STACK #196 Feb 2021

GAMING FEATURE

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TRADIE TALK!

SWITCHED ON 3D

With the arrival of Super Mario 3D All-Stars + Bowser’s Fury this month, you can now play all five generations of 3D Mario games on the Switch. Super Mario 64, Sunshine and Galaxy are all featured in

the limited-edition Super Mario 3D All-Stars compilation, while no self- respecting Switch owner should

be without the masterpiece that is Super Mario Odyssey . We just need Super Mario Galaxy 2 now – help, Mr. Miyamoto, help!

He may be deft with a wrench, but over the years superstar tradesman Mario has also been quite the innovator. He was there for the world’s first 2D platform game in Donkey Kong , and he was at the front of the queue when platformers went 3D in Super Mario 64 .With Super Mario 3DWorld + Bowser’s Fury hitting the Switch this month, we take a quick look back at Mario’s greatest 3D hits. Words Amy Flower bit and became the Wii. Super Mario Sunshine also copped more than its fair share of flak, with accusations of repetitiveness, and hate for the FLUDD water weapon. We’re having none of it, Sunshine rocks! Super Mario Galaxy/ Super Mario Galaxy 2 Wii (2007, 2010) Proving that Mario can do pretty much anything, he and his Mushie Kingdom pals went into space for these superb platformers,

Super Mario 3D World Wii U (2013)

Building on the 2011 3DS game Super Mario 3D Land , this combined the familiarity of self- contained levels from the 2D Mario era with 3D exploration. Possibly the biggest draw was the ability for up to four players to play at once – although some may argue that the chockies went to Mario’s catsuit. Super Mario Odyssey Switch (2017) Best. Game. Ever. A big call, but anybody who’s spent some time with this return to the open world roots of Super Mario 64 would

Super Mario 64 Nintendo 64 (1996) Launched alongside the Nintendo 64

console, playing Super Mario 64 for the first time was a revelation. The move from 2D to 3D remains arguably the greatest leap in gaming tech, and this particular game established many tropes that persist in open world 3D platforming games today.

Super Mario Sunshine GameCube (2002)

likely agree. World after world throws up new and unique challenges, yet you just click with what’s required. This game even made a sentient hat seem plausible! Genius.

which evolved from a tech demo. With more experimental freedom matched to challenging but captivating gameplay, they were hailed as Mario’s greatest outings yet.

Ah, the much-maligned GameCube, which would get its revenge when it was tweaked a

YOU’VE GOT RED ON YOU! This month also sees the arrival of the Mario Red & Blue Edition Switch, sporting the iconic red and blue of Mario’s outfit. Not only does it pack red Joy-Cons with blue straps, a blue Joy-Con grip and a red Nintendo Switch dock, it’s also the first non-black main Switch unit – yep, you guessed it, red. Add a natty matching carrying case plus a screen protector and it’s one must-have package for any Mario lover.

FEBRUARY 2021

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