Introduction:

The introduction of Super Mario into the 16-bit era. This game was a marvel from the beginning. It included new music, gameplay, and power-ups. This is easily one of the best Mario platformers.

Story:

The Story. Can you guess? Bowser captured the Princess again. But wait! There's actually more. He also captured Yoshi's friends and trapped them in eggs and his kids are wreaking havoc throughout Dinosaur Land!

Gameplay:

The gameplay in this game brought all new features to the table. It included your basic running and jumping. You could get a fire flower and throw fireballs at your enemies. But, in this game there also was a new item: The Feather. Grabbing the feather gave Mario a cape, allowing you to run, jump, and fly! In SMB3 you were given the ability to fly, but you would run out of power after a short time. In SMW, those with skill can fly as long as they please. Another new feature was the fact that you could ride Yoshi. Hitting certain item blocks would produce a Yoshi Egg. Yoshi comes out and you can jump on his back. Mario can no longer fly with the feather, but can still float in the air. But Yoshi had his advantages. He could eat most enemies and eating different colored Koopa shells gave him different powers. Another new feature was the ability to run up walls using a ramp. In SMB3 Mario gained the ability to pick up and throw shells. Now he could throw the shells upward, not just left or right. The control of Mario is simple, and isn't too sensitive. Flight is easy to master and controlling Yoshi comes just as natural as the rest of the controls. Overall, the gameplay is excellent.

I give the gameplay: 10/10

Graphics:

The graphics were the start of a new era. With more detailed backgrounds, a more rounded edges and more small details than the NES could ever have. Later SNES games would greatly improve on the graphics, but this was the start.

I give the graphics: 9/10

Sound:

The music in this game was great. A whole new set of music was introduced. Although much of the game featured different versions of the same song, they fit well with the theme of each level. Most of the sound effects were similar to the classic sounds. Plus, new sounds for the cape and for Yoshi were added in.

I give the sound: 9/10

Replayability:

I've played this game so many times I have lost count. Many levels contain secret exits along with the regular exits. Finding them can be a challenge for some. Many people will pick up the game years later and find levels they never knew existed. Plus, there is a special surprise world you can find, and beating it can...well...change things up a bit....

I give the replayability: 10/10

Challenge:

I cannot tell how challenging this game is. I have played it so many times it is a breeze for me. There are only two levels I still have a hard time on in this game. I will base this partly on those two levels and partly on how hard it was for me when I first found out about secret levels.

I give the challenge: 6.5/10

Frustration:

This game isn't very frustrating. There are two levels that will definitely get on your nerves though. I would give a 2/10 because there is minimal frustration, but the two levels I am referring to (you'll know what they are when you find them) bring it up to this....

I give the frustration: 4/10

Value:

This game is worth 10 times what you can probably buy it for. I never get bored of it.

I give the value: 10/10

Overall:

With the use of Yoshi and the cape, and the fact that there are so many secrets alone make this game one of the best. You'll love it when you find sections with a bunch of levels that you never knew existed.

I give Super Mario World: 10/10

Conclusion:

There isn't really a need to conclude. I pretty much finished with my overall rating. Just remember, look everywhere. Fly around, even search beyond the end gate of a level. You never know what secrets you will find in this game.

Can't find all the secrets? Too lazy to look yourself or just too impatient? Check out my Super Mario World guide to find all the secret exits of the levels. You will find a link to it on the guides page or on the main page for Super Mario World.

Written by: Mr. X

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