Classic Game, Even Better Portable
* Jumping to hit blocks and release power-ups.
* Projectile throwing, in this case, fireballs.
* Underwater levels, with swimming as a crucial part.
* Jumping on enemies to kill them.
So many characters from this game are now classics: Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Toad (the mushroom retainer), Goombas, Bowser, Bullet Bill, the Hammer Bros.. Not all were introduced in this game, but were made classic.
The controls are simple: jump, accelerate, throw fireballs, and run. The gameplay is (now) formulaic, but the controls are very responsive. The music is addictive; I dare you to play it for a couple hours and not come away humming the main theme music or the "star" music.
In this GBA version, the original Mario Bros. is also included. You can save your game (something not available in the original NES version), which is important when you are on the move.