This 2018 modification transforms the standard 2D platformer into an open-world adventure on the Nintendo DS. You explore a gigantic, star-hidden world to find Bowser and recover the Eternal Star Shards, following a fully scripted story. Gameplay replaces linear worlds with eight objectives, each featuring a unique fortress level with multiple navigable routes, emphasizing exploration within a familiar framework.
This modification replaces the traditional world structure with eight distinct objectives. Each of these objectives features a unique fortress level that players must conquer. A key element of the design is the inclusion of multiple routes within these fortress levels, encouraging exploration and replayability as players navigate toward their goals.
The narrative centers on Mario's quest to stop Bowser from harnessing the power of the Eternal Star. This story is supported by fully scripted content, including both opening and closing cutscenes that frame the adventure within this star-bound setting.
As a modification (Mod), this game takes the established engine and mechanics of its parent game and reconfigures them to deliver a new experience. This approach allows for substantial structural changes, such as the shift to an open-world format, which is not typically present in the standard iteration of the source material. The value proposition here lies in experiencing a familiar style of gameplay within a drastically altered, non-linear framework.
Instead of progressing sequentially through distinct worlds, players are presented with a large environment where the primary tasks are locating and infiltrating eight major fortresses. This design choice emphasizes player agency in determining the order of objectives.
Currently, there is no additional downloadable content or expansions associated with this modification. The experience is contained within the initial release package.
This modification is available exclusively on the Nintendo DS platform and was made public in late 2018.