It's sometimes hard to recall just how far video games have come since the days of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, a console many called the first real breakthrough for gaming, but now we've got Mario All-Stars: 25th Anniversary Edition to induce a fresh wave of nostalgia upon fans. And what a wave- don't be surprised if an older relative comes in, sees you playing Super Mario Bros and goes "I remember that! Can I have a go?". Everyone remembers the classic pixelated Super Mario, and though he was slightly updated for All-Stars the character remains present across this box-set. The four games (yes, four!) included are Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros 2 and Super Mario Bros 3, each a gaming gem unto-itself. Mario Bros is the perfect introduction with its simple side-scrolling and Mario vs Bowser battles (don't forget "Sorry, but our princess is in another castle!), while Lost Levels is the same game, but immediately much more of a challenge and a true test of skill and endurance for hardcore gamers, Mario Bros 2 had a weird plot and was considered to be the series underdog due to odd mechanics but is still retro in a good way and MB3 combines many of the elements of the franchise still present today even in the likes of Super Mario Galaxy 2 (10/10) in what is surely one of the best games of all time. The set also includes a "History of Mario" booklet and soundtrack CD with a track from each main Mario entry, and while these don't really scream out the relevance of this 25th anniversary the sheer quality (and quantity) of the games on offer here for just £20 is stunning.
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