Super Mario Series

[talonmalon333]

What do you guys think of the Super Mario Advance ports of SMB2, SMW, SMW2, and SMB3?

[Nel_Annette]

They were all pretty much the first versions of each of those games I owned, and I loved having portable versions of them, so they hold a special place in my nostalgia.

Lord knows the GBA version of SMB2 and 3 spoiled me with their lush backgrounds (which I think originated with All-Stars having them), so when I got the VC versions of them, I was like "wtf is this ugly shit?". 

[Foggle]

What do you guys think of the Super Mario Advance ports of SMB2, SMW, SMW2, and SMB3?

SMB 2 and 3 are basically just 1:1 ports of the All Stars versions, right? I grew up on them and am ashamed to admit that - for the longest time - I thought the graphics had always looked like that, even back in their original releases.

SMW and Yoshi's Island are better on the SNES from what I can tell, but not by a huge margin or anything, so I still like them. I might actually prefer the GBA version of YI if only because I can play it on my Wii U.

They were all pretty much the first versions of each of those games I owned, and I loved having portable versions of them, so they hold a special place in my nostalgia.

Lord knows the GBA version of SMB2 and 3 spoiled me with their lush backgrounds (which I think originated with All-Stars having them), so when I got the VC versions of them, I was like "wtf is this ugly shit?". 

Exact same thing happened to me!

[Spark Of Spirit]

The SMW is like the exact same thing as the SNES version so I can take or leave it. Same with Yoshi's Island. The SMB2 and 3 ports are pretty good. Could do without all the voiceclips, though.

They were all pretty much the first versions of each of those games I owned, and I loved having portable versions of them, so they hold a special place in my nostalgia.

Lord knows the GBA version of SMB2 and 3 spoiled me with their lush backgrounds (which I think originated with All-Stars having them), so when I got the VC versions of them, I was like "wtf is this ugly shit?". 

Exact same thing happened to me!

[talonmalon333]

SMB3 still looks really good on NES. It's not like SMB1 where they massively overhauled the look of it. The sprites and designs in SMB3 look similar for NES and SNES. They just gave it all a lot more detail in the SNES version.

Also, I like that they finally gave Mario and Luigi gloves in the GBA version of 3. Even in All Stars, they had gloves in SMB, SMBLL, and SMB2, but not SMB3.

What did they do wrong?

[talonmalon333]

As for my feelings on the Advance games, they are great for the most part. I do prefer the games without the voices, but they are fine. I remember hearing about the original Advance, and that was what led me to get a GBA (in addition to the fact that I remember my GBC was dying at the time and needed to be replaced).

SMB2, SMW, and SMW2 are mostly direct ports of their SNES counterparts. I feel like 3 was the only one with real differences, as it added a few story scenes, changed the music, and added that E-Reader stuff. As a port (not talking about the quality of the game), I don't like it quite as much for these changes. I don't know, it's mostly the music. It has a different "feel" to it than the original songs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8XIwb9gH3U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9uX99b3HFxE

I really like the SNES versions of those songs, and wish they had kept them for the GBA version. There are a few other songs, too. Still a great port. I just don't care for the changes as much, and like how the other Advance games were more direct. I guess I can't fault them for trying, though. You can tell Miyamoto was more involved in Advance 4.

[Spark Of Spirit]

One thing I liked about SMA4 was the e-reader stuff. Those bonus levels were really cool and evidence that Nintendo still knew their platforming roots.

I also liked treats like this especially the ending. I like how they combined both the SMB1 and SMB3 level endings into one.

[talonmalon333]

One thing I liked about SMA4 was the e-reader stuff. Those bonus levels were really cool and evidence that Nintendo still knew their platforming roots.

I also liked treats like this especially the ending. I like how they combined both the SMB1 and SMB3 level endings into one.

The E-Reader stuff was interesting but, much like the Zelda Four Swords games, I think making it work was a hassle. Plus, it seemed like Nintendo abandoned the concept before long.

[Spark Of Spirit]

One thing I liked about SMA4 was the e-reader stuff. Those bonus levels were really cool and evidence that Nintendo still knew their platforming roots.

I also liked treats like this especially the ending. I like how they combined both the SMB1 and SMB3 level endings into one.

The E-Reader stuff was interesting but, much like the Zelda Four Swords games, I think making it work was a hassle. Plus, it seemed like Nintendo abandoned the concept before long.

The e-reader levels were excellent. They kept the SMB3 engine but threw in everything from new gimmicks, to power-ups like the cape from SMW, to Yoshi's Island enemies, to vegetables from SMB2, and a good level of challenge on top of it.

If they ever re-release the game, they really should re-release the e-reader stuff with it. Some of the best stuff is in there.

[Nel_Annette]

Ah yes, I forgot about the little exclusive things like the e-Reader levels. Those were great, though I never had all the cards.

Also worth mentioning is the Mecha-Birdo in SMB2. That was exclusive to the GBA version, yes? Replaced a Mouser fight or something.

[talonmalon333]

The e-reader levels were excellent. They kept the SMB3 engine but threw in everything from new gimmicks, to power-ups like the cape from SMW, to Yoshi's Island enemies, to vegetables from SMB2, and a good level of challenge on top of it.

If they ever re-release the game, they really should re-release the e-reader stuff with it. Some of the best stuff is in there.

I agree. I just think it could have been developed further and was annoying to pull off.

Nintendo should do a true update of Super Mario All Stars, and take the best parts of every version of each game.

SMB - Physics from the NES version, graphics and sound from SNES version, extra content from GBC version.
SMBLL - Physics from the NES version, graphics and sound from SNES version, extra content from GBC version.
SMB2 - Graphics and sound from SNES version, extra content from GBA version.
SMB3 - Graphics and sound from SNES version, E-Reader content from GBA version (maybe as an unlockable)... also, gloves.
SMW - Because they re-released All Stars on the SNES with it. So, why not? Aside from Luigi's updated design, I can't think of any new content from re-releases, though.

[talonmalon333]

Foggle and Nel, did you play Yoshi's Story before Yoshi's Island?

[Foggle]

No. I actually had no idea Yoshi's Story even existed until many years after I played Yoshi's Island. The only way I really knew which games were out back in the day (before we had broadband) was by playing them with/hearing about them from my friends or if they were available to rent from the local Blockbuster.

[talonmalon333]

Since we're talking about the handheld ports, what did you guys think of Super Mario Bros. Deluxe?

[Foggle]

Loved it! That one was my second video game ever.