Mario's Lost Bytes

EDIT: This a truncated version of this post. The full version now appears here.

My online stumbling has led me to Unseen 64, a truly righteous site that compiles images from beta versions of famous video games. Sure, half the text is in Italian, but that shouldn't stop you from taking a look. After all, doesn't Mario speak Italian? Screenshots from not-ready-for-prime-time versions of various Mario games are always a trip, as any true gamer can't help marvel at what could have been.

First up, Super Mario 64. Not too much here, besides a slightly different looking Bowser and a primitive power meter.



Next: Mario Kart 64, or as it was known in pre-production, Mario Kart R. I'd nearly forgotten that the original line-up for the game included Kamek — or, possibly, a generic Magikoopa — at the expense of the Donkey Kong County-modelled D.K. Also changed: the portraits of the top four spots are staring straight ahead instead of to the side. In a sense, I suppose this character was an upgrade from the playable Koopa Troopa in the first Mario Kart.




EDIT: This a truncated version of this post. The full version now appears here.