Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

The three-in-one cartridge packs a remarkable range of gameplay styles, from precision platforming in Super Mario Bros. to reflex-based shooting in Duck Hunt and competitive athletics in World Class Track Meet. Each title leverages its respective NES peripheral—standard controller for Mario, the Zapper light gun for Duck Hunt and the Power Pad for Track Meet—to deliver distinct, memorable experiences. Whether you’re hopping over Goombas, lining up a clay pigeon shot or storming around the track with five friends, the collection keeps things fresh and engaging.

Super Mario Bros. remains the gold standard of 2D platformers, with tight controls, cleverly designed levels and a steady difficulty curve that rewards practice and exploration. Every world introduces new obstacles—fire bars, moving platforms and warp pipes—that demand quick reflexes and precise timing. The challenge ramps up seamlessly from the opening World 1-1 all the way through Bowser’s castle, making it endlessly replayable.

Duck Hunt strips gameplay down to its reflexive core, tasking players with blasting ducks out of the sky before they vanish into the reeds. The Zapper’s light-gun mechanics are delightfully responsive, and the dog’s cheeky laugh when you miss only adds to the thrill (and mild frustration). Quick rounds and escalating difficulty keep you coming back for “just one more try,” perfect for short bursts of competition or friendly high-score battles.

World Class Track Meet introduces a multiplayer twist, requiring the Power Pad to simulate running, jumping and throwing events. Up to six participants can take turns or compete head-to-head in races, hurdles and the javelin throw. The physicality of stomping on the pad injects a carnival-style energy into living rooms, though new players may need a few rounds to master the rhythm and coordination required for top times.

Graphics

Visually, each game highlights the NES’s 8-bit charm. Super Mario Bros. features vibrant palettes and iconic sprite work—Mario’s red cap and blue overalls, lush green pipes and fiery lava flows—that remain instantly recognizable decades later. Backgrounds are simple but well-composed, ensuring that enemies and hazards always stand out.

Duck Hunt opts for a more subdued swamp environment, with muted browns and greens creating a moody hunting ground for your feathered targets. The ducks themselves are rendered with surprisingly smooth animation for the hardware, providing clear feedback when you’ve nailed the shot. The pixel-art dog, popping out to celebrate your success (or mock your misses), adds a humorous visual flourish.

World Class Track Meet’s graphics are functional rather than flashy: a flat track, minimal crowd backdrops and straightforward indicator bars display your power and timing. The simplicity works in the game’s favor, keeping the focus squarely on your physical performance on the Power Pad rather than elaborate visual distractions. Character sprites are chunky but expressive enough to convey exertion and victory poses.

Together, these three games showcase the NES’s toolkit for varied aesthetics: bright and detailed in Mario, atmospheric in Duck Hunt and utilitarian in Track Meet. All remain crisp and clear on a modern TV with just a bit of nostalgia-tinged charm.

Story

Super Mario Bros. delivers a classic “rescue the princess” narrative that, while straightforward, perfectly frames the platforming adventure. Bowser’s abduction of Princess Peach gives every warp pipe and Goomba a sense of purpose, and the gradual reveal of new worlds and power-up abilities keeps the plot moving at a lively pace. Each castle conquered feels like a meaningful step toward that climactic showdown.

Duck Hunt has virtually no narrative beyond the conceit of training your aim on unsuspecting waterfowl and enduring your canine companion’s teasing. That minimal plot works to its advantage, stripping away distractions and making each round about skill, speed and precision. The light-gun mechanics become the story itself, with you as the lone marksman against an endless sky.

World Class Track Meet channels the excitement of an Olympic-style competition into the living room, but it offers no real storyline beyond “beat your opponents.” Instead, the thrill comes from personal achievement—shaving fractions of a second off your sprint or perfecting your long-jump timing. In multiplayer, friendly rivalries and bragging rights naturally fill in any narrative gaps.

While only Mario brings a traditional story to the table, all three titles rely on gameplay momentum and player investment rather than deep lore. The variety ensures that whether you crave heroism, sharpshooting or sporting glory, there’s a compelling raison d’être for every session.

Overall Experience

Super Mario Bros. / Duck Hunt / World Class Track Meet remains one of the most iconic and versatile NES cartridges available. It’s a nostalgic time capsule that also stands up to modern play: Mario’s levels are as fun today as they were at launch, Duck Hunt’s Zapper action still thrills, and the Power Pad events offer a unique physicality you won’t find in standard controller games.

The collection excels in both solo and social settings. Single players can master Mario’s hidden secrets, chase high scores in Duck Hunt or hone their personal bests on the Power Pad. Groups can rotate turns or face off directly, transforming any living room into an impromptu arcade or family game night. The three-in-one format provides unbeatable value and variety, making it a great fit for newcomers and long-time fans alike.

Of course, modern conveniences like save states and rewind features on emulators can soften the cartridge’s occasional difficulty spikes. But part of the charm here is that old-school challenge: every life lost in Bowser’s castle or every missed duck reminds you why this package was cherished by early NES adopters.

Ultimately, this triad of classics delivers a well-rounded, joyful experience. It’s a perfect showcase of Nintendo’s innovative peripherals and design philosophies from the late ’80s, offering platforming, shooting and athletic competition in one affordable bundle. Whether you’re looking to relive childhood memories or discover gaming milestones for the first time, this cartridge remains a must-have in any retro collection.