Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)

by Christopher
written by Christopher 6 minutes read

Summary

Super Mario Bros. 3: The Perfect Platformer

Released in 1988 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Mario Bros. 3 is widely considered to be one of the greatest video games of all time. It’s a master class in level design, with imaginative and challenging levels that are still fun to play today. The game also introduced a number of new power-ups and enemies, which added even more depth and variety to the gameplay.

Gameplay

Super Mario Bros. 3 is a side-scrolling platformer in which the player controls Mario or Luigi as they travel through the Mushroom Kingdom, rescuing Princess Toadstool and her attendants from Bowser. The game is divided into eight worlds, each with its own unique theme and set of levels.

The levels in Super Mario Bros. 3 are incredibly varied, ranging from traditional platforming levels to underwater levels, ghost houses, and even an airship level. Each level is filled with challenges, such as enemies, traps, and puzzles. Mario and Luigi can use a variety of power-ups to help them overcome these challenges, including the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Super Star.

New Features

Super Mario Bros. 3 introduced a number of new features to the Mario franchise, including:

  • A nonlinear world map: For the first time in a Mario game, players could choose which world they wanted to play next. This gave the game a greater sense of exploration and replayability.
  • New power-ups: Super Mario Bros. 3 introduced a number of new power-ups, including the Super Leaf, which allowed Mario and Luigi to fly; the Tanooki Suit, which allowed them to transform into a statue; and the Hammer Suit, which allowed them to throw hammers.
  • New enemies: Super Mario Bros. 3 also introduced a number of new enemies, including the Shy Guys, the Boom Boom, and the Dry Bones. These enemies added even more variety to the gameplay and made the game more challenging.

Critical Reception

Super Mario Bros. 3 was a critical and commercial success. It was praised for its innovative level design, challenging gameplay, and charming graphics. The game was also a financial success, selling over 17 million copies worldwide.

Super Mario Bros. 3 has been ranked as one of the best video games of all time by numerous publications. In 2008, it was ranked number 1 on IGN’s list of the “Top 100 NES Games.” In 2017, it was ranked number 4 on Time magazine’s list of the “50 Best Video Games of All Time.”

Legacy

Super Mario Bros. 3 has had a profound impact on the video game industry. It helped to define the platforming genre and set a new standard for level design. The game’s innovative gameplay and charming graphics have also inspired countless other games.

Super Mario Bros. 3 is still considered to be one of the best video games of all time. It’s a must-play for any fan of platformers or video games in general.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Super Mario Bros. 3

  1. The game was originally going to be called “Super Mario Bros. 2.” However, Nintendo decided to change the name to avoid confusion with the Japanese version of Super Mario Bros. 2, which was released in the United States as “Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels.”
  2. The game’s world map was inspired by the map of Japan.
  3. The game’s soundtrack was composed by Koji Kondo, who also composed the soundtracks for Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario World.
  4. The game’s final boss, Bowser, is actually a giant Koopa Troopa.
  5. The game features a number of hidden secrets, including a warp zone that allows players to skip to later worlds.
  6. The game was the first Mario game to feature a save function.
  7. The game was the first Mario game to be released in Europe.
  8. The game was the best-selling NES game of all time until it was surpassed by Tetris in 1990.
  9. The game has been ported to numerous other platforms, including the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, the Game Boy Advance, and the Wii Virtual Console.
  10. The game is still considered to be one of the best video games of all time.

Review Score

10/10

Art

Cover Art

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Christopher has carved a niche for himself as an authority on retro pre-2000 computer games. With a passion that borders on reverence, Christopher delves deep into the pixelated past of gaming, unearthing gems and sharing insights that resonate with both nostalgic players and curious newcomers. His articles serve as a time machine, transporting readers back to an era where gameplay and creativity often trumped graphical fidelity. Cristopher's expertise isn't just in cataloging these classics; he analyzes their design, the context of their creation, and their impact on the gaming landscape, offering a comprehensive look at the evolution of digital entertainment. Beyond mere retrospectives, Christopher champions the relevance of these retro games in today's high-definition world. He skillfully draws parallels between the foundational mechanics of yesteryear's titles and the modern gaming innovations they inspired. His work goes beyond mere preservation; it's an ongoing dialogue between the past and present of gaming. Christopher's content educates, entertains, and ignites discussions within the gaming community. His dedication not only keeps the legacy of pre-2000 games alive but also highlights their importance in shaping the future of video gaming.

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