Tag: 35th Super Mario Anniversary

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury Review

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  • Genre: Action, Platformer
  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch
  • Developer | Publisher: Nintendo
  • Age Rating: PEGI 7 | ESRB E (Everyone)
  • Price: £49.99
  • Release Date: February 12th, 2021

As part of the Super Mario 35th celebrations. Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury ends the anniversary in style showing just how influential Mario has been all these years and this very present day.

Story

The story to 3D World takes a different path than the stories we have come accustomed to with Mario. Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad all start off watching a firework display in Mushroom Kingdom. All of a sudden a glass pipe appears, Mario and Luigi fix the pipe and a distressed fairy comes flying out of the pipe, these fairies are actually know as Sprixie princesses.

This green Sprixie princess explains that the troublemaker, Bowser, has kidnapped the rest of the Sprixie princesses and locked them up in a glass jar. Shortly afterwards, Bowser appears and nabs the green Sprixie and vanishes down the glass pipe. Without any hesitation Peach jumps down into the pipe and the rest of the gang follow suit in pursuit of Bowser.

It’s a typical plot even if it does mean Peach gets a break from being kidnapped, maybe Bowser has got the memo all these years? Young children will love it and even adults will enjoy it too. If you can go back to you’re first memories of any Mario game you first played. You always felt that anger, upbeat, chest out to stop Bowser no matter the cost. Nintendo has once again captured the essence of what Mario is all about and throws you back into that seat of playing Super Mario for the very first time.

Bowsers Fury again takes us down another path and pretty much opening the book to potential other stories we could have with Mario. Bowser Jr seeks Mario’s help as Bowser is hell bent to destroy anything and everything. Obviously Mario thinks Bowser Jr is playing some game, but witnessing first hand what Bowser has become, he doesn’t hesitate to help Bowser Jr out. For the first time we get to see Mario and Bowser Jr team up to help free Bowser from whatever is consuming him or is it all what it seems?

Gameplay

Jumping on Goomba’s, hitting puzzle boxes to see which power up we get to help reach the goal is of course the staple of the Super Mario games. With the new power up of becoming a cat. This allows Mario, Luigi, Peach and Toad to reach new heights than ever before. Of course other power ups return and prove to be very useful if stuck on a certain part of the level, regarding if you keep the handy power up in your inventory.

3D World takes both formulas of the platforming from Super Mario Bros and the likes of 64, Sunshine, Galaxy and of course Odyssey with the 3D levels. The blend of both really works and being able to move the camera (looking at you Mario 64…) helps massively when trying to find the green stars. Yup, Green stars replace the golden coins in comparison to the Super Mario Bros games. Collect as many as you can as these will help unlock other levels throughout the course of the game.

3D World is also the first 4 player co-op Mario adventure too. Be that couch co-op or online, it’s certainly a brilliant, fun experience to be had. Each character has their own abilities pros and cons. The good thing about this even if not playing in co-op, you can decide who you play as before you jump in. Luigi has higher jump than Mario, Peach can glide/float in the air and Toad? Toad is just Toad, small, quick and Hey!

Bowsers + Fury brings to the table what was so great from Odyssey and continues that with typical Mario style Platforming at its best. I think people will really enjoy Bowser’s Fury and probably would question Nintendo why they didn’t just do it as a standalone game, adventure than being add on. Can’t complain either, as being able to gigantamax to bigger Cat Mario against the huge, really ticked off Bowser is great! With Bowser Jr helping you out be that played by another player or just yourself. Bowser Jr proves very useful than you think.

You don’t have to keep using the cat bells and fight Bowser toe to toe. If you collect the Shines when he emerges, the shine will repel him back to the gooey, oil like Calamity he comes from.

Sound, Performance, and Graphics

Without a shadow of doubt all three in the heading of this part, 3D World executes perfectly. The sound is top notch as always. The iconic themes, sounds when going down pipes, picking up power ups, collecting coins and defeating enemies is where all the fans are familiar with.

No issue performance wise from 3D World, though Bowser’s Fury did suffer with some framerate and the game slowing down a bit when big Bowser appears.

The visuals is what you would expect with a Mario game. Colourful, vibrant and upbeat to continue playing.

Difficulty

I will have to admit. I didn’t find 3D World or Bowser’s Fury that difficult whatsoever. It made for a nice, sit back adventure and everything just rolled off the bat nicely. I 100% Bowser’s Fury in my first go whilst 3D World will take longer to do so. Some of the levels towards the endgame and once you beat 3D World will test you greatly.

Conclusion

Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is probably one of the best Mario adventures Nintendo have produced. I didn’t play 3D World on the Wii U, as I didn’t keep my Wii U long enough to play it. I’m really glad 3D World has been brought to the Nintendo Switch as it was one Mario adventure I would of liked to play. With the inclusion of Bowser’s Fury and that in its own right is pretty much near to perfection, 3D World is a excellent showcase of how far Mario has come and keeps pushing the boundaries which is making Mario still relevant today.

Verdict
Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury is a must have game in anyone’s Switch collection. It can be played by all, it will appeal to pretty much everyone and best of all. I can play with my daughter and get to experience a whole new Mario experience witnessing her enjoyment from a game series I have grown up on.

Pre-orders for Nintendo Switch Mario Red & Blue Edition are Up

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Following our earlier report on its announcement, pre-orders have started popping up!

The official Nintendo UK store is offering the special Mario edition for £279. They’ve also listed several bundles with the Switch Mario Edition and different games: Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury Pack (which include the pre-order bonus), Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Pack, or Super Mario 3D All-Stars Pack for £329.99.

Or, if you’re feeling really fancy, you can go for the Nintendo Switch Mario Red & Blue Edition Mega Pack, which at £379.99 will include:

  • Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury game
  • Mario Kart 8 Deluxe game
  • Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury SteelBook
  • Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury Sticker Sheet
  • Mario Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Wheel
  • Super Mario Nintendo Switch Analog Stick Caps

GAME in the UK are offering this special edition for £349.99. You also get a copy of Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury for the Nintendo Switch, which launches on the same day!

In the Netherlands, Nedgame is offering the special edition for €339,-. Unlike the set seen at Game, this does not come with Super Mario 3D World.

If these have piqued your interest and you don’t live in the UK or Netherlands; check your local retailer for more information.

Sources: Nedgame, GAME, Nintendo UK

Special Splatfest Announced

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The official Splatoon Facebook page has announced a special Splatfest for the 15th of January. This Splatfest will last for 48 hours, ending on 17th of January and ties in to the Super Mario 35th anniversary celebrations. Players will get to choose between team Super Mushroom or team Super Star.

Source: Facebook

Nintendo’s New Super Mario Bros. Game & Watch Has a Language Error, and Has Already Been Hacked

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So, the new Super Mario Bros. Game & Watch released today, and it is filled with loads of cool features. One of them is a ‘Mario Drawing’ song that, while vocalised in English, also displays lyrics in a number of different languages. And there’s an error with that.

According to Nintendo:

“We would like to inform you about an error with one of the digital clock’s 35 little touches in the Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. system.

Unfortunately, the ‘Mario Drawing’ song (vocalised in English only) that can be accessed by holding the A button, displays an incorrect language’s set of lyrics if German, French, Italian or Spanish is selected from the title screen. English, Dutch and Japanese languages remain unaffected.”

The other bit of news is that while it’s only just been out, the Super Mario Bros. Game & Watch has already been hacked.

Hacker stacksmashing has been busy trying to see what makes this device tick:

Of note is that the device loads a Super Mario Bros. NES ROM into the RAM. Meaning someone might be able to figure out how other ROMs could be added in the future. 👀

Source: Nintendo Life

Super Mario 3D All Stars Review (Nintendo Switch)

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  • Genre: Adventure, Platforming
  • Platforms: Nintendo Switch
  • Developer | Publisher: Nintendo
  • Age Rating: PEGI 7 | ESRB E for Everyone
  • Price: UK £49.99 | US $59.99
  • Release Date: 18th of September

Nostalgia, revolutionary and brilliance, yet comes with a few problems which the modern gamer may not have the patience for. Super Mario 64 paved the way for 3D platformers and remains dominance in adventure, platforming games. Super Mario can be played by all ages. Those of us that have been there from the start, early 90s and so forth can share the experience with their kids, and that’s so rewarding in itself and repeats the process for generations to come.

Gameplay

Super Mario 64 literally started it all like I said up above. Back in the N64 days, this was a marvel, yet it still is. Its aged a bit but it still captures the awesomeness this has had back in 96. Movement is fluid yet sometimes can be a pain when navigating around on the platforms. Hit the jump button in three successions and you get the higher jump, which is a staple for Mario these days.

SM64 does have the bug-bear of the camera which is very annoying. I sometimes think to myself how on earth did I beat this game or 100% it without cursing or feeling so enraged. The camera somewhat flares up again in Super Mario Sunshine, but it isn’t a constant issue compared to SM64. Yes, Sunshine is overall better than SM64 on paper in all departments, but the very basis of Sunshine is that of SM64, just added more technical leaps and bounds.

Super Mario Sunshine introduces FLUDD. A new companion/tool from professor E. Gadd. With FLUDD you can spray water to clean off the graffiti all over Isle of Delfino. You have four different nozzle attachments which can help Mario navigate each level around the island to overcome next Shine sprite. You have the spray, rocket, dash and like a water jetpack. It sure does make the platforming somewhat a bit easier, especially to get to higher places where in SM64, if you fall you have to start all over again. You can even run around with Yoshi, so yes, it’s good… Depending on the fruit you give to the Yoshi egg determines the colour of Yoshi. Once Yoshi is hatched you can eat other foods which will turn Yoshi into a different colour also.

Super Mario Galaxy takes everything its learned from both SM64 and Sunshine and throws it out of the window. Well not literally, but completely takes Mario in a different direction. Galaxy still has the Mario we all have come accustomed too. Throw a bit of zero gravity, flying and jumping on goomba’s around planets is somewhat wow, refreshing and great. With this game built for the Wii and the use of star bits, which enables the player to fire at enemies to stun them and give you the advantage. It still works well for the Switch via the use of a Pro controller. Star Bits in Galaxy and Galaxy 2 for that matter plays a important role. These bits will unlock new ways for Mario to get to other planets by feeding the Luma’s. The camera with galaxy can sometimes be a bit of a pain. You can use the R button to align in centre and when you can the right stick can be used. Mainly the camera will follow as you move around, especially when the running about the little planets.

Story/Characters

Ultimately, we all know the outcome of the Mario story’s. Mario collects the Power Stars, saves Peach, defeats Bowser and have slap up meal or cake in SM64 matter until the next adventure arrives. This isn’t saying its rubbish or a complaint. Each title in this 3D All Stars package is of the same formula, just differently going about it. In a way, if you want. Sunshine continues from where SM64 left off. You defeated Bowser after swinging him around like a rag doll for millions of years and arrive to Isle of Delfino, where a doppelganger Mario is terrorising the island with paint.

After you get so far into Sunshine, the doppelganger Mario is revealed as Bowser Jr saying Peach is mama and Bowser saying Mario is nasty and doesn’t play nice. Hence why Bowser Jr is trying to kidnap or save in his eyes for Peach.

Galaxy is again similar. The star festival is happening, enjoying a nice stroll in mushroom Kingdom at night with all the shooting stars in the sky. Next minute Bowser turns up with a armada and giant ufo… Takes peach and the castle away into his new universe/Galaxy with Mario hot on his tail. This is where we meet the Luma’s and Rosalina to help Mario and get Peach back from Bowser.

As much as the story in each game is somewhat linear. It works, simple as that. I thoroughly enjoyed playing the games again to experience them like the first time as it has been a while since I have played either of these three games.

Graphics, Sound and Performance

You can really see the progression over the years when you go from SM64 to Sunshine and finally Galaxy. Each game is distinctively unique from that era when they launched. SM64, again reiterating the 3D aspect, but also introducing voice characters such as Charles Martinet in Super Mario and has been in everything since then, and sounds which left the 8-bit area and those visuals to which they are today with Super Mario Odyssey. It’s a perfect road trip down memory lane, but also video gaming as whole on where its gone from, in Mario’s case, 1985 to present day. SM64 visuals were at the time pinnacle to where the home console was heading. With this collection and SM64 being pretty much emulation from the N64, the visuals have somewhat aged, which is perfectly understandable. Yet we can still praise Nintendo and truly appreicate what SM64 has set for the benchmark on a Nintendo platform, especially when it’s Mario concern.

Super Mario Sunshine is, and still is a nice looking game too. With catchy themes which Mario games have been renowned for and bringing hell of a lot of smoothness to the visuals than the blocky textures we saw on SM64. Sunshine brings a great realness, especially to the water aspects and textures to its layout of the levels and the hub, Isle of Delfino. We even got cut-scenes which still look fine today, which also comes back to my earlier comment of appreciating the leap from SM64 to Sunshine.

Galaxy on the other hand knocks it even more out of the park. The visuals improved, sound being brilliant especially with orchestrated themes added to the mix and the performance of the game feeling extra special. I must add, I didn’t experience that much performance issues in all honesty. Maybe SM64 did suffer with some framerate issues with a few stutters, yet Sunshine kinda basked in its glory from when it launched back in 2002. Super Mario Galaxy is literally eye candy throughout from start to finish. And best of all? You can listen to the whole 3 games entire soundtracks whilst you are doing other things around the house if you so wanted too.

Difficulty

There is no difficulty to pick in either games. From earlier comment again, everyone can pick up and play and simply enjoy the simplicity these games have to offer. The only difficulties I personally experienced is the camera, definitely with SM64 and some of the secret levels with you encounter in Sunshine were quite tough! However, once you beat it and collect that Star or Sprite, the sense of reward is huge.

Conclusion

As much as its a trip for older fans to replay the likes of SM64 for example. It’s brilliant that we have these stellar Mario games to the Nintendo Switch library to choose and play. I think personally Super Mario Galaxy 2 is deserving of getting the Nintendo Switch treatment, and I’m sure that goes to many other Nintendo games too. Super Mario 3D All Stars is a must have game to have in your collection. You can share the experiences which you had yourself with your partner, children and better yet? Gain a whole new experience replaying these games again when your child pick its up and you can guide them when needed might I ask, sit back and enjoy.

Verdict
Great package of three truly incredible games of their time. Look past the camera issues and you three beautifully crafted games, must have!

Strong Sale Numbers Super Mario 3D All-Stars

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Nintendo have released their quarterly results and that gave us some interesting information on Super Mario 3D All-Stars.

Since it’s release, on the 18th of September up till the 30th of September, Nintendo has sold 5.21 million copies of the game. That’s in a time-span of 12 days!

The fact that it’s a limited time release may have influenced these strong sale numbers.

Source: Nintendo Life