Super Mario Bros. 3 is certainly an impressive game for 1988 standards and holds up as an innovative platformer even today. The graphics, level design and gameplay make for a truly great playing experience.
I never did finish the first Super Mario Bros. (as of yet) and I've never even played Super Mario Bros. 2 but now, after liking this so much, I will seriously have to consider it.
In terms of originality you won't find anything particularly amazing about the jumping of one platform to the next and collecting power-ups but it's how it all comes together and works so well that makes SMB3 stand out from the rest of the competition.
Some levels are tough, but stick at them and you'll memorise and master the tricky bits pretty quickly. However, that didn't stop me from crying out loud in sheer, hopeless frustration every now and again.
The GBA version adds a save function (a godsend for those who hate having to spend 86 hours finishing a game in one go), slightly tweaked levels and compatibility with the Nintendo E-Reader that offers bonus levels.
Considering how good this game is it's no wonder Sonic had such tough competition from a short, fat Italian plumber. Definitely one to hunt down.
Graphics A Sound B (only because the famous Super Mario music is not featured) Gameplay A Lasting Appeal A
I never did finish the first Super Mario Bros. (as of yet) and I've never even played Super Mario Bros. 2 but now, after liking this so much, I will seriously have to consider it.
In terms of originality you won't find anything particularly amazing about the jumping of one platform to the next and collecting power-ups but it's how it all comes together and works so well that makes SMB3 stand out from the rest of the competition.
Some levels are tough, but stick at them and you'll memorise and master the tricky bits pretty quickly. However, that didn't stop me from crying out loud in sheer, hopeless frustration every now and again.
The GBA version adds a save function (a godsend for those who hate having to spend 86 hours finishing a game in one go), slightly tweaked levels and compatibility with the Nintendo E-Reader that offers bonus levels.
Considering how good this game is it's no wonder Sonic had such tough competition from a short, fat Italian plumber. Definitely one to hunt down.
Graphics A Sound B (only because the famous Super Mario music is not featured) Gameplay A Lasting Appeal A