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Artist touch: This art gets right to the point and it shows off Mario's most exciting new ability here. It's overly simple but it works. Cover art rating: 6/10 |
(Nintendo,
February 1990) |
Special note: Super Mario 3 is still one of the best selling video games of all time with over 18 million units sold worldwide. |
| Introduction and Story: |
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My
special look back at the Nintendo Entertainment System is almost
over and in my fifth edition of the NES Stud Series here I wanted to find
a game that actually did the impossible and lived up to the huge hype
that preceded it. Super Mario Bros was one of the biggest video
games of all time but Nintendo sure had a hard time following up with
a sequel. First they released a lame Japan-only sequel (a.k.a. The Lost
Levels in Super Mario All Stars) that was basically the original
game with a higher jumping Luigi and Mushrooms that kill you. BORING!
Since that game sucked
Nintendo took a Arabian themed game called Doki Doki Panic and
just put Mario characters and released it over here as Super Mario
Brothers 2. Sure, the game was still pretty good but it didn't really
play like the last SMB at all. Fortunately, Nintendo finally got their
act together in
the third installment of this mega popular series because almost
everything humanly possible
is improved in this massive and very fun Super Mario Brothers 3
here. |
| Controls and Game Play: | Video review! |
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Like the first Super Mario
on the NES, this is a easy to learn 2D action platformer where you can
only control either Mario and Luigi so Toad and the sexy Princess Peach
are not longer playable like in the last game. Fortunately, part 3 here is loaded with
tons of power ups and different power suits both new and old to help forget
all about SMB2. Like in the original Super Mario your heroes start out
small and it only takes one hit to end one of their lives but they can
still become twice as big with the aid of a Magic Mushroom. If you can
manage to stay in your giant form then they also have the chance to find
other cool items like the Power Flower so you shoot fire balls for example. Having the old power ups return to the series is fine but part
3 also gives you all new goodies and techniques that really add a lot
of depth to the game play. The new Leaf power up for example can give
the brothers a Raccoon Tail that enables them to use a melee attack, float,
or even fly. Other items include a cool looking hammer bros suit (so you
finally throw hammers like those annoying enemies too), the Frog suit
(great for underwater), a giant boot (this lets you jump on stuff you
normally couldn't) and many more that will make you wet your pants. The game also has a new map perspective so you have the option of picking your level, trying one of many new mini games, or using one of you reserve power ups if you like. These new worlds are not only filled with secrets the Mario franchise is known for, but there are tons new enemies and dangers to worry about as well. Don't expect a cakewalk especially if you are new to these Mario games. If all that wasn't enough SMB3 even makes a great two player game. Although you have to take turns during the main game, any one of you can engage a fight with the other player with a original Mario Bros.-like Battle game so you could steal your friends hard earned cards. It's the perfect time to a total A-hole but remember you're cards are fair game and you could lose a turn as well if you're not careful plus your friend can do this to you too, eh? |
| Graphics and Sounds: | |
 Mario has to admit he has a card problem. |
Mario
3 even pimps itself out with a whole new look. All the characters in the
game have a stylist cartoon esthetic to them and the backgrounds really
push the colour palette for the old NES here. Not only are the 8 worlds
here different in their own unique way but the game is even filled with
a bunch of cool new imaginative stages like flying pirate ships and the
freaky giant world has to be seen to be believed. Mario 3 also comes packed with a good selection of music tracks which includes remixes of popular favourites (like a rap version of the underground SMB stages) and several new bouncy ones too. Also impressive here is the new and improved sound effects like the various drum beats. |
| The Bottomline: | |
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At our store down town my bosses are always looking for this game because it always seems to sell while most other NES games hardly move at all. It's no wonder since SMB3 not only brings back the perfect balance challenge and great control we all know and love but the game is fully loaded with 70 plus levels, cool power ups, and excellent presentation. The game is also very family friendly so don't be afraid to pick this up for the kids but don't worry all you older gamers because most adults will still get a kick out of constant action here too. The only thing missing in SMB3 here is a save option like the Super Nintendo version has in the All Stars Collection. The original is still easily one of the top games of 1990 and it even one of the best game's in the long running series. If you are lucky enough own a NES (or at least one that works) you have to own the incredible and highly addictive Super Mario Bros. 3! |
 I had some leaf before myself and I thought I could fly too. |
| Conclusion: | |
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*500 points on the Nintendo Wii
SUPER MARIO BROS. 3 overall rating: 99/100 Find Super Mario 3 on eBay here! For 1 or 2 players graphics: 9/10 sound: 9/10 gameplay: 10/10 replay: 9/10 -StarSoldier1 (Ryan Genno) 2006 See the other Games of the Month |
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