Stivi Unveils Ambitious New Super Mario World ROM Hack with Original Art and Soundtrack

Veteran ROM hacker Stivi has officially unveiled his most ambitious project yet—a currently untitled Super Mario World ROM hack—introducing the gaming community to an expansive creative endeavor that promises new experiences for fans of Nintendo’s iconic platformer.

Revealed on July 11, 2023, the project surfaced via SMWcentral, a leading hub for Super Mario World modders and enthusiasts. This forthcoming hack represents Stivi’s self-described 'magnum opus,' blending original graphics, a completely new soundtrack, and seven uniquely themed worlds.

Each world is set to contain approximately six intricately designed levels, offering players a wealth of content and replayability.

Notably, players can expect to encounter entirely new enemies, innovative gameplay features such as dynamic flooding levels, as well as in-game shops and secret areas to reward exploration. Stivi is no stranger to the Super Mario World hacking scene.

He previously developed the Super Mario Flash 2 remake hack and has created several other acclaimed projects, including Another Mario World 2: Luigi's Mission and Phenomenal Mario World.

Between 2018 and 2022, Stivi worked extensively on another ambitious ROM hack, Super Mario Travellers, which was eventually canceled.

However, many design concepts, level themes, and visual aesthetics from Travellers are being thoughtfully repurposed for this new venture. In a recent post on SMWcentral, Stivi shared insights into his creative process and the evolution of his work, noting, 'I present my new magnum opus.

While I hoped to unveil it when the hack was at least halfway complete, it's hard to predict how long that will take.

My aim is to have significant progress to show in the next year or two, perhaps even releasing a trailer by then.

This hack is meant to be my best, and probably my final, comprehensive project—similar to my intentions for Super Mario Travellers.

Originally, I wanted to continue with Travellers, but starting entirely from scratch felt like the right decision, and I’ll reveal a new title in due course.' Stivi continued by explaining that while substantial elements from Super Mario Travellers will be reused, the project has evolved significantly, establishing its own unique identity.

He emphasized his role as the primary graphic artist for the hack, pointing out that all visuals were created by him with only minimal outside assistance.

Additionally, Stivi has deepened his expertise in advanced Sprite Movement Assembly (ASM), enabling the introduction of custom sprites, novel level mechanics, and formidable boss encounters.

He acknowledged contributions from collaborators Donut and Burning Loaf, specifically for support with more complex ASM functionalities. Though the hack remains in early development and Stivi has signaled that updates may be infrequent for now, the project has already captured significant attention within the ROM hacking and Nintendo fan communities.

Fans eager to track its progress can visit SMWcentral or follow Stivi on social media for ongoing updates and sneak peeks at new sprite work and innovative level mechanics. This forthcoming Super Mario World hack stands as a testament to the enduring passion and creativity within the ROM hacking community, continuing Nintendo's legacy of inspiring transformative fan-driven projects.

Mario Super Mario Super Mario World soundtrack ROM ROM hacker Stivi Nintendo SMWcentral Donut Burning Loaf Super Mario Flash 2 Another Mario World 2 Phenomenal Mario World Super Mario Travellers