STACK #193 Nov 2020

REVIEWS GAMING

STACK

Out now at

SUPER MARIO 3D ALL-STARS

GENRE: PLATFORMER

PLATFORM: SWITCH

MULTIPLAYER: NO

Superstar tradesman Mario has likely had more great game releases than burst pipes to fix, and this collection – celebrating 35 years since his first Super adventure on the NES –

compiles three of those greats. The menu features brief histories of each included game – Super Mario 64 , Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario

Galaxy – as well as a sweet bonus. The music of Mario is just

MARIO TIME IS RUNNING OUT! If you’re not sure whether to take the plunge into Super Mario 3D All-Stars , that classic modern malaise FOMO may help you decide. Why? Nintendo have decided that the game will only be available to purchase until March 31, 2021.

gone and done what he always does and kidnapped the hapless princess. You know what to do, Mario… 2002 GameCube game Super Mario Sunshine introduced “Shadow Mario” (actually he’s… nah, no spoilers) and a water cannon mechanic known as F.L.U.D.D. (Flash Liquidizer Ultra Dousing Device). The game took the template established back in 1997 and expanded upon it, with a tale of a getaway gone wrong. Improved graphics are cool, and it’s been neatly embiggened to fill modern TV screens. Finally, the bona fide brilliance of Wii classic Super Mario Galaxy . As the title alludes, this one sent Mario and those in his orbit into space. It’s as great today as it was 13 years ago, and if you’ve not had the pleasure then you’re in for a real treat. Ultimately, you’ll have a damned fine time reliving three important chunks of Mario’s legacy here – happy 35th, mate! AF

as special as the games to many, and here we get full soundtracks from all three games – that’s some 175 tracks. What a great start to the Mario party! Super Mario 64 was a launch title for the Nintendo 64 console in 1997, and cast the template for all 3D platformers to come. This keeps things faithful, with slightly improved graphics. Story-wise, Princess Peach invites Mario to her castle for a spot of cake, however Bowser’s

CRASH BANDICOOT 4: IT’S ABOUT TIME

GENRE: PLATFORMER

PLATFORM: PS4, XBOX ONE

MULTIPLAYER: YES

The reason the Crash Bandicoot games have had such longevity is down to their challenging-but- fun 3D platforming action.That’s the go with Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time , which wisely doesn’t mess much with the formula that made the series so successful in the first place. The big difference? Current day

sensibilities. The production here is real AAA stuff, with captivating

BRASH CRASH TRASH DASH! Crash’s controls have been given a working

cutscenes and a sensational animation vibe that really adds character to old favourites. Crash has never been this slick. The story? Doctors Neo Cortex and N. Tropy seek four Quantum Masks in order to enslave the multiverse. It’s up to Crash, his sister Coco and assorted others to keep the whole freedom of choice thing happening multiverse-wise. Anybody who played classic Crash will feel at home here. It takes familiar mechanisms and adds craftily to the mix. The biggest new thing is those Quantum Masks, which

give Crash or Coco new ways to change up gameplay, like slowing time or flipping universes to solve puzzles. Add vine swinging, wall running and more and there’s much to get to grips with. Some levels are totally trial and error, and believe us, there will be error. Still, controls are generally solid, and if your plucky protagonist goes south it’s usually obvious why – you messed up! As for longevity, It’s About Time is bulging with the stuff. It’s one thing to get through a level, it’s another to complete it with all collectibles. Add time trials, unlockables, reversed levels, a fun retro mode and pass-the- controller play and there’s lots to dig into. If you’re a long-time Crash fan then you’ll adore the Crash Bandicoot 4: It’s About Time experience, but be warned… If your platforming chops have softened in recent years, then you’re in for many a rude shock. AF

over. You can double jump right from the get-go, and while the slide ‘n’ jump mechanism remains, the sprint and death tornado spin functions have been retired.

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