My personal favorite... Indeed, THE GREATEST GAME OF ALL TIME!
Gameplay: Okay, you know how a Mario game goes, right? Well, I hope you do... That's pretty sad if you don't. The game starts out with Princess Peach missing as usual, so Mario goes out on a conquest against Bowser and his brothers and sisters to find and save Princess Peach and the Yoshi's from Bowser's evil. You start out just like Super Mario Bros. 3, with an overworld map, choosing your levels and such. However, the world is much better looking due to an advanced system and deletes that grid from that game and changes it into a more world-like shape. It just makes the game much mroe vibrant and seemingly more Mario-like as you would dream of. So, let's get to the actual true gameplay, which is pretty much like any Mario sidescroller. Yeah, that's true but it's also the best Mario side scroller with a great assortment of items and enemies, levels, and con trol. The game also includes your favorite Mario mascot for the first time, Yoshi. This can be really helpful since Yoshi can defeat the majority of the enemies easier and can be like a powerup itself while feeling totally different. Plus, the game takes you through some wicked environments. There's caves and dungeons with multiple routes, plain ol' fun Mario levels done to perfection, some high, mountainous levels, and even boo mansions and underwater levels. Truly, this game has it all, and it has it all without any negative side effects. Sure, there's one or two levels that aren't quite up to speed with the others, but the experience is unforgettable, and the game plays like no other Mario game. It sets the standard for 2D sidescrollers and doesn't disappoint. Also, the enemies are really cool. You got football player-like enemies, dinosaur dudes, koopas with their unforgettable shells, those spikey red guys and many more that make this an unforgettable game. I just can't say that you won't like this game, cause you will, no doubt about it.10/10
Graphics: Clearly, some might not think the game looks up to date here. Sure, there are instances where Mario may look a little funny in a certain way, but the scope, artistic design, and sheer amount of detail in the game overwhelm some little errors. I can't tell you how much this game stuns when it comes to trying to find the perfect Mario look since this game clearly achieves it. I just can't imagine Mario having a better looking world, levels, enemies, characters, and just style that overcomes this. Definetely, a strong point in the game. I just can't see someone finding much error or problems here that denote this to a 9 or below. Seriously, this game looks both artistically great, nostalgic, and looks good from a technical stand point as well. Definetely another near flawless area for the game. 10/10
Sound: Okay, sure some of the themes aren't quite as memorable as say the original Mario themes, but they are definetely some of the best ever. The normal levels music, underground music, underwater music, and even the mansion and castle music fit the game perfectly. Simply an amazing achievement and certainly will make you hum some of the music at times when separated from the game. The sound effects are also great. From bouncing in the air, to jumping, to completing a level, and from even collecting a coin the sounds are purely nostalgic and fit the tone and style that the game tries to set. I just couldn't see this game missing any of the music or sound effects to make it any better. Truly, another perfectly scored and great sounding titles from the Mario series and Nintendo. 10/10
Value: I almost gave this a 9 here, but I felt hypocritical giving it that and making it have a 9.9 which is just a stupid score. Sure, the game's replay value isn't as good as say a Zelda or Metroid game, but after playing a beaten file, I found there to be more secrets in this game than any other 2D Mario title out there. There's secret passages, different worlds, secrets that reward with lifes, and all that good stuff but more than you'd ever dream of. I was simply astounded when rediscovering what the game left for you to find and discover after defeating Bowser. Plus, with around 100 levels, this game will take some time to beat. It is definetely the longest 2D Mario title out there and is definetely worth every hour spent. Truly, a worthwhile game that surprises with the depth it brings to the table. 10/10
Overall, this is a near flawless game that makes 2D platforming sorely missed from an overrun industry of 3D wannabes. You simply need to discover or rediscover this game soon since it is simply the best, most pure, and simply near perfect Mario experience created. A Must Play, and Must Own for any gamer that's able to love 2D still....