Instead of being a pure homage, though, the game throws constant curveballs at you. The nod to Tarantino and Shinichiro Watanabe is duly earned. These additions are far from being a cut-and-paste hodgepodge though, as they're carefully woven together to create an enthralling experience. Super Mario World is its core, but set pieces, backgrounds, and enemies from assorted titles and other Mario games all make appearances. This game is highly allusive and drops constant references to other works like its Gaiman's Sandman. This is obviously a labor of love, as the developer knows her stuff. (I'm actually going to do a write-up for the archetypal one once I can get past its first level.) But Brutal Mario's different, and I couldn't be happier. To conquer them one would require fast reflexes, knowledge of glitches, and countless save states. Mario's Adventure, anybody? The people who do actually know what they're doing typically go and make absurdly insane outings that only a diehard player could complete. They either poorly implement the game's mechanics or try to turn it into something it's not. Most hacks don't tap into this potential, however, and squander in mediocracy. Every aspect of its design comes together in perfect form, making a cohesive package that has yet to be topped.

Super Mario World is popular among ROM hackers simply because it's well-known and awesome, the definitive hop-and-bop platformer. That's a boss fight with Mammon Machine from Chrono Trigger. If the above seems like hyperbole, just check out the screenshot there. Either way its a masterful blend of Nintendo's best, and if you have any fond memories of the SNES era you shouldn't miss it. Brutal Mario is the Cowboy Bebop or Tarantino flick of platformers, take your pick. You probably think I'm crazy but hear me out, because this game is a fucking masterpiece. I've got tons of games at my disposal, but whenever I get free time I turn to this unassuming ROM hack of Super Mario World. I tried to rekindle my old friendships with Fallout 2, Deus Ex, and Alpha Centauri but I can't seem to find the time. I still have a couple of medals to earn in RunMan, and I've been skimping on my Spelunky sessions. I should probably be ashamed of myself, but I'm having too much fun.

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