Super Mario World (SNES)

Pub and Dev: Nintendo | August 1991 | 4 MEGS
Pub and Dev: Nintendo | August 1991 | 4 MEGS

Today marks the 26th anniversary of Super Mario World (based on the Japanese release). November 21, 1990. That was the day the Super Famicom launched in Japan along with Super Mario World, and gaming was never the same again. It’s crazy to believe it’s been 26 years. I figure there’s no better time than now to examine one of the best Super Nintendo games ever created. And sure, there’s nothing new to be said about this game that hasn’t already been said the past 26 years but being a fansite dedicated to all things SNES, it would be a crime not to have a Super Mario World review. So Mario and chums — here’s to ya!

HE DEFINED AN ENTIRE GENERATION

3 of the finest 8-bit Nintendo games around
3 of the finest 8-bit NES games around

If you were like me and grew up in the ’80s, then you too grew up on 8-bit Nintendo. Which meant you got to experience all the joys of the Mario games as a youth. All three titles were finely tuned and fantastic. Mario was beloved by all and went on to become a household name. Together, the faction of Nintendo and Mario dominated the ’80s. But as long as the universe has existed there is one undeniable truth. Time passes, and change is inevitable. As the ’90s approached and our old best friend, the 8-bit NES, began showing its age, the rumblings could be heard. There was a new “super” system just over the horizon. Double the bits, and hopefully double the awesomeness. It was the Super Nintendo. And it’s fitting that the system would debut with a 16-bit version of Mario. The stage was set, then, for continued video game domination. And once again, the fans were the winners.

NOW YOU’RE PLAYING WITH SUPER POWER

Mario dominated living rooms everywhere
Mario dominated living rooms the world over

Confession time: I didn’t play through Super Mario World until 16 years after its Japanese release. I remember growing up watching my brother and his friends playing it, but I never really did. I’d just sit there and watch the older kids go at it. Even through just watching it, you could feel the energy in the room. The year was 1991. Things of the old guard were going the way of the ill-fated dinosaur. The future was now. Childhood favorites “The Immortal” Hulk Hogan and “Macho Man” Randy Savage were giving way to younger superstars like Bret “The Hitman” Hart and “The Heartbreak Kid” Shawn Michaels. Godzilla at the time seemed dead (to an eight-year-old with no knowledge of the Heisei series). And another dear old friend from the ’80s was gasping its final breath. As the 8-bit Nintendo faded off into the sunset, in came riding a brand new cowboy. And with it came Super Mario World. A fitting passing of the torch, the Super Nintendo made its debut with an old portly friend spruced up in 16-bit trimmings. It was nothing short of video gaming magic.

It was a joy to finally play it for myself
It was a joy to finally experience it for myself

10 years ago (November 19, 2006) I sat down to play Super Mario World with the intention of beating it in mind. It was an absolutely glorious experience. What took me so long? This may shock you but I was a weird guy [was? -Ed.]. Sure I appreciated the Mario games growing up, but mainly I would watch my brother play them. I was always a big fan of the lesser known games and have been that way my entire life. But after returning to the SNES on January 17, 2006, I knew this was a second chance at gaming redemption. And I knew it was time to right a 15+ year wrong. I turned off the computer, plopped onto the sofa, kicked my feet up and finally booted up Super Mario World. And what followed was a week filled with some of the best single-player gaming moments of my life. It was a sheer joy to play through. Hey, better late than never!

THE STORY GOES…

That blasted princess. Some folks just can't stay outta trouble...
Oh Princess. Some folks just can’t stay outta trouble

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Quite obviously, to play classic games like Super Mario World!
To play classic games like Super Mario World!

GAME BASICS

Mario can do it all, the fat chap
Mario can do it all, the fat chap
Lots of different ways to take out the opposition
Lots of different ways to take out the opposition
Remember when game manuals were awesome?  And in color?
Remember when manuals were great and in color?

New to the Mario universe is this magical cape. It possesses great power. You can spin attack the enemies with it, and you can also take to the skies.

Of course, there's always the good ole hop 'n bop
Of course, there’s always the good ole hop ‘n bop
One might argue that these guys can be tougher than the bosses!
These guys can be tougher than the bosses!
Plenty of items to mess with. I love the Grab Block
Plenty of items to mess with. I love the Grab Block
Happy 26th birthday, Yoshi!
Happy 26th birthday, Yoshi! You getting old…
Variety is indeed the spice of life
Variety is indeed the spice of life
It's cool how there are big and little Yoshis
It’s cool how there are big and little Yoshis
Mario's various powers
Mario’s various powers

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Mario and friends came to Dinosaur Land hoping to catch up on their R & R. Instead of course they find themselves in a world filled to the brim with danger.

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It’s a long and tough road ahead. But a wise person once said that an arduous journey begins with one step [That was me, clearly -Ed.]

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Progress is made in a linear fashion although you can backtrack and even skip ahead, provided you know how! *wink wink*

The Koopalings are back, in addition to evil ol' Bowser
The Koopalings are back in addition to evil ol’ Bowser
One big happy (ugly) family
One big happy (ugly) family
So that's how they prep for battle. I approve
So that’s how they prep for battle. I approve

THE ADVENTURE BEGINS

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Note: This pic was created back in November 2010

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Indeed, Mario didn’t come alone to this rodeo. Yoshi, a rollicking reptile with an appetite for menacing meanies, will help carry Mario through some tight jams. Though he’ll quickly run for the hills the second an enemy hits back.

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Ah, memories of junior high...
Ah, memories of junior high…
Too close for comfort
Too close for comfort

Gigantic Banzai Bills come flying at you in the very first level. You had to listen closely for the warning sound and either duck or jump. We all know what a great game this is, but I feel the visuals don’t get enough love for their time. Pardon the pun but shots like these point to the game being no slouch in the graphic department!

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Maybe some day Yoshi will get his own game...
Maybe some day Yoshi will get his own game…

Yoshi wasn’t created simply for marketing cosmetic purposes. He gave you an extra hit and some added offensive firepower as well.

"Damn I shouldn't have eaten that cheeseburger..."
“Damn I shouldn’t have eaten that cheeseburger…”

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It's the little details that stay with ya
It’s the little details that stay with ya

Remember how cool it was seeing those little platforms dipping when you stood on them too long?

Mario is a serious headbanger. Good thing for his fluffy hat
It’s a miracle Mario doesn’t have a concussion…

One of the most bizarre enemies on the roster, this smiley cactus dude can be gobbled up by Yoshi piece by piece. Do you remember the sweet sound that accompanied it? Some morbid humor can be found when only its head comes crawling after you, smile fully intact (!)

Mac returned the favor all right...
Mac returned the favor all right…
Mario moonlighted as a ref back in the day
Mario moonlighted as a ref back in the day

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At certain points you can switch over to the other side. Definitely added an extra dimension to these parts.

I love the details carved into that huge pillar
I love the details carved into that huge pillar

I’ll be saying this a few times because I feel it bears a little repeating: the visuals have a nice depth to them. Sure it didn’t blow you away back in August 1991 like F-Zero did, but it’s plenty solid in its own right.

Love those red doors. Time for our first boss fight
Love those red doors. Time for our first boss fight

Doesn’t that pillar looks thick like a redwood tree? The convincing sound of them crashing down only adds to its brilliance.

Beating Iggy is no "Biggie"  [HAR HAR HAR -Ed.]
Beating Iggy is no “Biggie” [HAR HAR HAR -Ed.]
Iggy Iggy can’t you see.
Sometimes your words just hypnotize me.
And I just love your flashy ways
Guess that’s why they broke, and you’re so paid.

A tap of Miyamoto's wand and you had gaming magic
A tap of Miyamoto’s wand and you had gaming magic

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Part of the “secret” is not showing them your butt
See?
See?
It's a classic formula that somehow never gets old
It’s a classic formula that somehow never gets old
Gotta love those yellow question boxes too
Gotta love those yellow question boxes too
Talk about killing seven Goombas with one shell!
Talk about killing seven Goombas with one shell!

Another example of Miyamoto magic: knocking out a string of bad guys with a single shell. Completely satisfying.

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Feet fail me not!
Feet fail me not!

The castle dungeons are filled with hazards galore and will put your hand
eye coordination and platforming skills to the ultimate test. With silky smooth control and stellar sound, Super Mario World set the bar, and set it damn high.

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Somewhere Bowser's thinking can't find good help
Somewhere Bowser’s thinking can’t find good help

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Big ol’ Morton is boss number two. This time it’s a more traditional boss battle, requiring 3 hits to eliminate him.

DAMN RIGHT
DAMN RIGHT

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Yes Yoshi, I know. At long last the title most synonymous with Super Nintendo gets a review on RVGFanatic. Yoshi’s Island superior? Hmm, we’ll see about that… in due time…

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I love me some Vanilla Dome. It’s not as “vanilla” as its name might suggest. Some sweet old fashioned platforming levels with a great atmosphere make it one of my favorite areas in the entire game.

Hey look, it's Luigi! Not really...
Hey look, it’s Luigi! Not really…

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Midnight munchies will get you every single time
Midnight munchies will get you every single time
Thank you, Chris Daughtry
Thank you, Chris Daughtry
Talk about having a bullet or two with your name on it
Talk about having a bullet or 2 with your name on it
Lemmy's castle is filled with danger, like this Magikoopa
Lemmy’s castle is filled with danger
Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor
Sometimes discretion is the better part of valor

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Brings back some memories of Whac-A-Mole, eh?
Brings back some memories of Whac-A-Mole, eh?

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On to the Twin Bridges we go, AKA section 4 of the game. Can you find the two secret stages in this world?

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Some folks don't know what rhetorical means
Some folks don’t know what rhetorical means
Quickly now... the spiked ceiling is descending!
Quickly now… the spiked ceiling is descending!

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Nice Godzilla impersonation, Ludwig
Nice Godzilla impersonation, Ludwig
Ever heard of a mint before?
Ever heard of a mint before?
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Proof that Mario likes to get high

Next up is the Forest of Illusion. Almost every section of the forest maze includes multiple exits.

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I’m generally not the biggest fan of underwater stages in platformers, but there’s something about the underwater levels in Super Mario World that does it for me.

After all, he's no hedgehog...
After all, he’s no hedgehog…

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The controls are super smooth and responsive
The controls are super smooth and responsive
Not quite a photo finish, but still a tantalizing victory
Not quite a photo finish but still a sweet victory

Even the exit gates serve an extra purpose. Depending on how high you can hit it, extra points are awarded. Miyamoto left no stone unturned.

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Pressing "R" to scroll the screen is a lifesaver here
Pressing “R” to scroll the screen is a lifesaver here
Mmmm... Yoshi-flavored ice cream, my favorite
Mmmm… Yoshi-flavored ice cream, my favorite
Oh those crazy Japanese...
Oh those crazy Japanese…
Heard it's on Baskin Robbins' secret menu in Japan
Heard it’s on Baskin Robbins’ secret menu in Japan

Getting the switch block is like carrying around a precious golden egg. Every movement you make is done with extra precision and calculation. Every change in direction, even the slightest shift as you navigate your way through, is critical.

Lions, tigers and BOWSERS, OH MY!
Lions, tigers and BOWSERS — OH MY!

Festive though they may be, with Bowser there’s no such thing as fluff. Everything has its own purpose. This one? Mainly the sole purpose of killing you.

"Yep, I'm stoned out of my mind..."
“Yep, I’m stoned out of my mind…”

A more up close and personal look yields some pretty interesting yelps between the two.

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"I don't always kill... but when I do... I prefer MARIO"
“I don’t always kill… but when I do… I prefer MARIO”

Indeed, Mr. Roy thinks he’s the most interesting Koopaling in the world. Why just ask him if you don’t believe me.

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"I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you..."
“I know you feel like the walls are closing in on you…”
What a diva Roy is. On the bright side, such lovely sprite scaling!
What a diva, that Roy

Roy’s quite the drama queen. Talk about someone who knows how to ham it up.

Look, it's Rat Mario!
Look, it’s Rat Mario!

At the end of each successfully defeated castle, there’s a little cutscene. Post Roy’s is one of the best. Poor Mario gets charred for all of his hard work!

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Said it before and I’ll say it again. I love the way this game looks. More importantly, I love the sense of soul, spirit and adventure that the Nintendo staff carefully infused it with.

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Welcome to World 6, Chocolate Island. Here you’ll find dino critters of all shapes and sizes.

Italians are indeed hot heads... *rimshot*
Italians are indeed hot heads… *rimshot*

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I guess this settles it. Soccer > baseball [Duh... -Ed.]
I guess this settles it. Soccer > baseball [Duh… -Ed.]
Yeah, and it only took me 250 tries to figure out, grrr
Yeah and it only took me 250 tries to figure out, grrr

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Huh, bail money? I have no clue, sorry...
Huh, bail money? I have no clue, sorry…
Hands down, Mario's got one of the best backsides in the BIZ
By far he’s got one of the best backsides in the BIZ
Ahh, those tricky sneaky Nintendo bastards...
Ahh, those tricky sneaky Nintendo bastards…
Best.slide.ever
Best.slide.ever

[And I reckon it's all "downhill" from here... -Ed.]
[And I reckon it’s all “downhill” from here… -Ed.]
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These little cheese-esque hills descend, so unless you wish to be lava soup, keep Mario moving!

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Finally, we arrive at Wendy’s castle. And what a castle it is. All sorts of traps lie in wait to snag Mario for good.

Somewhere I can still hear Van Halen's JUMP blaring
Somewhere I can still hear Van Halen’s JUMP blaring
This house of horrors is not for the faint of heart
This house of horrors is not for the faint of heart
The SLIGHTEST miscalculation... *slices throat*
The SLIGHTEST miscalculation… *slices throat*

Or perhaps "MAMA MIA!"
Or perhaps “MAMA MIA!”

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[You like Super Mario World's visuals? Who knew -Ed.]
[You like Super Mario World’s visuals? Who knew -Ed.]
[What am I paying you? Oh right, nada. Carry on -Ed.]
[What am I paying you? Oh right, nada. Carry on -Ed.]

Without her army backing her she's not so tough is she
Without her army behind her she’s not so tough
Wendy's posse is MIA. What 'chu got now, WENDERS?
Wendy’s posse is MIA. What ya got now, WENDERS?
Ah, memories from a bygone era
Big Bacon Classic >>> Baconator

Back in the glorious late ’80s to mid ’90s, I ran with a group of folks who were my brothers and sisters. Our monthly family friend sleepovers were in a word, legendary. My gaming group gave me countless memories. One that sticks out occurred in 1993. There were about 20 kids that night. My older brother, myself, Sushi-X and his brother Zack were assigned the mission of buying burgers for all. So we hit up a local Wendy’s. The guy we affectionately called Sushi-X (for his intense love of Street Fighter which matched that of the EGM persona) ordered 30 (!) Big Bacon Classics (now defunct). Behind us was a lengthy line of folks. The ones immediately behind us, an elderly couple, shook their head at one another and bickered, “I told you, Hank! We should have gone to Red Lobster!” They stormed off and a couple of the other people behind them left as well. Standing off to the side of the cash register, I watched in bewilderment as Sushi-X single-handedly drove off the customers. We brought the loot back home and crowded around the Sony TV in the living room to watch Saturday Night Live and enjoy our burgers. There was such an abundance of Big Bacon Classics that 10 were left in the fridge for a midnight snack. Every time I drive by a Wendy’s these days, I can’t help but think of that Sushi-X memory and the night of our epic bacon feast. Thanks for all the memories, Game Crew and Dave Thomas :)

WHAC-A-HO! I always wanted to say that  [HUMPH! -Wendy]
WHAC-A-HO! Man, I always wanted to say that…
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Before you can pass through to the Valley of Bowser, you must contend with this evil Sunken Ghost Ship.

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"WHEE!"
“WHEE!”

My grandpa used to tell me all the time that money doesn’t grow on trees. I used to tell him “You’re right. They don’t, because they grow out of thin air, and I know this because Super Mario World told me so.” Then, he’d look at me sideways and say, “Son, you’re a special boy.”

"Y'know, I could always find a new girlfriend..."
“Y’know, I could always find a new girlfriend…”

Once you’ve escaped the Sunken Ghost Ship you’re ready to brave it all and step into the deadly Valley of Bowser. I hope she’s worth all the trouble, Mario.

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But in this case they serve a purpose by breaking the wall
But they serve a purpose here by breaking the wall

[GRR, good help is so hard to find these days -Bowser]
[GRR, good help is so hard to find these days -Bowser]
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You’ll need Yoshi in Valley of Bowser 4 if you wish to nab the key to the Star Road.

Ah, the legendary Star Road
Ah, the legendary Star Road
Love this artwork!
Love this artwork!
Larry's castle sees the return of an old friend
Larry’s castle sees the return of this old “friend”

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Who wants a yummy steaming bowl of Koopaling soup?
Who wants a yummy bowl of Koopaling soup?

The battle against Larry is highly reminiscent of the one with Iggy, way back in the first world. Defeat him and then face the KING.

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You can either spin cape the hell out of them or...
You can either spin cape the hell out of them or…
... jump on their head and heave the suckers sky high!
Jump on their head and heave the suckers sky high!
Ooh, so ominous and spooky
Ooh, so ominous and spooky

Isn’t it great how those red glowing eyes peer on in the background there? OK, so they were added in by yours truly. Still, one of my favorite moments in the entire game. It’s just so incredibly atmospheric.

One of the best shots I've ever taken. #MONEYSHOT
One of the best shots I’ve ever taken. #moneyshot
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Hey, can you really blame the guy?
26 years later and both this game and SNES still standing strong!
26 years later and still standing strong!
Or Skeletor, Rita Repulsa, Megatron, Cobra, Doctor Wily...
Or Skeletor, Rita Repulsa, Megatron, Cobra, Dr. Wily!
Oh Mario... what a gullible lad you are
Oh Mario, so gullible. Is it really worth it hmmm?
Suddenly it all makes sense. Carry on, playa
Suddenly it all makes sense. Carry on, playa
*cough* I'll uh... just let y'all use your imagination...
*cough* I’ll uh… just let y’all use your imagination…
[You pervert. Tsk tsk. Nothing of that sort here... only a kiss -Ed.]
[You pervert. Tsk tsk. It’s just a kiss -Ed.]

EXTRA EXTRA: READ ALL ABOUT IT!

Did you know? Pretty cool stuff. See if you can do it
Did you know? Pretty cool stuff. See if you can do it
It's the game that keeps on giving
It’s the game that keeps on giving

WHAT THE CRITICS SAID

Mario leapfrogged his competition with the greatest of ease
Mario leapfrogged his competition with ease

Super Mario World earned high marks just about everywhere. In EGM’s 100th issue (November 1997) it ranked #11. EGM gave it scores of 99, 9 and 9. EGM reviewer Martin Alessi wrote, “I’ll take 96 levels of Mario over 20 of Sonic any day!” Nintendo Power placed it #16 on their Top 100 list in issue #100 (September 1997) and later bumped it up to #8 in issue #200. Super Play Magazine had it at #4 in their own Top 100 SNES Games list (issue 42, April 1996). Super Play scored it a massive 94%. While fans have long debated whether Super Mario World or Super Mario Bros. 3 is superior, Super Mario World is an exemplary example of the platforming genre done right and then some. It was the perfect game to debut with the Super Nintendo 26 years ago. And it still holds up incredibly well to this very day. You can pop it in now in the year 2016 and still be in awe of its smooth gameplay, crisp control and various nuances. It was a masterpiece then, and remains so to this very day 26 years later.

Super Mario World placed a lofty #11 on EGM's Top 100 List
EGM issue #100 (November 1997)

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Super Mario World was, is and forever will be a classic
Super Mario World was, is and forever will be a classic

Early Sunday morning, November 19, 2006. 10 months into my SNES resurrection and two days before the game’s 16 year anniversary, I at long last powered up Super Mario World. I had never beaten it before. Early that Sunday morning I shifted my way through the darkness, determined to atone for past sins. In the riveting book The Kite Runner, Rahim Khan’s piercing words over the telephone haunts Amir. “There is a way to be good again.” I happened to be reading through that novel when I was going through this game for really the first time. As sad as it may sound, it was exactly how I felt about finally playing and beating this masterpiece. “There is a way to be good again.” It was my gaming redemption.

Story of my life!
Story of my life!

Going through Super Mario World for the first time in 2006 was a bittersweet feeling. I wished I hadn’t waited so long to finally beat it, yet I was thrilled at the opportunity to redeem the gaming missteps of my youth. As I waded my way through every castle, fortress and hill valley, it was almost as if I had taken a time machine back to the early 1990s. This game reaffirmed my love for this classic genre, as well as for this amazing system. Over the past 25 years the Super Nintendo has given me a bevy of memories. Somehow, it was always playing in the backdrop of my youth. Getting back into it in 2006 was the greatest decision of my gaming career. Thomas Wolfe was wrong. You can, indeed, go home again. And as I ventured back to the roots of my childhood, I recalled all the characters (i.e. Sushi-X from my Game Crew) and favorite games. It wasn’t just about reminiscing, though. I had another mission firmly set in mind… to travel down the gaming roads I never did back in the day but should have. And these pathways have opened up a whole new treasure chest of gaming memories for me to carry on forever. Super Mario World is a rare gem of an adventure I shall always cherish. Gaming redemption never tasted so sweet.

Graphics: 8
Sound: 10
Gameplay: 10
Longevity: 9

Overall: 10

Platinum Award
Platinum Award

You can’t talk about Super Nintendo’s very best without citing Super Mario World. It’s a timeless adventure that exudes excellence from top to bottom. A quintessential platformer, Super Mario World deserves its rightful due place on Super Nintendo’s Mount Rushmore.

 

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4 thoughts on “Super Mario World (SNES)”

  1. Great review! I love how in depth yo go with your topics and the huge variety of pictures. And I love how in some reviews, you include blurbs from critics and fans alike and their thoughts on the games.

    In my eyes, SMW is the single best traditional 2D Mario game. Now, it’s not my favorite 2D platformer ever (although it is a very close #3, right behind Diddy’s Kong Quest, and the pinnacle of 2D platforming, Yoshi’s Island). It’s not even my favorite mainline Mario game (Super Mario 64 will forever be my favorite game of all time, period). But in terms of pure, old school Mario fun, this simply can’t be beat. Fully deserving of the perfect 10 you awarded it.

    I can’t wait for the eventual Yoshi’s Island review. Truly the crowning achievement of the 2D platforming genre.

    1. Thank you Logan. Yeah, Super Mario World is perhaps the pinnacle in platforming. I agree that Yoshi’s Island and DKC2 belong in the same conversation to varying degrees. Yes, I also am looking forward to one day writing my review for Yoshi’s Island. I’ve been meaning to ever since I first beat it back in 2007 some 12 years ago. Just one of those games I haven’t gotten around to reviewing just yet, but rest assured, it’s on my list of “must review” games before all is said and done. Cheers!

  2. The Nintendo 16-bit launch title Super Mario World is a really incredible platformer, and while there are a few platformers the same console that I personally would lump over it (i.e. Yoshi’s Island and Hudson Soft’s DoReMi Fantasy, and maybe Namco’s Wagyan Paradise but that last one is more of a half platformer/half puzzler) I still think it’s a very fun game to play while it lasts and one I grew to really appreciate as I got older =)

    I like the amount of replay value it’s got too especially in regards to discovering all 96 exits (or just discovering secrets in general, like procuring the key and holding it until you reach the keyhole) and how certain blocks or paths would be accessed the moment you stepped on the colored switch in the switch palace, it’s fun gliding in midair with the magic cape (after a bit of practice learning the timing of each alternate directional button press), and Yoshi is one of the best things to come from Super Mario World; Koji Kondo’s music is really memorable, too, and incredibly and charmingly bouncy (I love the ending credits polka music, the underwater music is soothingly atmospheric, and the castle theme always stuck with me for how intensely foreboding it was)

    Yeah, I don’t really have much to say that hasn’t been said already, except maybe this: one thing I only noticed years ago was how Super Mario World had a recurring red-blue-yellow-green theme going on throughout. The four different Yoshis you encounter have these colors, the Koopas you face have shells that are any one of these colors, the special switches you have to activate share these colors, the letters of the title are formed up of red and blue and yellow and green, the Super Famicom’s logo has these colors, and the Super Famicontroller’s face buttons are colorful and really complement the color theme of this game–too bad the North American console design and controllers don’t complement Super Mario World’s red/blue/yellow/green theme AS much as the controllers had two different hues of purple for its buttons (and made to be concave and convex as opposed to sharing the same feel) and the console removed the colorful flavor and had to change shape because if I recall correctly I read how someone at Nintendo of America feared how the flat-topped original shape of the console would’ve been “treated as a coaster” so they had to alter the design. I mean, alright, that sounds awful but I can sort of see how because of this fear they felt the need to change the shape for the American SNES console so it’s a bit justified in this regard… what was NOT justified was the need to sap out the color of the console and controller and replace them purple (and yet despite the NTSC SNES console treatment, the PAL SNES in Europe more or less shared the same shape and color as Japan… doesn’t make sense)

    Also, the Goomba design was bizarre in hindsight as he barely resembled how he appeared in Super Mario games before and after this one (why is it not triangular?) and more resembled an apple, but that’s just a nitpick

    If I had to say what my favorite 2D Super Mario platformer was it would be this one, and while I much prefer Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario World 2 I personally consider that to be more of a Yoshi platformer than a Mario one

    Thirty years old, amazing! =D Still one of the best platformers in the system and one paved the way for subsequent Nintendo 16-bit platformers to come

    To each their own

    1. Happy New Year StarBoy! My apologies for responding so late to your latest comments. Been crazy busy. It is indeed insane that Super Mario World is 30 years old. Still playable “AF” (is that what the cool kids today say?) now as it was 30 years ago. Speaking of Yoshi’s Island, I wanted to write a review of it back in 2008… 13 years later I haven’t, haha. Maybe in 2021? We shall see :P

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