As you can see, this game is VERY similar to the original game. Same graphics, same soundtrack, same story, but it improved on many things. First off, the game was far more difficult. Beating the first level on this game is like beating the first world on the original. Also, there are many subtle differences, such as slight upgrades in sound quality, and the fact that Mario and Luigi have differing abilities. Mario has greater traction, while Luigi can jump farther (There's no two player component in this game, just character selection). Also, after completing the game once without using any warp zones (which remain present), you are then transported to a world called "Fantasy World". Which, it so happens, is the perfect title for this land of butcherd physics laws. There's underwater clouds, flagpoles, even fire! FIRE!
The core Mario formula is back, with great control, difficult levels and addictive gameplay. It all feels alot more important as well, as this is a game that could've REALLY pissed you off if the controls sucked. Any slight miscalculation on the game's part often means death in a game like this, but you can rest assured that your failures are a result of your lack of skill (insert raspberry blowing here).
This game not only carries on the tradition of the original game, but continues it's legacy with upgrades such as the Poison Mushroom, characters having different abilities, and the physical distinction in mushrooms. This is the true sequel to the game, always tainted by the awkward turtle of the series, Super Mario Bros. 2.
Now, with Mario's quality sliding ever so quickly towards the shitter, it would come as no surprise if the next entry in the iconic franchise would be the bottom-barrel series killer. However, Nintendo decided to send off the 80's, and the original trilogy, with a bang:
Super Mario Bros. 3 was originally unveiled in the comically terrible The Wizard film, and was easily the biggest Nintendo related news at that point. Everyone saw the new game and was shocked to see their favorite plumber dressing up like a raccoon and fighting the scourge of the Mushroom Kingdom: Bowser and his minions. So obviously, expectations were quite high. And I can say, around 12 years after playing it for the first time, I can honestly say that this is one, if not the, greatest game on the NES, and definitely the greatest Mario game of the time.
I went off on SMB2's cover, but this one is a downright masterpiece. It's simple, yet tantalizing. All the cover shows is the game's logo and an image that would be iconic for years to come: Mario swooping down wearng The Super Leaf. Only a Mario game could make a super leaf seem extremely epic. It claims to be the biggest, most exciting Mario Bros. game yet, and by God it most certainly was.
Starting up the game gets you immediately pumped up, as Mario and Luigi race towards each other across a checkered screen. Luigi jumps ontop of Mario, bounces off, and the title screen falls down. Amazing.
The first level displays some of the greatest graphics on the NES. Mario is in close to full 8-bit glory with incredible detail on small things, such as Mario gripping his hat for dear life while ducking for cover. There are much more power-ups this time around, such as the Frog Suit, the Tanooki Suit, the P Wing, and staples like the mushrooms and Fire Suit. The gameplay is incredible, with every move inching you closer and closer to the edge of your seat. There are many times where you lose control of your body and pure adrenaline takes over for you, bouncing you from platform to platform.
Again, the core formula of Difficulty, Addicticability and Precision remain. Slipping under Thwomps and speeding past The Angry Sun is nothing short of soulfully rewarding, but if you let it this game will kick your ass.
Overall, this game is a timeless masterpiece, and a perfect end to an overall classic series.
Make sure to visit The Player's Lair next week, as we review what many hold to be the greatest Mario title of all time.
