Retro Replay Retro Replay gaming reviews, news, emulation, geek stuff and more!
Related Articles
The ROM hacking community has a new standout release to celebrate with Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash DELUXE!, an ambitious NES hack that fuses the familiar platforming of Super Mario Bros. with the style and challenge of Celeste. Created by the legendary developer w7n, this project is more than a simple modification. It expands the original Celeste Mario hack with eleven brand new mini games, a heartfelt farewell course, upgraded graphics, and a full chiptune soundtrack.
For those ready to play, the patch is available now at RomHack Plaza, with its official entry also listed on Romhacking.net. Both pages provide credits, instructions, and a place for players to share impressions. The response so far has been enthusiastic, with many calling it one of the most polished and complete hacks of 2025.
A True Deluxe Upgrade
Zap & Dash DELUXE! is not a small update. It expands the base hack with features that make it feel like an entirely new game. The mini games in particular are a highlight, offering puzzle challenges, reflex tests, and experimental gameplay that go far beyond Mario’s original design. Each one stands on its own while adding variety to the overall package.
The farewell course also deserves mention. Acting like an epilogue, it closes the game on a powerful note, much like the farewell content in the original Celeste. It is both challenging and emotional, giving the hack a sense of narrative closure that feels rare in NES projects.
Developer and Team
At the center of the project is w7n, who not only handled programming but also music, level design, and graphics. His vision is what ties the hack together. At the same time, contributions from artists like Morshu, Eden GT, and Ficus, along with feedback from dedicated playtesters, ensured the project felt balanced and polished.
This collaborative approach is part of what makes ROM hacking so unique. Fans come together to create something new from old hardware, and in this case the result is a game that feels cohesive and carefully crafted.
The soundtrack, however, is the true star. W7n adapted Celeste’s memorable music into NES chiptune arrangements that feel authentic while still capturing the emotion of the source. The farewell course theme is especially impressive, in a way that lingers long after playing.
For those interested in learning more about his work and past projects, you can visit w7n’s personal Mario Hacker page, where his history of creative hacks and tools is showcased. It is a testament to how far dedicated fans can push the limits of classic hardware and why names like his carry so much respect in retro gaming circles. Just bring your translator.
Community Reaction
Early reactions from the ROM hacking community have been glowing. Reviews on Romhacking.net describe the hack as more polished than many official NES releases, praising both the variety and the execution. Fans are already calling it one of the most important hacks of the year.
One community member summed up the excitement perfectly:
This is, in my opinion, my favorite SMB hack to date. Not only does it keep the original game mode (from the first version of the hack) intact, it also adds more fun to the hack, by adding minigames, aka the Celeste Archive (a reference to the game’s logo for Blue Archive). Driller Mario and Mario is You are my top favorites. The option to access the sound test is also welcoming, since I can listen to my favorite tracks in the hack, without any sound effects interrupting it, as the soundtrack is top-notch.
Highly recommend! Reviewed By: StickyChannel92
A Personal Note
I have already spent a few hours with Zap & Dash DELUXE! and can say it lives up to the hype. The controls feel smooth, the levels are creative, and the music is unforgettable. But I have only just begun.
Tonight I will be sitting down for a full longplay, which will also be my first extended retro gaming session since late spring. It feels like the perfect way to return to the hobby after a few months away, and I am eager to see how far I can make it through the mini games and the farewell course in one sitting.
This is not a review yet, but the release of Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash DELUXE! deserves to be celebrated. With its expanded content, beautiful presentation, and strong community reception, it has already secured a place as one of the most exciting ROM hacks of 2025. For anyone who loves the NES or just wants to see how far fan creativity can go, this is a must-play.
