Super Mario Bros 3 (NES)

About Super Mario Bros 3 (NES)

I still remember the first time I booted up Super Mario Bros. 3 on the NES—it felt like stepping into a whole new world of platforming magic. Right from the start, you’re dropped into a colorful overworld map where each little icon represents a different level or challenge. It wasn’t just “go from left to right” anymore; you could choose paths, find hidden shortcuts, and even snag secret levels that could boost you ahead. It felt like an adventure you were carving out on your own.

Once you jumped into a level, the variety really hit home. One minute you’re flying across the sky in a raccoon suit, flapping your tail to stay aloft, and the next you’re pounding on blocks underwater or sneaking through a haunted castle. The power-ups—Super Leaf, Tanooki Suit, Frog Suit—weren’t just flashy extras; they changed how you approached each obstacle. I’d often replay the same stage simply to get that perfect tail-whip stomp on a Goomba or find a tucked-away warp whistle.

And let’s not forget the Koopalings. Facing off against Larry, Morton, or Wendy in each world’s fortress was like a mini-boss rush before the main event with Bowser. They each had their own quirks, from boomerang throws to ice attacks, and learning their patterns became half the fun. Every victory felt earned, especially when you finally knocked one out and watched the map open up a bit more.

What really sticks with me about Super Mario Bros. 3, though, is its lasting impact. It showed just how creative a 2D game could get—how many surprises you could cram into each stage and how clever level design could keep you coming back. Even decades later, I catch myself humming the overworld theme or wondering if I can still pull off that perfect flying squirrel dive. That’s the magic of SMB3: it’s a timeless reminder that the best games surprise you, challenge you, and still manage to make you smile every time you press Start.