Difficulty:

Just Right

Time Spent:

10 Hours or Less

The Bottom Line:

"Instant classic"

Super Mario bros 3 has finally come to the virtual console and it's a fantastic addition to the already quality packed library. Super Mario bros 3 was the third Mario bros game to be released and is also the best. It perfected the formula and is still used as the benchmark for many games today. The question is, how has it aged?

The answer is simple, very well indeed. The game comprises of eight worlds each packed with levels and each level is different ensuring that you never grow tired. From Ice levels to underwater levels the ideas never stop which is the first step to a succesful game. Throw in a bundle of power- ups, a variety of enemies and a new safe feature exclusive to the wii version and you have a winning package.

Platforming is at the core of Mario bros 3 as you jump, run and swim accross the side scrolling levels. Enemies are placed well and there aren't too many or too few. Each level is timed but the time limit is always generous so you won't feel rushed. At the end of a level you collect a card, collect 3 cards and you get an extra life however if the cards are ll the same than you got a bonus, what the bonus is however depends on the cards.

Graphically and soundwise the game stands up very well for a NES game. It's not traditional Mario graphics or sound effects/music but a change is always nice and it helps to set Mario bros 3 apart form it's brothers. There is one problem with Mario bros 3 that will cause a lowerin gof the score. The VC version in Europe just like the NES version in Europe is a dodgy conversion and features borders,flashes of green in places and the occasional glitch here and there. Sure it's not enough to harm the game to any real extent but it can ruin the feel of the game which is not good.

Super Mario bros 3 is the perfect additon to any VC collection and is in many ways the perfect Mario game desite the conversion issues which have inevitably lowered the score.

Score= 94%