"The Pinnacle of NES Gaming"

Introduction: For many people old enough to have gamed during the original Nintendo days, this game was the pinnacle of childhood. This game stood so far above the others at the time, for many of us, it is still a favorite, even in its aged state.

It completed the only trilogy of Mario games on any system (SML3 did not start Mario, before anyone e-mails me). It improved on virtually every aspect of its former versions. It was the perfect send-off for Nintendo's initial gaming system. It was everything a game could be, at that time.

Super Mario Bros. 3 took a successful beginning of a franchise, and launched it into the stratosphere of gaming. This game, in my opinion, cemented Mario as a gaming icon. It paved the way for his future. Gamers would be hard-pressed to find a sequel (especially in this money-hungry age of gaming, where sequels are churned out relentlessly), that improved so much on its predecessor in every way moreso than SMB3.

Moreover, few games can hold up to the test of time and improvements in graphics and gameplay the way that Mario can. It's no surprise that in this game, SMB3 was able to stand the effects of aging as well as any other game on the market. Let's see how, shall we?

Graphics: Easily the best in the series. Nintendo dropped the blue lining from SMB2 (likely a result of the original Doki Doki Panic rather than their intentions for Mario), and sharpening up the graphics significantly. Mario and Luigi both don black-based overalls in this adventure, and the look of the enemies, bosses and worlds is simply a lot more immersive.

Simple things, such as "?" blocks and coins were revamped to look a lot nicer in this rendition of SMB. Bricks, flowers, mushrooms even, all look a lot nicer and less 1980s than in the previous two games. Also, new environments, from the desert, to water (that doesn't kill or make up the entire level as in SMB), to SKY make for a more enjoyable play-through, while minimizing the "been here before" feel from older gamers.

The game also benefits from more detailed background, and wider array of enemies and worlds that contain vastly different themes (a trend somewhat started in SMB2). Despite being ages old, the game it still just shy of its Super Nintendo successor one of few ancient games that won't cause newer gamers to cringe. 9/10

Gameplay: There are two sides to this coin. First of all, this is the third installment and many people would expect improvements in the way the game handles, which is understandable. However, on the flip side, one must realize two things: the Nintendo had TWO buttons, and it was an "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," situation for Nintendo.

The style that has worked for decades now (and still works with New Super Mario Brothers for Nintendo DS), holds true here. Added maneuvers like swinging your tail, flying or launching hammers adds some more depth to the simplistic controls.

Where this shines, however, is in the expanse of the game. Now, gamers will not just traverse levels, but have access to a half-dozen costumes, each with different functions. They will get to play card games, match mushrooms and more.

Even in the so-called normal stages, the design of each level has been dramatically incread. Levels present much larger challenges, a lot larger variety of enemies to face, and even a plethera of fresh, new puzzles to overcome.

Particularly in the final world, World 8, Nintendo pulls out the stops and launches Mario (and possibly Luigi) into several incredibly unique settings, from flying through the air on a fast-moving ship to wandering around a tank or black-and-white level where you're no longer allowed to see the full map.

Gameplay couldn't be expanded on the controller, per se, but it definitely was in the game itself. 8/10

Presentation: This is likely the biggest upgrade from Super Mario Bros. 2 to 3. Gone forever in the world of Mario console games is the idea of "sit down at Level 1-1 and play until you get to level 8-4 and beat the boss," gameplay.

In Super Mario Bros. 3, the gamer is given a little open-ended feel, with the map of each stage and the choice to pick and choose certain levels to play. This allows the game to expand well beyond running through level after level.

This idea set the stage for Super Mario World, and many games to follow. Also, the game moved from four or so stages per world (as in the previous games) to a massive six, eight, sometimes ten or more stages in a single world. And this doesn't include the final castle where you fight a boss on a flying ship.

The expanded presentation goes beyond the map, as well. At the end of each level, Mario selects a card (mushroom, flower, feather) and getting three such cards results in a varying number of 1UPs. When playing multiplayer, Mario and Luigi can tango between levels, ala Mario Bros. from the arcade, over the cards they currently possess. A nice touch.

The addition of non-stage levels for gamers to pick, as well as castles, water levels and warps means that gamers can replay SMB3 many times and be able to get a fresh experience each time. 9/10

Sound: The sound, while quirky and amusing in SMB2, has been refined slightly for this rendition. Still nothing over the top in the sound effects department, the music for each world is memorable. I can still recall the soothing tune that plays when you find a secret area like in the sky or something.

The sound effects are cleaner than in past games, but still simplistic. That said, simple sounds work in Mario. Sound and music, in video games, is often at its peak with epic storylines and music that sets the mood and helps lead the gamer.

Super Mario Bros. is for those that was simple, enjoyable platforming without having to immerse themself into a deep, enthralling storyline. And, foolish as it may sound to some, this makes the simple, blip-bop-ping types of sounds found in SMB3, fit all the better.

The music in SMB3 is where it really works above its predecessors, anyways. From the desert music that makes you feel lost and wandering to the more funky, relaxed beat of the water world, it fits well and will keep fans more immersed in the game. 8/10

Replay Value: I still go back and play this game now. Not three months ago, my friend Sean and I replayed the game, start to finish. The levels are well-designed, offer a good challenge, and the game is deep enough to entertain most of today's gamers.

The simple controls will always be easy to pick back up, and the old-school platforming elements retain their shine after many years. Sure, it's not in 3-D, and there aren't many unlockables (those of us who got the twenty-something P-Wings for winning the game way back when, however, wouldn't turn off the game until we'd used ALL of them, haha!). That aside, the game is a simple pleasure, even now.

The lack of a save feature (which after Legend of Zelda, seemed a bit curious) hurts a bit, since few, especially now, will be able to sit through eight worlds in one go-round anymore. I have not personally played the GBA version, but one assumes that it allows for saving your progress.

I say, if you can, find a way to play it today. It'll bring back great memories, and not lose any of its playability. Besides, the early warp whistles allow impatient gamers to skip to the worlds they liked better anyways.8/10

Closing Comments: There are a handful of moments over the past three decades that represent the entire video gaming industry at its finest. In a day when many gamers worry that companies are more driven by money than passion for a great game, Super Mario Bros. 3 is one of those genuine moments.

It was arguable the best game on NES, and fights for one of the best of all-time. So many things were done well, and almost every single gamer has played through the game at least once.

Reviewing this game in the present, well after its inception, makes this reviewer hope that gaming companies can look back at games like SMB3, back when making a game was about pride and passion for your product. Hopefully it can spark current- and next-gen designers to push the envelope again, just like SMB3 did so many years ago. -MC

FINAL SCORE - 9 / 10 (Not an average)

Reviewer's Score: 9/10, Originally Posted: 04/24/07