Mario Forever is a Mario fangame that was created by Softendo (Buziol Games until 2009) that was released in 2004note for Windows. The game plays similarly to the original Super Mario Bros., alongside a couple of graphical adjustments and secrets here and there. The story is simple: Bowser launches an invasion at the Mushroom Kingdom and kidnaps Princess Peach, and it's up to our hero Mario to rescue her.
Being one of the earliest Mario fangames that managed to capture the feel of the official game, Mario Forever also features some stuff that wasn't present in the official games, such as new power-upsnote , as well as some music that is actually a demoscene one. The game also contains extra worlds and levels, which were added in updates. Over the years, the game also ended up developing its dedicated community, with various new fangames of ''Mario Forever'' being made, some of which are even fanmade sequels.
Despite the game being well received and even having a dedicated community, it also gained some infamy due to some setups containing malware (one of which is the Mario Forever Toolbar, a browser hijacker), though some setups are safe and don't have them. However, there are still different ways to play the game without any risks, such as a fan remake
by TheMarioVariable released in 2014, an Android port by Alexandro Games released in 2016, both of which are still getting updates, or even a full-fledged port for the Super Nintendo using the Super Mario World ROM file as a basis released in 2021.
This game provides examples of:
- Adapted Out: Inverted. Luigi, who wasn't present at all in the original version of Mario Forever or TheMarioVariable's remake, is playable in the SNES version in 2-player mode.
- Bleak Level: World 8 (in both the original and ROM hack version) are both noticeably darker than the rest of the main game. In the former, the map is all fogged up and the music starts bleak and scary until 40 or seconds in, when it ends up sounding more epic (said part plays in the 3rd and 4th levels, showing things are about to get serious). In the ROM hack version, you're taken to a smaller simplified section similar to Bowser's base in Super Mario Bros. 3, but the music is less bleaker compared to the original.
- Checkpoint Starvation: In earlier versions and the ROM hack version, none of the main levels contained a single checkpoint. However in later builds of the PC version and in the majority of the postgame levels (but not the Human Lab), there's several signs where you can touch to get a checkpoint. The game is also nice enough to give you a checkpoint before fighting the final boss after fighting through a grueling tank level.
- Edible Ammunition: Mario can turn into Potato Mario, who fires out bouncing potatoes that can destroy blocks.
- In a Single Bound: The jumping bean is a very rare powerup, but it lets Mario jump really high (and slow) so it's easier for him to land at certain areas.
- Life Meter: Bowser has a life meter which goes down by you jumping on him. His final battle in World 8 has two layers of health. Exaggerated during the True Final Boss fight against him in 9-6, which has four layers of health
- Optional Boss: Koopa the Devastator can be found in a secret area in World 2. Fortunately his health is low, but fires far more rapidly than normal Bowser battles. The game gives you a ton of lives after defeating him though.
- Our Humans Are Different: The Human Lab world is accessed through the hub menu, and the humans are quite uncanny looking. Thankfully it's nowhere near as terrifying as a lab would be.
- Pipe Maze: World 6 features an excess of pipes and Piranha Plants, with the second level even being a full-on pipe maze itself.
- Remilitarized Zone: World 8 contains two tank levels, one of which that ends with the final Bowser fight. There's also another tank level which is far harder, called "Funny Tanks".
- Rise to the Challenge: The third level in World 8 is a tower with rising lava. There's a bar on the side that lets you know how close the lava is to you.
- Re-Release Soundtrack: The SNES version replaces some of the music, as the tracks that were replaced had yet to be ported to the SMW music engine at the time.
- Suspicious Videogame Generosity: After getting the checkpoint in 9-6, go through a hall with powerups and 1-Up Mushrooms. With the long and grueling boss fight up ahead, it'll be the least you need.
- Tide Level: 7-3 is a short level which features a rapidly rising tide. The last segment requires you to quickly get to the goal before the tide lowers and drops you to the abyss.
- Toilet Humor: Hardcore 1-4 plays the Yoshi's Island Castle Theme with fart noises as background music.
