Free mobile port of a classic arcade game

Super Mario Bros 3 is a free-to-play adventure game that brings the classic Nintendo game to your mobile devices. This platforming game features Mario and Luigi, plumbers sent to another world and tasked with saving Princess Toadstool across eight different worlds. Aside from clearing obstacles, you can beat monsters through a variety of powers such as shooting fireballs or spinning your raccoon tail on them.

By recreating the graphics and soundtrack, Super Mario Bros 3 is a faithful recreation of the 1988 game. Similarly, you can also check out Super Mario Run or LEGO Super Mario for modern entries.

Relive a video game classic

Originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1988, Super Mario Bros 3 is a critically acclaimed entry often cited as one of the greatest video games of all time. Here, you try to save Toadstool and the rest of The Mushroom World from the Koopalings—seven children from Koopa or Bowser, the original antagonist. With an intuitive touchscreen controller layout, you’ll definitely enjoy playing across its worlds.

One key feature of this game is the introduction of various costumes that grant powers. Aside from the Super and Invincible forms, you can acquire a Frog Suit, Hammer Suit, as well as Raccoon and Tanooki costumes—each with their own powers accompanied by unique animation. Also, as mentioned, the graphics and the soundtrack are directly lifted from the original. This creates an authentic retro experience.

Of course, like most old games, it offers increasing difficulty levels. Certain stages require a level of skill, particularly timing and precision, that could prove challenging for casual players. A good example would be any of the Airship stages that lead you to the boss fights. It’s a long continuous run that doesn’t offer any stops unless you pause the game, usually with checkpoints far apart.

New Power-ups and Improved Gameplay

Super Mario Bros 3 revolutionized the franchise with its introduction of numerous new power-ups and enhancements. The game expanded the number of obtainable items beyond the simple Mushroom, Flower, and Star, creating a rich variety of gameplay experiences. Some fan-favorite power-ups include the Leaf, which transforms Mario into Raccoon Mario, enabling him to fly and attack enemies with a tail whip, and the Hammer Bros. Suit, allowing Mario to throw hammer projectiles and gain resistance to fire. These power-ups not only add excitement to the gameplay but also provide strategic options for players to tackle challenges.

A Journey Through Uniquely-Themed Worlds

Super Mario Bros 3 is an epic adventure that takes players through various unique worlds, each with its distinct theme, challenges, and aesthetics. These worlds include the sandy deserts of Koopahari, the gravity-defying Giant Land with its enormous enemies, and the treacherous airship stages. The game also introduces map screens, which provide players with a sense of exploration and choice. Non-action locations such as Toad’s Item House and card-matching mini-games add extra layers to the gameplay, making Super Mario Bros 3 an immersive experience.

Innovative Map Interaction and Environmental Items

One of the key innovations of Super Mario Bros 3 is the introduction of environmental items and interactions on the game’s map screens. Players can utilize items like the Hammer to clear away rocks and reveal new paths, the Music Box to lull wandering enemies to sleep, and the Warp Whistles to access World 9, home of Warp Pipes that can transport Mario to other worlds. These interactive elements give players more control over their adventure and contribute to the game’s expansive feel.

Timeless Charm and Enduring Appeal

Despite being over 17 years old at the time of the referenced review, Super Mario Bros 3 continues to hold up as an engaging and enjoyable gaming experience. Its graphics, though showing some imperfections, do not detract from the game’s magic and charm. With a wealth of power-ups, uniquely-themed worlds, and innovative gameplay elements, Super Mario Bros 3 remains a must-play title for fans of the franchise and newcomers alike.

A must-have Mario game

As any Super Mario fan would tell you, Super Mario Bros 3 is a definite must-have. Now that it’s ported to mobile with the exact same graphics and sounds, you can experience what made it a hit or simply revisit its extremely challenging levels. More than trying to complete the game and beat the bosses, fans of the franchise can find where certain recurring elements originally started.