Super Mario World
Introduction
This was the first Mario game to be released on the Super Nintendo. Nintendo actually released
the game during the launch of the Super Nintendo system. This game seemed extremely impressive
at the time because of the capabilities of the SNES. There is little doubt that many gamers
bought the system because they were so impressed by what they heard about this game and after
seeing it in store displays.
Graphics
As you might expect, the graphics in Mario World are much more detailed than on the first three
games in the series. Things don't look as flat as they did on the old NES. There are plenty
of enemies you will recognize from Mario 3, but they come in more different forms than before.
Some of the newer enemies designed just for this game are considerably original, adding to
the enjoyment. The levels and backgrounds are a lot clearer than in the earlier games in the
series. Even though this game was extremely impressive when it was first released, it's overall graphics are slightly below the standard set by games released later in the life of the system. But if you like the basic style of previous Mario games, you would probably not even care about that.
Gameplay
This game brings back many of the things that made the Mario series great, and also adds some new features, so that it doesn't seem like just more of the same. For example, new items and characters have been included. Mario now has the ability to fly by using a special cape, and use special attacks and moves while he's flying. The addition of the small green dinosaur named Yoshi also makes Gameplay more interesting than before. Mario can ride on Yoshi, and use him to access areas that he would normally not be able to get to. Also, if Yoshi eats certain kinds of enemies, he is temporarily given special powers, like being able to fly or shoot fire. There are even colored Yoshi's hidden in the game that can use special powers more easily.
The game is not really that challenging, but it's not terribly easy, either. It depends on what kind of gamer you are, like anything else. It seems to me that the difficulty has been lowered considerably from Mario 3, though. I can recall having a very difficult time with the later stages of that game when I first played it, but I didn't have much difficulty getting through this one.
The game takes place on a map screen, not that much unlike the one seen in Mario 3. You visit various areas, which contain several levels. Many of the areas have different themes, but the level designs don't seem to change that drastically when you move through each one. That was a little disappointing in some ways. It would have been great to see the level designs change drastically every time you move to a new area. At the end of each area is a fortress owned by one of the Koopa kids. These are the most challenging areas in the game, especially for those who are novices. Beating the kids themselves is generally pretty easy, especially the ones in the earlier areas, but some are definitely harder than others.
There are some secret levels in this game that are accessed by performing special tasks in the regular levels. You can even access something called Star Road and eventually get to a series of extremely challenging levels designed for people who have mastered the game. This adds to the replay value, and is great for gamers who like something optional to do aside from beating the regular game.
Story
From what I can recall of the story, it was pretty simple. After the events taking place in Mario 3, the group wants to take a vacation. And so, they travel to Dinosaur Land, which is where this game takes place. The Princess gets kidnapped again by Bowser, and Mario has to rescue her. It's very simple, and that's how the story in almost every Mario game is. But for this kind of game, that's really hard to complain about. Since when did you need an interesting story to enjoy a Mario game? And what I did like is that there is some small amount of continuity between this game and Mario 3.
Sound
Well, the music of the game is pretty good, overall. I preferred the music of Mario 2 and 3 to what's heard in this one, though. There's no significant reason why aside from it begin a matter of personal preference. I can think of no real faults with the music, and it retains a somewhat cheerful theme like that heard in the first three games. Sound effects have been improved pretty significantly. Simple things like Mario jumping have been improved, and new effects have been added, like when Mario is flying with his cape and then crashes into the ground as an attack.
Conclusion
Overall, I'd have to say that this game is a great addition to the series. It's a good game to just pick up and play to pass the time, but there are also enough secrets and hidden areas to occupy the really serious gamers. Replay value is considerably high, particularly for those who want to play on the two player mode. I definitely suggest you try this game out, especially if you really enjoyed the older Mario games. It's very much like those games, and while it may not be quite as good as the masterpiece that is Mario 3, it is one of the finest games ever released.
Back