One of the best video games ever made.
What can be said? Everything about this game is classic. The characters, the levels, the music, the controls. It is a must-play game for anyone who considers themselves an enthusiast. It is as much a history piece as it is a game.
This game reminds me of the time when Mario games were actually good.
For $5, it's a steal for those with no other means of access to the game. It should be among your first VC considerations... hands down.
If you like it, I also recommend trying some of the other classic Mario games. Even to this day, they stand much taller than many of his more recent outings... remember when Mario was a plumber and not a celebrity?
Super Mario Bros. 2 (NES) - Though this really wasn't a true Mario game (it was turned into one at the last second), it still has some great levels and is very different from the others in terms of gameplay. A lot of the non-Mario characters in this game were later adopted into the Mario world... famous ones like Shy Guy and Birdo.
Super Mario Bros. 3 (NES) - The other great NES Mario game. With a wealth of new powerups, the overworld map, tons of levels, and the classic battle mode, this game just oozes with appeal.
Super Mario World (SNES) - IMO the greatest Mario game, and one of the best games in history. Literally tons of levels and enemies, and hundreds of secrets.
New Super Mario Bros. (NDS) - This game suprised me with how good it was. Finally, a Mario game that centered around the gameplay that made it so great... without a great design overhaul, reliance on 3D or basketball gocart racing.