This is one of the most underrated games ever made. It is also one of the most unique Mario experiences you will have.
Gameplay: 9/10
The story begins with Mario being transported into Subcon, and land of veggies, baddies, and an evil frog named Wart, wanting to destroy everything. You, as Mario, must stop him. While at first, this game feels like classic 2-D side scrolling Mario, there is some backtracking throughout levels, and you can choose between Mario, Peach, Luigi, and Toad to go throughout the level. Mario is a balanced character, Peach is the worst, but she can float in the air, Luigi has a floaty kick which makes him jump higher and farther. And Toad stinks at jumping, but is fast and strong. This makes for strategic plans, and different ways to get through a level. The gameplay is still old-school Mario. You jump on baddies, but instead of jumping on their heads and killing them, you have to pick them up, and throw them at others. You pick up certain items along the way, like POW blocks, stars, coins, and the mysterious flask thing, used to find secret exits and 1UP's. Also, what is different is that there is a life meter. Get hit once, one heart is gone. You start out with 2 hearts, but getting more added on is a possibility. There are 20 levels in the game, each having some boss at the end of most of them, specifically Birdo. After going through the 3 levels in each world, you fight a world boss. They are tough and annoying, but rewarding when you defeat them. Overall, while the gameplay has changed from stuff like SMB and SMW, it is still a fun side-scrolling experience. Graphics: 8/10
For it's time, the graphics look bright and colorful. The characters look like how they should be, and the enemies look cleverly designed and iconic to this very day. A bright, colorful game indeed. Sound 9/10
Sound-wise, the sound effects are clear and crisp (for an NES game of course) and the emulation is right on the money. From the cheerful music outside, to the mysterious music inside caves and castles, it all sounds like it should.
Value: 8/10
While the game is 20 levels long, they all present a difficult challenge, and could keep many people guessing everytime they play. The value comes from trying to beat a level, and it makes it that much more satisfying once you beat one.
Tilt: 9/10
This is another example of underrated games. It may be a departure from the rest of the Mario side-scrollers, but this is still a fantasticly designed, challanging, and unique game in every aspect. If you didn't think this game was not Mario material before, or were too yound to experience this game, now is your chance to but this gaem of the VC. 500 points is a great amount for how much fun and challenge you will experience in this underappreciated classic.