One of the standout features of the legendary Super Mario Bros. 3 is the ingenious way it expands on the original game, thanks to the imaginative work of its creative team. It’s a masterpiece where everything seems to click perfectly, making it challenging to single out one specific highlight. However, for me, Giant Land really encapsulates what makes this game exceptional. Found in the fourth world, this level amps up the fun by supersizing everything—giant goombas, oversized koopas, massive blocks, and towering piranha plants. It completely alters your perception of scale, adding a fresh twist to the gameplay. But Giant Land is just a snippet of the overall brilliance; each part of the journey leading to Bowser’s realm is distinctively crafted, contributing to a truly epic adventure.
While Super Mario Bros. 3 nails many things, there’s one element that dampens the excitement a bit—those pesky autoscrolling levels. Bowser’s airships come loaded with a sense of impending doom and showcase his might, suggesting he’s not just some run-of-the-mill villain but one equipped with serious firepower. Despite that, the forced pace of these levels often clashes with the game’s overall dynamic, which thrives on the freedom of movement. Near the climax, you’re bombarded with even more of these autoscrolling segments in Bowser’s domain. You’ve got to dodge through his tank battalion, his naval forces, a fleet of mini airships, and then another tank brigade before tackling the formidable final castle. While I get that it’s all designed to assert Bowser’s dominance, these sections slow you down at a crucial moment, serving as a frustrating hurdle, especially for those speedrunning through the game.
For more insights, remember to check out how Chris Pratt’s original voice for The Super Mario Bros. Movie was deemed a little too ‘New Jersey’ for the filmmakers.
