Super Mario World: A Timeless Platforming Classic
In Super Mario World for SNES, we find ourselves in familiar territory: Princess Peach has been kidnapped, and it’s up to Mario and Luigi to take on Bowser and his minions to rescue her. The story itself doesn’t come with twists, but that’s part of the charm—Mario games have always been more about the adventure than the narrative.
Smooth Platforming Gameplay with New Twists
In terms of gameplay, Super Mario World captures classic 2D platforming at its best. Players control Mario and Luigi, jumping through intricate levels filled with enemies to stomp, power-ups to find, and secrets to uncover. The controls are precise and feel natural, making it a joy to guide Mario and Luigi through every jump and spin. New powers, like the iconic Fire Flower, return, but the most exciting addition is Yoshi, Mario’s trusty green dinosaur companion.
Yoshi’s abilities add a whole new dynamic to the game. Not only can he eat almost anything, but colored shells give him different powers like flight or fire-breathing. Mastering Yoshi’s unique skills is a key part of progressing in Super Mario World and adds a fun twist to traditional platforming.
Expansive Levels with Secrets and Challenges
The box boasts 94 stages and it’s not exaggerating. Levels range from straightforward platforming courses to underwater mazes and ghost houses filled with mystery. Each world is visually unique and offers its own set of challenges. Some levels even have secret exits, encouraging players to fully explore each level. These hidden paths unlock additional areas, ultimately leading to Star World and special stages, where the difficulty ramps up considerably, challenging even experienced players.
Each world typically ends with a castle that holds a boss battle. Bowser’s mischievous kids make a return, each with more complex attack patterns. While not overly difficult, they are a fun addition and a noticeable step up from the simpler bosses of previous Mario games. Bowser himself remains a memorable challenge—one that gave me trouble as a kid and is still satisfying to beat.
Visuals and Sound That Stand the Test of Time
Even today, Super Mario World looks fantastic for a 16-bit game. The characters, enemies, and environments are vibrant and full of life. Mario and Luigi are brought to life with smooth animations, while the stages range from lush forests and underwater worlds to haunted ghost houses and caverns. Each level has its own look and feel, creating a fresh experience at every turn.
The music is equally impressive, with tracks that are as catchy today as they were when the game first came out. From the upbeat overworld theme to the eerie sounds of ghost houses, the soundtrack perfectly matches each setting and adds to the game’s charm.
Conclusion: A SNES Classic That’s Still Magical
Super Mario World on SNES is a game that has aged remarkably well, with gameplay that remains engaging and graphics and sound that still impress. It’s a game that’s just as fun now as it was when it first hit the scene, proving itself as an iconic title that every platforming fan should experience.
You can play the original game on the Nintendo Switch via the SNES retro console.
