to play a limited demo. The game was and still is the definition of a system seller. That was over 20 years ago, and to this day it has an impact on me. Nintendo is always good about bringing back their classics, and now a collection of 3D Mario games has dropped on the Switch. While its release may be limited, its impact cannot be denied.

Like any collection of classic games there is a fine line when reviewing them between the games themselves, and what the collection adds. As far as additions this package is on the bare bones side. There is a slick menu that features each game and its respective soundtrack and that is about it. No control customization, not a museum full of artwork. It is just the games for better or worse.

MSRP: $59.99
Platforms: Switch
Price I’d Pay: $59.99

As for the ports themselves, they also feel a little rough around the edges. Let’s start with Mario 64. The game is presented in its traditional 4:3 aspect ratio and doesn’t feature any of the additions made to the DS re-release. The textures have received a bump, which is most noticeable in the text and HUD elements in the game. The sound also seems muffled when compared to the other two games in the collection. Mario 64 is still a landmark game, but Nintendo certainly could have put a little more work into this port.

Now onto the black sheep of the family, Super Mario Sunshine. I still feel this game gets a bad reputation. Even playing it today with its quirky control scheme there is so much to love about this game. Mechanics aside this port suffers from its fair share of issues as well. While the game has been scaled to 16:9, the frame rate takes a dive from time to time. Nintendo also decided to switch the camera controls to normal without an option to change them in-game. I am an inverted player by default, but the original game also had these controls so my brain is on overdrive in trying to get acclimated. Again, this feels like an oversight that I cannot simply change these in settings.

Finally, we get to Super Mario Galaxy, which is considered the cream of the crop. This port is the most polished featuring an upgrade to the resolution and a rock-solid 60fps. This game looks and plays great. The motion controls are awkward at times though for those opting to use a Pro Controller. I found collecting starbits harder than it should be, but at least it is an option. When using JoyCons the problem is minimal, and in portable mode you can even tap the screen to collect them, which is a nice addition.

The beauty of this package is that all three games represent milestones for our favorite plumber. Mario 64 was a landmark. The first 3D Mario game that is still used as the benchmark for platformers in the third dimension. Super Mario Sunshine is a unique experiment that topples the genre on its head. Finally, Super Mario Galaxy is just a well-polished game that stands the test of time.

Super Mario 3D All-Stars is certainly rough around the edges as far as a classic collection is concerned, but there is no denying the impact of all three games. The omission of Galaxy 2 and the questionable ports are certainly head scratchers, but that doesn’t change the fact that this collection will deliver hours of fun for Mario players old and new. Another solid title for the Switch lineup. Now make sure to snag it before Nintendo removes it from sale…at least until they break it up and sell them individually that is.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.

Good
  • All three games are still fantastic
  • Soundtrack inclusions
  • Sunshine finally available again
Bad
  • Lack of control options
  • Lackluster ports
8
Great
Written by
Ken is the Editor-in-Chief of this hole in the wall and he loves to troll for the fun of it. He also enjoys long walks through Arkham Asylum and the cool air of Shadow Moses Island. His turn-ons include Mortal Kombat, Metal Gear Solid and StarCraft.