The original Mario Forever is probably one of the only times I have revisited a 2D Mario game without losing enjoyment, it is a game that isn’t afraid to experiment with level design, gimmicks and power-ups when most 2D Mario games are the embodiment of average and bland.

However, the later versions of it have been bloated with many weird changes and edits that can be charming, but cheapen the experience overall.

Because of this, this hack is not just impressive, but generally really fun - being accurate to the earlier versions and having content of it’s own, it’s an incredibly well done recreation of the brilliant early 2000s fangame. However, I feel like there are some flaws: the controls are too close to SMW, which doesn’t really mesh well with the level design and is more of a detriment than anything, and the lack of the original world map is a bit of a shame, as the SMW-esque one, while pretty, doesn’t fit with the rest of the game’s style.

However, I would definitely recommend playing this if you don’t feel like bothering with the fangame versions. I prefer Mario Forever Remake, but this is a great feat and a fun experience overall.