Positives:
- By far the smoothest, most fun entry out of the classic 2D "Super Mario" games.
- The controls are as smooth as butter, easily the best of any of the classic titles.
- Phenomenal level design that still sticks in my head for all the right reasons.
- Compelling boss fights throughout.
- An absolute BOATLOAD of hidden content that's actually worth finding.
- Pretty damn cool how they emphasized nonlinearity with the overworld and secret exits here.
- Music remains as lovely as you remember.
- Graphically, one of the most beautiful games I've ever played. It feels as close to being "timeless" as I could possibly think of for a game.
- YOSHI!!!!!
Negatives:
- Uhhhhhhhhhh...yeah, I got nothing. I mean, there could've been more power-ups or something? Yeah, I'm really fishing here.
Consensus: I feel like if someone came up to me and said "Think of one video game that's as close to 'perfect' as possible," my mind might near-immediately land on "Super Mario World." Granted, I love the "Super Mario" series, so it would probably land on a lot of "Mario" games (like my all-time favorite game "Super Mario Odyssey"), but damn, "Super Mario World" is phenomenal in every sense of the word. This is how you polish and improve on an already established formula and make it the best possible version of itself. Across the board, pretty much everything about this game holds up, and the amount of love and fun stuffed in here is amazing. It's also a wonder just how creative the game lets you get as far as traversing the worlds and completing levels in unique ways is a wonder to behold. I feel ashamed that it took me this long to really get into the game, but I'm so glad I did. If you haven't played this masterpiece yet...what in the world are you waiting for? Do it! Go! Play it!
Final rating: 10 out of 10 "Fantastic"