Best: Giant Land
When thinking back to the iconic Super Mario Bros. series, it’s hard not to marvel at the brilliance packed into its sequel, Super Mario Bros. 3. This masterpiece emerged from a dynamic team that seemed to embrace creativity at every turn, making it tough to single out just one feature as the crown jewel. However, if I had to choose, Giant Land stands out to me. This fourth world in the game plays with your perception by blowing up everything to gigantic proportions—massive goombas, enormous koopas, towering blocks, and outsized piranha plants completely transform your sense of scale. Giant Land isn’t just a standout on its own; it’s a testament to the inventiveness the developers poured into every corner of this game. Each world feels like a unique chapter in your grand adventure deep into Bowser’s domain.
Worst: All those autoscrollers
The airships designed by Bowser carry an undeniable dramatic flair. They convey the impression that Bowser isn’t just any villain but one with substantial military force at his command. However, the way these levels force you along at a predetermined pace can feel stifling. In a game that, like the original, excels when allowing players free and fluid movement, these autoscrolling segments are a bit of a letdown. As you near the climax, you’re confronted with a barrage of these levels in Bowser’s world, featuring his tank army, his navy, his swarm of airships, and yet more tanks before you finally reach the formidable final castle. While the intention to depict Bowser as a truly formidable adversary is clear, these levels tend to obstruct the exhilarating rush of zipping through the game, becoming a source of frustration for speedrunners around the world.
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