Super Mario Collection (1993)
Super Mario Collection, known in the West as Super Mario All-Stars, is a compilation of classic Mario platformers developed and published by Nintendo for the Super Famicom, released on July 14, 1993. The collection includes enhanced 16-bit remakes of the four original NES Super Mario Bros. games: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2 (the Japanese version, known as Super Mario USA in Japan), Super Mario Bros. 2 (the Western version), and Super Mario Bros. 3. The games feature improved graphics, sound, and gameplay tweaks, making them more accessible and visually appealing on the Super Famicom. Nintendo, masters of platforming and compilation design, brought these classic games together in a single, definitive package, celebrating the history of the Mario franchise.
Gameplay and Platforming Mechanics
Super Mario Collection retains the core gameplay of each original title. Super Mario Bros. is the iconic platformer where Mario and Luigi run, jump, and stomp on enemies to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser. Super Mario Bros. 2 (Japanese version) features a more vertical, challenging level design, with Mario being able to run faster and jump higher. Super Mario Bros. 2 (Western version) introduces the ability to pick up and throw enemies and items, with four playable characters (Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Princess) each with unique abilities. Super Mario Bros. 3 introduces a world map, inventory system, and power-ups like the Super Leaf and Tanooki Suit. All games feature the tight, precise controls and creative level design that define the Mario series.
The compilation also includes a save feature, allowing players to save their progress in each game, a major improvement over the original NES versions. The game's visual style is vibrant and colorful, with all sprites and backgrounds recreated in 16-bit detail, giving the classic games a fresh, modern look. The soundtrack is also enhanced, with the iconic themes re-recorded with the Super Famicom's superior sound chip.
Super Mario Collection was a commercial and critical success, selling over 2 million copies in Japan and over 10 million worldwide. It is often considered the definitive way to experience the original Super Mario Bros. games, and remains a nostalgic classic for fans of the franchise and platforming enthusiasts.