Once you walk through the tunnel and into the castle foyer, it feels like you’ve stepped into a Mario game. It’s an exciting space, even though it can get crowded as folks line up for the character meet-and-greets.
Super Mario World features familiar gameplay but is kept fresh by power-ups, secret levels and the addition of Yoshi. Plus, the music is catchy and stuck in your head.
Gameplay
Super Mario World is a side-scrolling platform game in which the player controls the on-screen character, Mario or Luigi, to survive enemy minions and reach the flag pole at the end of each level. The game features many gameplay elements from previous games in the series, such as an overworld map and item reserve system, and introduces new power-ups like the Super Mushroom that turns the character into a bigger version of himself, the Fire Flower that allows him to throw fireballs, and the Cape Feather which allows him to fly as long as he can keep his balance.
The game also adds a special challenge to the gameplay in the form of golden keys that must be collected by competing in physical mini-games such as Goomba Crazy Crank, Koopa Troopa POWer Punch, and Thwomp Panel Panic. The game also introduced the Koopalings, who are Mario’s dinosaur companions, and the ability to save the game at key points such as the end of a ghost house or fortress or after clearing a castle boss battle.
Graphics
Unlike the other NES Mario games, which were limited by their hardware, Super Mario World made great use of the SNES’s capabilities. The graphics are colorful and the game has that wholesome, cheerful theme that is the signature of the franchise.
The game also introduced a new character and element to the series: Yoshi, a dinosaur that Mario can ride. Yoshi moves much faster than Mario and can eat enemy shells, which grants him special powers depending on the color of the shell.
The game also included the first of many special worlds that would become a tradition for the Super Mario series. These worlds give the player an extra challenge and reward for beating the base game. The game also introduced power-ups such as the Cape Feather and P-Balloon that make the gameplay more thrilling and fun to play.
Music
One of the most memorable themes in the franchise, this tune is just as relaxing as it is catchy. It’s no wonder it’s been a staple in Mario games ever since.
Koji Kondo took some inspiration from a preexisting song for his version of the Overworld Theme. He’s known to be a fan of the Japanese fusion band T-Square, and ‘Sister Marian’ in particular features rhythms that were easy for him to mimic with his electronic instruments.
Following Nintendo’s 2020 gigaleak, tinkerers were able to identify the proper names of many instrument samples in Super Mario World. Thanks to their work, Kondo’s original 30-year-old soundtrack can now be enjoyed in its full, uncompressed glory.
Controls
You can navigate the world map by moving Mario with the D-Pad. Pressing A while on a level allows Mario to enter it, and pressing the right analogue stick while in-game allows you to keep track of your progress.
The B button serves multiple roles, including the ability to pick up items in your possession. Mario can also enter certain pipes with this, and he can fly and glide while using the cape.
When standing in front of a flagpole, Mario can raise it to the air. He can also press B while in midair to bounce upwards, almost twice as high as a regular jump. You can also use the B button while floating to steer your character. This helps you to avoid Venus Fire Traps and bounce off enemy heads.
Special World
A cult classic for good reason, Super Mario World is considered a high point for the franchise despite being rushed and hacked together. This SNES darling is full of secrets and a fun side story that will surprise those who know where to look.
In addition to changing the graphical theme of the overworld map and some enemies, beating all eight Special World levels also unlocks a more difficult Extra level. Additionally, completing all 96 exits of the overworld will cause Koopa Troopas to transform into mask Koopas and jumping Piranha Plants to change into pumpkin plants.
Lastly, finishing all Special World levels in the PAL version of the game will cause Mario to run faster in the overworld. This will affect runs of the game and will make it difficult to compare times between NTSC and PAL versions of the same game.