Super Mario Pac

Super Mario Pac Review: A Water-Powered Adventure with Mixed Results

Super Mario Pac offers a curious twist on the classic Mario formula by introducing water-propelled jetpack mechanics that create moments of genuine charm alongside noticeable frustrations. This fan-made creation channels the spirit of Super Mario Sunshine's FLUDD device into a compact package that delights some players while leaving others wanting more depth. The core experience revolves around Mario navigating levels with his aquatic propulsion system, defeating pipe-dwelling plants, and collecting components to advance - a loop that proves entertaining in short bursts but reveals its limitations over time.

Jetpack Mechanics: Flying High and Low

The water-powered jetpack stands as the game's defining feature, delivering a floaty, unconventional movement system that differentiates it from traditional Mario platformers. Controlling Mario's airborne trajectory requires patience and precision, creating satisfying moments when you gracefully navigate obstacles or dodge enemies. The propulsion system allows creative approaches to level navigation, though the physics occasionally feel unpredictable. Several players appreciate how this mechanic pays homage to classic games like Jetpack while maintaining Mario's signature charm.

You fly around with some bubble machine on your back and shoot flying fish! It reminds me of that older game... Super Mario Pac retains the Mario charm and adds something new.

Spadly

However, the controls prove divisive. While most players find them intuitive after initial adjustment, persistent issues like unintended leftward drift undermine the experience for some. The included control editor theoretically allows customization but appears functionally unreliable based on player reports. This inconsistency between the jetpack's potential and its occasional finicky execution creates a barrier to full enjoyment.

Presentation and Gameplay Loop

Visually, Super Mario Pac captures the essence of classic Mario games with its colorful environments and familiar enemy designs. The pixel art maintains series traditions while accommodating the new aerial mechanics, though some players note a certain haziness in the graphics that occasionally obscures action. The audio design successfully channels nostalgic Mario soundscapes with cheerful tunes and recognizable sound effects that complement the lighthearted tone.

The core gameplay loop follows a straightforward pattern: defeat the emerging plant creature from pipes, collect purple boxes, then enter the pipe to advance. This structure provides accessible, bite-sized challenges perfect for quick gaming sessions, with many finding it relaxing and stress-free. The simplicity becomes a double-edged sword though, as repetition sets in quickly. Without significant variation between levels or additional objectives, the novelty wears thin after extended play.

The object of the game is to kill the plant that comes out of the tunnel then you go in the tunnel and advance to the next level and do the same thing over and over again.

Jesse Garza

Missed Opportunities and Potential

Several players express disappointment that the water mechanics don't expand beyond basic propulsion. The inability to interact with environments by squirting pipes or creating water-based puzzles feels like wasted potential, especially for those familiar with Sunshine's more versatile implementation. The compact nature of the game also means environments feel constrained, with requests for expanded water spaces and more complex level designs going unanswered.

Despite these limitations, the game succeeds in delivering uncomplicated fun. Its pick-up-and-play accessibility makes it welcoming for casual gamers, while the nostalgia factor resonates with Mario enthusiasts. The charm comes through strongest when viewed as a creative fan project rather than a full-fledged Mario title, with many appreciating its clear affection for the source material even when execution falters.

Final Impressions

Super Mario Pac ultimately shines brightest as a clever experiment in Mario-style movement rather than a comprehensive platforming experience. The water jetpack delivers genuinely fresh moments of aerial freedom that distinguish it from other fan creations, but the shallow gameplay loop and technical inconsistencies prevent it from reaching greater heights. For players seeking quick bursts of nostalgic fun with a novel twist, it provides enjoyable distraction. Those hoping for deep mechanics or varied challenges will find the repetition outweighs the charm. It's a small-scale tribute that captures Mario's spirit in fits and starts, making it worth a try for curious fans but unlikely to become a staple in their gaming rotation.

You could call this Jetpack Mario! It definitely has a certain charm to it, as you fly around with your water powered Jetpack... The game is smooth, and is fairly entertaining.

Big J