Super Mario XP

Super Mario XP Review: A Gory, Divisive Love Letter to Classic Platforming

Overview

Super Mario XP presents a fascinating case study in franchise reinvention, blending the familiar charm of Nintendo's iconic plumber with the darker aesthetic and combat mechanics of Konami's Castlevania series. This fan-made crossover delivers a blood-soaked, challenging platformer that delights many while frustrating others. The experience oscillates between nostalgic brilliance and technical frustration, creating a game that's simultaneously celebrated for its bold vision and criticized for its unpolished execution. While the core Mario DNA remains recognizable, the Castlevania-inspired elements transform this into a distinctly mature take on the Mushroom Kingdom.

This is even better than the original. It is very hard but it is better and more fun. It is different but has more features.

Mnn2k

A Dark Reimagining of the Mushroom Kingdom

The most immediately striking aspect of Super Mario XP is its radical visual departure from traditional Mario games. Gone are the cheerful, colorful landscapes - replaced by gothic castles, misty graveyards, and hauntingly beautiful backgrounds that pay clear homage to Castlevania's signature aesthetic. This isn't just cosmetic window-dressing; the game fully commits to its darker tone with visceral death animations that would make even the most hardened gamer wince. When Mario meets his demise, he doesn't simply disappear with a comedic puff of smoke - he explodes in a dramatic crimson mist that stains the environment.

This tonal shift extends to the gameplay mechanics through an expanded arsenal of weapons. While traditional fire flowers make an appearance, players can now wield hammers, boomerangs, and other Castlevania-inspired armaments. The heart-based ammunition system cleverly integrates RPG elements into the platforming formula, rewarding strategic combat over simple jump-and-stomp tactics. Many players find this weapon diversity exhilarating, offering fresh approaches to enemy encounters that maintain the Mario spirit while introducing satisfying new combat depth.

Control Controversies and Physics Frustrations

The game's most divisive element emerges in its handling of Mario's movement physics. A significant contingent of players report frustrating control issues centered around excessive sliding momentum. Unlike the precise, responsive controls of official Mario titles, Super Mario XP features a weightier, more slippery movement system that frequently causes characters to overshoot platforms or slide uncontrollably into hazards. This physical quirk demands constant counter-steering and creates a steep learning curve that many find off-putting.

I can't seem to control him very well because I'm used to games when Mario DOES NOT SLIDE. When he slides, I move in the opposite direction, and that may cost me my life.

Giga the Echidna

This control scheme proves particularly punishing during boss encounters, which numerous reviewers describe as excessively difficult. The combination of precise platforming requirements and demanding attack patterns creates frustration points that some players never overcome. One reviewer mentions struggling for nearly a year before finally conquering the game's challenges, while others simply abandon the experience entirely. This difficulty seems at odds with the more accessible nature of traditional Mario games, creating a barrier that prevents many from experiencing the game's later content.

Technical Quirks and Presentation

Super Mario XP suffers from several technical limitations that detract from its ambitious vision. The most frequently mentioned issue involves the game's default presentation in a small windowed mode, described by multiple players as uncomfortably restrictive. While tech-savvy users discovered a configuration file workaround to enable fullscreen (noted in one detailed review), this solution remains obscure to casual players. The interface feels dated compared to modern platformers, with minimal options for control rebinding or display customization.

Performance issues also plague certain sections, particularly during action-intensive sequences. Several reviews mention noticeable lag when too many enemies or effects appear simultaneously, causing frustrating frame rate drops during critical moments. The audio design receives mixed feedback as well - while the Castlevania-inspired soundtrack earns praise, Mario's voice acting is repeatedly criticized as grating and unpleasant. Some players even recommend muting the game entirely to preserve their sanity during extended play sessions.

Rewarding Challenge and Replay Incentives

For those who persevere beyond the initial control hurdles, Super Mario XP offers substantial rewards. The game features surprisingly deep replay value through its stage selection system, allowing players to revisit previously completed levels while maintaining progress through the main campaign. This structure encourages experimentation with different weapons and approaches without punishing failure too severely.

The post-game content proves particularly enticing for completionists. After defeating the final boss, players unlock a challenging boss rush mode that strips away weapons and forces pure platforming mastery against the game's toughest adversaries. This mode operates on a strict timer, creating intense, high-stakes encounters that test every skill acquired during the main campaign. Additionally, hidden collectibles and alternative paths through levels provide incentives for thorough exploration beyond the critical path.

After killing the final boss, a timed game shortcut to all the bosses would be enabled. This time, you have to beat them without any weapons.

Tyrranous_anci

Verdict

Super Mario XP stands as a fascinating experiment in genre fusion that largely succeeds despite its technical shortcomings. The bold marriage of Mario's platforming fundamentals with Castlevania's gothic aesthetic and combat systems creates a uniquely compelling experience for players seeking a more mature, challenging take on the franchise. However, significant control frustrations and presentation issues prevent it from reaching true greatness. This is ultimately a game for patient players who appreciate ambitious fan projects and don't mind wrestling with unpolished mechanics to uncover hidden gems.