Super Mario World, also known as Super Mario Bros. 4 in Japan, was released in 1990 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). It was developed and published by Nintendo and is the fourth main installment in the Super Mario series. The game was a critical and commercial success, selling over 20 million copies worldwide and receiving widespread acclaim from critics and players alike. Super Mario World was a launch title for the SNES and is often considered one of the greatest video games of all time.
The development of Super Mario World began shortly after the release of Super Mario Bros. 3 for the NES. Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Mario series, and his team at Nintendo EAD worked tirelessly to create a game that would showcase the capabilities of the new SNES hardware. The game introduced several new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to ride Yoshi, a dinosaur companion who can eat enemies and fly with certain power-ups. Super Mario World also featured a world map that allowed players to choose their own path through the game, adding a new level of exploration and non-linear gameplay to the series.
Gameplay and Features of Super Mario World
Super Mario World is a 2D platformer that follows the traditional Mario formula of running, jumping, and stomping on enemies to reach the end of each level. The game consists of six main worlds, each with a variety of levels, including traditional platforming stages, underwater levels, and ghost houses. Each world is capped off with a boss battle against one of Bowser’s Koopaling children. In addition to the main levels, there are also secret exits that lead to hidden levels and alternate paths on the world map.
One of the most iconic features of Super Mario World is the introduction of Yoshi, a friendly dinosaur who can be ridden by Mario. Yoshi has several abilities, such as eating enemies, spitting out projectiles, and flutter jumping to reach higher areas. The game also introduced new power-ups, such as the Cape Feather, which allows Mario to fly and perform a spin attack, and the Spin Jump, which can break certain blocks and defeat enemies that are immune to regular jumps. Super Mario World also features multiplayer co-op gameplay, allowing a second player to control Luigi and assist Mario on his adventure.
Characters and Enemies in Super Mario World
Super Mario World features a colorful cast of characters, both friendly and hostile. The game’s protagonist is Mario, a plumber from the Mushroom Kingdom who sets out on a quest to rescue Princess Toadstool from the clutches of Bowser. Mario is joined by his brother Luigi, who can be controlled by a second player in multiplayer mode. The game’s main antagonist is Bowser, the king of the Koopas, who has kidnapped Princess Toadstool and taken over Dinosaur Land.
In addition to these main characters, Super Mario World introduces several new enemies and creatures to the series. The game features classic foes such as Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Piranha Plants, as well as new enemies like Chargin’ Chucks, Monty Moles, and Rexes. The game also introduces various friendly characters, such as Yoshi’s different colored variations, who each have unique abilities and attributes. Super Mario World’s diverse cast of characters adds depth and variety to the game’s world and gameplay.
Secrets and Easter Eggs in Super Mario World
Super Mario World is filled with secrets and hidden surprises for players to discover. The game features numerous secret exits in levels that lead to hidden areas and alternate paths on the world map. These secret exits often require players to find hidden keys or perform specific actions within a level to unlock them. In addition to secret exits, there are also hidden power-ups and items scattered throughout the game’s levels, such as 1-Up Mushrooms and Yoshi Wings.
One of the most famous secrets in Super Mario World is the Star Road, a series of secret levels that can be accessed by finding hidden keyholes in certain levels. The Star Road provides shortcuts to later worlds in the game and contains some of the most challenging levels in Super Mario World. Another well-known secret is the Special Zone, a set of eight difficult levels that can be accessed by finding all of the game’s secret exits. These levels offer a significant challenge for skilled players and provide additional replay value for those looking for a greater test of their platforming skills.
Legacy and Impact of Super Mario World
Super Mario World has had a lasting impact on the video game industry and has left an indelible mark on popular culture. The game’s release alongside the SNES helped establish Nintendo as a dominant force in the gaming market during the 16-bit era. Super Mario World’s critical and commercial success solidified the popularity of the Super Mario series and cemented its status as one of the most beloved franchises in gaming history.
The game’s influence can be seen in its lasting legacy on subsequent platformers and 2D side-scrolling games. Super Mario World set a new standard for level design, gameplay mechanics, and overall polish that many games have sought to emulate over the years. The game’s iconic music, composed by Koji Kondo, has become synonymous with the Mario series and is instantly recognizable to fans around the world. Super Mario World’s impact can also be seen in its continued relevance through re-releases on various Nintendo platforms and its inclusion in compilations such as the Super Mario All-Stars collection.
Speedrunning and Competitive Scene in Super Mario World
Super Mario World has developed a dedicated speedrunning community since its release, with players competing to complete the game in the fastest time possible. Speedrunners have discovered numerous glitches and exploits that allow them to bypass large portions of the game and complete it in record times. These speedrunning techniques have led to the development of various categories and challenges within the Super Mario World speedrunning community, such as any% runs (completing the game as quickly as possible using any means necessary) and 100% runs (completing all levels and objectives in the game).
The competitive scene for Super Mario World has also expanded beyond speedrunning into other forms of competition, such as tool-assisted speedruns (TAS) and ROM hacks. TAS runs involve using emulators and tools to create perfect playthroughs of the game that would be impossible for human players to achieve. ROM hacks are fan-made modifications of the original game that introduce new levels, challenges, and gameplay mechanics. These ROM hacks have spawned their own competitive scene, with players creating custom levels and challenges for others to complete.
Remakes and Re-releases of Super Mario World
Super Mario World has been re-released on several Nintendo platforms since its original debut on the SNES. The game was included as part of the Super Mario All-Stars collection for the SNES, which featured enhanced graphics and sound for several classic Mario games. Super Mario World was also re-released as a standalone title for the Game Boy Advance in 2002, featuring additional content such as new levels and multiplayer support.
The game has also been made available for download on various Nintendo digital storefronts, such as the Virtual Console for the Wii, Wii U, and New Nintendo 3DS systems. These digital releases have allowed new generations of players to experience Super Mario World on modern hardware while preserving its classic gameplay and charm. Additionally, Super Mario World has been included in various compilations and anniversary celebrations for the Super Mario series, ensuring that it remains accessible to fans old and new for years to come.
