ScarlettVixen has officially unveiled Mario Adventure 3, a ROM hack for Super Mario Bros. 3, which has been in the making for two decades. The developer shared, "This project has been incredibly lengthy, but after 12 years, it's finally complete. Many aspects of this game are refined versions of concepts from previous works. Mario Adventure 3 is not just a 12-year endeavor; it's a 20-year fusion of ideas that are now realized."
The first iteration of Mario Adventure was released in 2002, and subsequent hacks such as Luigi's Coin Quest and Luigi vs. Mario built upon its framework. In Mario Adventure 3, ScarlettVixen incorporates elements from earlier projects while introducing fresh features. A trailer is available below.
The hack boasts a range of features, including a day-and-night cycle, weather effects, an item shop, and exploration-focused mechanics. Players can navigate and revisit worlds without cutscenes, a feature first seen in Luigi's Coin Quest. Hidden collectibles unlock previously inaccessible areas, prompting players to delve deeply into the game.
Furthermore, Mario Adventure 3 includes significant technical enhancements, such as a custom level format, an optimized tile-collision system, and reimagined enemies. ScarlettVixen mentioned in an SMW Central forum post that "approximately 75% of the game has been rebuilt from scratch." New power-ups, like the Ninja Mushroom enabling wall-jumping, and an overhauled item system are also featured. The hack pushes the limits of NES hardware by displaying up to 28 colors simultaneously and includes a full save system, allowing players to return to completed levels.
The game's storyline revolves around Malice Mushrooms invading Bowser's Kingdom, with Bowser accusing Princess Peach's kingdom of the infestation. Mario must eradicate the Malice to avert a war between the kingdoms.
