It may not have the pizaz of Super Mario World, but Super Mario Bros 3 is still a joyful, worthwhile Mario experience!
Now Super Mario Bros 3 was released originally released for the NES back in 1989 and it introduced a variety of different worlds that boggled gamers minds and made them wonder how Nintendo managed to do this back in the 8-bit days. Now that it has been re-released for the Game Boy Advance, does it have the magic that it's original release had? On with the review!
The Story has one particullar change compared to other Mario Games. (By that Peach doesn't get kidnapped! Finally!) Bowser has hatched an insidious plot to transform the Kings in every world into defenceless animals so that Bowser himself can rule them himself. He sends his children (the Koopalings) to do this job for him. They succeed in doing so and Toad is desperate. So he sends a letter to Princess Peach. Peach then sends Mario and Luigi to restore balance to the 8 different worlds and so, the 2 plumbers go on an adventure that will test their skills to the limit!
The Controls are simple to grasp. You use the control pad to move, A to jump, B to Dash (throwing fireballs if you have a fire flower.). And errr... are there any buttons left. I guess not, so there. Easy to grasp which makes sense, especially for the hefty challenge that awaits you!
The Graphics are fantastico and push the GBA's graphical systems very well. The Visuals are an update of the original's. It has the cartoony look to it which I like and everything is simple, colourful and sharp!
The Gameplay is basically the same as the original Super Mario Bros in that you have to run all the way to the goal while avoiding Bowser's henchmen and Cronies. However the Game is slightly less linear this time round and you get to explore the map of the worlds and enter different courses named in numbers, visit Toad houses to earn powerups and play minigames based on luck. You will eventually reach the end of the world and fight a boss (which is basicaly Bowser's spoilt brats of sons and daughters). This has been used for Mario games ever since e.g: New Super Mario Bros and Super Mario Galaxy 2. There are new items in Mario Bros 3. The Racoon suit allows Mario to fly for a short time if he gains enough speed. The Frog suit allows Mario better performance in the water levels but hinders his land speed. And finally the hammer suit which allows Mario to chuck hammers at his enemies. The Mario Bros have different attributes to make them stand out. Mario has faster running speed whereas Luigi's more floaty. The Worlds are also varied from dessert lands to huge islands etc. Overall awesome gameplay which is highly addictive!!!
The Sound hasn't changed much since the original but the voice acting from Charles Martinet has given the game a fresh twist in the sound department. The SFX are also good but they haven't changed much.
The downside was only this. WHY IN THE WORLD IS LUIGI ONLY PLAYABLE IN ONE MODE OF THE GAME!! In Super Mario World, you got the option to change between Mario and Luigi at will. I mean, I know Mario's the star of the Mario games but still. Luigi being in only one mode just downright sucks! I know I'm being Harsh but still! Also the game can get very difficult at times, tempting you to throw the GBA to the ground! Ahh Well, Verdict time!
Super Mario Bros 3 is a terrific game. While it may not have the Charm that Super Mario World did, this is still a terrific Mario experience and one that will keep you busy for Months! Let's overview the facts shall we?
The Good: Good level design, terrific voice acting, graphical update is a nice touch, same addictive gameplay from before, Music is catchier than velcro (literally), Worlds are varied, Luigi has his own attributes, Mario Bros Minigame is a nice addition.
The Bad: Luigi is only avalible in one mode whereas Mario's avalible in two of the modes, the game can get a bit difficult at times.
Title: This game is destined to be supremely perfect!!