I'd imagine the reason why it's illegal is because it'd be supporting another act which is clearly illegal (i.e. the making of a fangame with nintendo's IP)
But this is so small-time that it doesn't really even matter. Ethically, star and company aren't going to do anything to deter nintendo's ability to sell their IP (it'll probably help their sales if this actually gets around) so it's no big deal.
As for the pipe, I think the rim of it should be a little bit smaller. Since the sprite's dimensions don't look to be the same aspect ratio as it normally would be (it's too skinny due to restrictions, I think) the rim extenuates the feeling of it being off the way it is.
EDIT -- Actually, looking at them, the darker pipe looks good to me in shape, but I prefer the lighter one's colors. If you combine them, I think it'll be perfect.~
But this is so small-time that it doesn't really even matter. Ethically, star and company aren't going to do anything to deter nintendo's ability to sell their IP (it'll probably help their sales if this actually gets around) so it's no big deal.
As for the pipe, I think the rim of it should be a little bit smaller. Since the sprite's dimensions don't look to be the same aspect ratio as it normally would be (it's too skinny due to restrictions, I think) the rim extenuates the feeling of it being off the way it is.
EDIT -- Actually, looking at them, the darker pipe looks good to me in shape, but I prefer the lighter one's colors. If you combine them, I think it'll be perfect.~