Super Mario Bros. 3

This has to be the best of the first three Super Mario games. There are many exciting new levels and enemies. There are also all kinds of secrets in the eight levels of the game. Also, the Mario Brothers get dozens of new power ups in addition to the classic fire flower and star. It's always a challenge to play this game. It's been over a decade since this game came out and it's still one of the best games ever. Track down a copy of this classic!

When I was a young teenager my best friend had an NES, and we used to play this game all the time. It's almost certainly the best Mario game, if not of all platforms than definitely NES. It makes up for the US release of "Mario 2" (which was a stinker) and the gameplay is fantastic -- one player is addictive, fun and well designed with worthy baddies. The two-player is just as enjoyable and chances are you'll lose yourself playing the game.

Nowadays it's kinda hard to find this game although it might be available on Gameboy. If you do happen to come across it I definitely recommend it -- it's a very entertaining, involving game and one of the all-time best for the NES and has created a lasting legacy. When people think of the familiar traits of what Mario is today -- the mushrooms, the caps, the levels, the enemies, Bowser -- it all really started with this.

Very highly recommended.

I grew up with Nintendo so though it's no longer something I play I will always have a soft spot for it. Super Mario Bros (1985) was a classic platformer and very enjoyable, Super Mario Bros 2 (1988) almost put me off the franchise altogether and I simply didn't enjoy it, Super Mario Bros 3 was a masterpiece I'll never forget.

For a start the game is considerably larger than most that were around at this time, it's a title you need to put plenty of hours into and even then you'll likely not see everything.

With a lot of new mechanics not seen before in a Mario game it added to the dynamic instead of overly convoluting a classic formula like its predecessor did. Mario has multiple suits that assist him in his adventure, the game adds a wealth of fantastic enemies and memorable boss encounters.

Arguably SMB3 is one of the greatest platform games ever made and is a near perfect title that was only followed successfully by them once in this guys opinion. Then it went 3D and it all went downhill from there.

Super Mario Bros.3 is one of those few games that lives with me and I'll never forget yet will happily pick it up any chance I get. Near flawless.

The Good:

Huge advancements from the previous titles

Lots of content

Everything is so very likeable

The Bad:

Whistles are an unnecessary cheatmode

Out of the 3 "Super Mario Bros." games made for the NES, this one is hands down the best one. What can I say? This game is AWESOME!! All new enemies, cool new power-ups (like the Tanooki Suit, Hammer Bros suit, Raccoon,and Frog power-ups), warp whistles, and 8 different worlds. What more could you want? Overall, a superb game.

This gets a perfect 10!

Super Mario Bros. 3 is certainly an impressive game for 1988 standards and holds up as an innovative platformer even today. The graphics, level design and gameplay make for a truly great playing experience.

I never did finish the first Super Mario Bros. (as of yet) and I've never even played Super Mario Bros. 2 but now, after liking this so much, I will seriously have to consider it.

In terms of originality you won't find anything particularly amazing about the jumping of one platform to the next and collecting power-ups but it's how it all comes together and works so well that makes SMB3 stand out from the rest of the competition.

Some levels are tough, but stick at them and you'll memorise and master the tricky bits pretty quickly. However, that didn't stop me from crying out loud in sheer, hopeless frustration every now and again.

The GBA version adds a save function (a godsend for those who hate having to spend 86 hours finishing a game in one go), slightly tweaked levels and compatibility with the Nintendo E-Reader that offers bonus levels.

Considering how good this game is it's no wonder Sonic had such tough competition from a short, fat Italian plumber. Definitely one to hunt down.

Graphics A Sound B (only because the famous Super Mario music is not featured) Gameplay A Lasting Appeal A