To start off, this hack is pretty easy and I consider myself an expert at playing SMB3 but not a master. The level designs are a ‘hit and miss’ for me. Some are very creative while others are too linear though I know how difficult it is to create 70 to 80 good quality levels. It wouldn’t be right for me to compare this 2004 hack to the games released today because Recovery1 had very little reference among the few hacks back then. I respect this hack as one of the first to lead the way for future hackers and level designers.

Good things:

• Perfect Power-up placements.
• The ease of gameplay makes it enjoyable.
• The Level Design: There are definitely a few hidden gems among the levels. (7-7 my favorite)
• Does well to give that SMB3 experience.
• I’m a fan of some custom palettes on here.

There are a few hiccups worth noting, however:

• Stumbled on some misplaced pipe pointers (1-2) and entering a pipe in (6-2) will freeze the game. Though the game is easy, I recommend using savestates just in case that happens.
• Once in a while, enemies fall from above the screen, no way to see them.
• Some blinds jumps (though I didn’t die from any of them.)

Overall, Recovery1 did a good job. I can tell the hack wasn’t finished with the world 6 and 7 maps and World 8 being untouched, but it was worth releasing. It was a good experience playing through it.

Recommended.