Game Info
Developer: Nintendo EAD / Publisher: Nintendo / Release Date: JP: 21/11/90, NA: 23/08/1991, EU: 11/04/1992, AU: 01/07/1992 / Format Reviewed: SNES / Other Formats: None / Players: 2
Super Mario World, released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1990, is a timeless classic that has left an indelible mark on the world of gaming. Developed and published by Nintendo, this iconic platformer introduced players to the vibrant and whimsical world of Dinosaur Land. With its innovative gameplay, memorable characters, and enduring charm, Super Mario World remains a beloved title in the hearts of gamers of all ages. As I delve into this in-depth review, I invite you to join me on a nostalgic trip back to a simpler era of gaming.
Super Mario World is the fourth main installment in the Super Mario series and the first one to introduce Yoshi, Mario’s dinosaur friend who can eat enemies and spit them out as projectiles. The game follows Mario and Luigi as they travel through Dinosaur Land to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser and his seven children, the Koopalings.
Super Mario World revolutionized the platformer genre with its impeccable gameplay. The controls are tight and responsive, allowing players to execute precise jumps and maneuvers. The introduction of Yoshi, Mario’s trusty dinosaur companion, added a new layer of depth to the gameplay, with different-colored Yoshi’s offering unique abilities. The level design is nothing short of genius, with secret passages, challenging obstacles, and hidden power-ups that encourage exploration. The game strikes a perfect balance between accessibility for newcomers and challenging platforming for seasoned players.
Super Mario World’s graphics, even by today’s standards, are nothing short of impressive. The SNES’s 16-bit graphics allowed for rich, colorful environments, and Mario and his cohorts were brought to life with vivid animations. The attention to detail in each level is remarkable, showcasing a diverse range of landscapes, from lush forests to eerie caves. While some may argue that modern games have surpassed it, the nostalgic and timeless appeal of these graphics cannot be denied.
Super Mario World showcases the prowess of the SNES hardware, delivering a visually stunning experience that still holds its own today. The game’s color palette is vibrant and rich, bringing life to every corner of the Mushroom Kingdom. The character design is iconic, from Mario and Luigi to the quirky enemies like Koopas and Goombas. The game’s varied environments, from lush forests to underground caverns, each possess their unique charm and visual appeal. The artistry in this game is simply exceptional, setting a benchmark for platformers of its time.
Each level has its own distinct musical theme, enhancing the overall atmosphere and immersing players in Mario’s adventures. The sound effects, from Mario’s jumps to the iconic “ba-ding!” when he collects a coin, are instantly recognizable. While the SNES’s audio capabilities were impressive for its time, some may find the limitations of the hardware slightly evident when compared to modern games.
The soundtrack of Super Mario World, composed by Koji Kondo, is an auditory masterpiece. The catchy tunes, from the iconic “Overworld Theme” to the exhilarating “Castle Theme,” are not just background music; they’re an integral part of the game’s identity. The audio experience in Super Mario World is nothing short of magical.
The gameplay in Super Mario World is nothing short of flawless. Controlling Mario or Luigi feels intuitive and responsive, making those precise jumps and mid-air twirls a joy to execute. The power-up system, featuring the Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and the all-new Super Cape, adds layers of strategy and fun to the gameplay. The introduction of Yoshi, the lovable dinosaur companion, adds a new dimension to the series with his unique abilities and charming presence. The level design is impeccable, striking a perfect balance between accessibility for newcomers and a challenging experience for veterans.
The game features a large and nonlinear world map with 96 levels to explore, some of which are hidden or have multiple exits. The player can control either Mario or Luigi and use various power-ups to enhance their abilities, such as the Super Mushroom, the Fire Flower, and the Cape Feather, which allows them to fly and glide. The game also introduces a spin jump that can break certain blocks and defeat certain enemies. Yoshi can be found in certain levels and can be ridden by the player. Yoshi has his own abilities, such as swallowing enemies, spitting fireballs, flying with blue shells, and stomping with yellow shells.
Super Mario World offers a multitude of secrets, hidden paths, and alternate exits, ensuring that players will return to the game time and time again. Completionists will spend countless hours searching for every hidden switch palace and secret level. Even after completing the main storyline, Super Mario World’s enduring appeal lies in its replayability, as players strive to improve their times, collect all the dragon coins, or challenge themselves with new playthroughs.
Super Mario World’s replayability is a testament to its enduring appeal. The game offers 96 levels spread across multiple worlds, each with its own unique challenges and secrets. Additionally, the game features a two-player mode where players can take on the adventure cooperatively or race to complete levels. This cooperative aspect enhances the game’s replayability and adds a fun social element.
While not the most complex narrative, Super Mario World’s storyline is a classic tale of heroism. Mario embarks on a journey to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser and his Koopa army. The game’s charming cutscenes and humorous interactions between characters add depth to the simple plot. While the story serves as a framework for the gameplay, it’s the gameplay itself that shines brightest in this title.
Super Mario World for the SNES is a timeless masterpiece that has aged like a fine wine. Its graphics, while no longer cutting-edge, possess a nostalgic charm that adds to its allure. The music and sound effects are iconic, the gameplay remains as engaging as ever, and the replayability ensures that players will return to Dinosaur Land time and time again. Despite its simple storyline, Super Mario World’s enduring appeal cements its status as one of the greatest games of all time. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or a newcomer to the world of Mario, this classic platformer is an essential experience that continues to bring joy to players of all ages.
The game is widely considered to be one of the best games of all time and one of the most influential platformers ever made. It has sold over 20 million copies worldwide and has been re-released on various platforms, such as the Virtual Console, the Super NES Classic Edition, and the Nintendo Switch Online service. It has also spawned several sequels and spin-offs, such as Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, Super Mario 64, and Super Mario Maker.
Super Mario World is a triumph of game design and an enduring testament to the creativity and innovation of Nintendo’s development team. Decades after its initial release, it continues to capture the hearts of gamers of all ages. Its seamless blend of exceptional graphics, intuitive gameplay, unforgettable music, and endless replayability make it not just a classic but an essential entry in the pantheon of video game history. Super Mario World is not just a game; it’s an experience that defines an era and an industry. If you haven’t embarked on this adventure yet, now is the perfect time to discover the magic of Super Mario World.
1. Game Genie / Pro Action Replay Codes
There are many tips and tricks for SNES Super Mario World, a classic platform game that features Mario and his dinosaur friend Yoshi. Here are some of the tips and tricks you can use:
- To start with 99 lives, enter the code 14B4-6F07
- To stay invincible throughout the game, enter the code DD32-6DAD
- To skip worlds, enter the code EECD-AF6F
- To enable easy mode, enter the code 1064-DD64
- To change Mario’s appearance, enter one of these codes:
- 9E32-6DAD for black Mario
- 7732-6DAD for fake fire Mario
- EDA5-0F6F69A5-040F69A6 for waterworld Mario
- 0DED-AFDF for night mode
To use these cheat codes, you will need a device called a Game Genie or a Pro Action Replay that can modify the game’s data. You can also use an emulator on your computer or smartphone that supports cheat codes. Please note that using cheat codes may cause glitches or errors in the game, so use them at your own risk.
2. Tips & Tricks
Top Secret Area – In the Donut Plains level, you can find a secret area by flying over the level with a cape. It contains power-ups and extra lives.
Warp Zones – Super Mario World has several warp zones that allow you to skip ahead to later levels. For example, in the Donut Ghost House, you can find a secret exit that leads to Star Road.
Extra Lives – You can collect extra lives by hitting the green Kooper shell into a group of enemies, or by getting three 1-Up Mushrooms in a row in certain levels.
Yoshi’s Abilities – Yoshi can eat certain enemies and gain different abilities depending on the colour of the Kooper shell that he eats.
Secret Exits – Many levels have secret exits that lead to hidden levels. Some of these secret exits can be found by flying with a cape or by using Yoshi’s abilities.
Glitches – Like many older games, Super Mario World has some glitches that can be exploited to your advantage. These glitches can sometimes lead to unintended shortcuts or power-ups.
3. Other tips and tricks for playing Super Mario World:
- Collect as many coins as you can. They will give you extra lives when you reach 100.
- Look for hidden blocks and secret passages. They might contain power-ups, coins, or even warp pipes to other worlds.
- Use the spin jump (A button) to break blocks below you or bounce off enemies without taking damage.
- Hold the Y button to run faster and jump higher. You can also use it to pick up and throw items or enemies.
- If you have a cape feather, you can fly by running fast and then pressing B. You can also glide by holding B in the air.
- If you have a fire flower, you can shoot fireballs by pressing B. You can also use them to light up dark areas or melt ice blocks.
- If you have a Yoshi, you can ride him and eat enemies by pressing Y. You can also make him spit out fireballs, shells, or other items by pressing A.
- If you find a star, grab it and become invincible for a short time. You can also run faster and kill enemies by touching them.
- If you find a P-switch, hit it and see what happens. It might turn blocks into coins, coins into blocks, or reveal hidden items
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