In the last 25 years, Super Mario and his friends have entertained gamers all over the world. Nintendo is celebrating this 25 year anniversary by releasing this collection of classics.

"Super Mario All-Stars," contains four previously released games;  ”Super Mario Bros”, ”Super Mario Bros 2”, ”Super Mario Bros 3” and ”Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels”. As well as this, you get a History Booklet and a CD featuring some of the most famous tunes and sounds from Mario’s 25-year gaming history. In other words, you get your money’s worth in terms of game play with this collection.

The four games are all platform game classics, and offer a lot of entertainment for young and adult players alike. Throughout the games, you advance through a number of levels while you solve several tasks and discover hidden secrets. You run, jump, fly and swim through colourful levels in Nintendo’s adventurous worlds.

Unfortunately, this 25th Anniversary Edition doesn’t offer a lot in the way of new and surprising, and the bonus material is probably not very interesting for Super Mario’s young friends. Children and young people will probably find newer games more enjoyable, such as Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Donkey Kong Returns. On the other hand, the simplicity of the games in the “Super Mario All-Stars” collection, might provide the very youngest with a smooth introduction to the games media. In this context, it should be mentioned that the games become increasingly difficult as you advance in levels.

For adults who grew up playing these games in the 1980s and 90s, this collection offers a nice stroll down memory lane. In fact, for this reason, “Super Mario All-Stars,” is better suited to adults than children, and Kids and Media choose not to award this game our recommendation badge.

The games can be played both in single and double player mode. This provides an excellent opportunity for parents to play with their children, and maybe tell a story or two about gaming experiences in their own childhood.

Child suitability:
Despite their age, these games are more than good enough to provide new and experienced players with a satisfying gaming experience. The graphics are colourful and child friendly, and there is no scary or inappropriate content.

The control mechanisms are precise, and as always; practice makes perfect. Patience, precision and coordination, is what you need to master the game.

Level of difficulty:

3-6 years: Some of the tasks are difficult for the youngest. On occasion, it can be a bit tricky to figure out where you are supposed to go. However, if children have some gaming experience, a bit of patience, or get help from an adult, they will be able to play this game just fine. As you progress in the game, the level of difficulty significantly increases.

7-11 years: The games are perfectly suited to this age group, which in many ways is the main target group of the Super Mario games.

12-15 years: The games might appeal to young people, in light of their status as classics. If you want to learn your gaming history, these games are a must.

16+: The games will certainly appeal to adolescents and adults who played these games in their youth.

Suggested age: Suitable for children from 3 years.

Format: Nintendo Wii

PEGI: 3

Our Assessment: OK

Other reviews:

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