Of all the games I've played in the three decades I've been a gamer, Super Mario World comes the closest to being a perfect game. Even by today's standards, the graphics hold up quite well, and the sound effects and music are similarly top-notch. In particular, I really like how most of the songs are variations on a theme, with the default music being changed to a 3/4 waltz for underwater levels or a fast-paced ragtime version for treetop levels (Koji Kondo managed to compose some real ear-worms for this game...).
In terms of gameplay, it's that perfect middle ground between being easy enough for a child to play but at the same time complex enough that an older gamer feels a sense of accomplishment when they perfect certain advanced techniques such as flying, or using the cape to rack up extra lives by bouncing off several enemies in succession. Also, to a certain extent, less is more here; compared to Super Mario Brothers 3, in which half a dozen powerups are available, World has only three but they're so well-balanced that it makes up for it. The introduction of Yoshi and the additional elements he brings to the gameplay (especially when it comes to the different colored Yoshis and shells) adds a whole new dimension to the game.
As for the levels themselves, they are likewise well-designed, with most being challenging but not frustrating (and a few, like Tubular or the entrance to Soda Lake, really testing the player's abilities). In addition, the numerous hidden areas and secret exits give the game excellent replay value. The aesthetics of each of the worlds are well-defined, so the claustrophobic Forest Of Illusion looks and plays much differently from the wide open spaces of Donut Plains or the underwater levels.
Overall, this game is one of the all-time classics in gaming history.
Quite possibly the closest thing to a perfect game
Of all the games I've played in the three decades I've been a gamer, Super Mario World comes the closest to being a perfect game. Even by today's standards, the graphics hold up quite well, and the sound effects and music are similarly top-notch. In particular, I really like how most of the songs are variations on a theme, with the default music being changed to a 3/4 waltz for underwater levels or a fast-paced ragtime version for treetop levels (Koji Kondo managed to compose some real ear-worms for this game...).
In terms of gameplay, it's that perfect middle ground between being easy enough for a child to play but at the same time complex enough that an older gamer feels a sense of accomplishment when they perfect certain advanced techniques such as flying, or using the cape to rack up extra lives by bouncing off several enemies in succession. Also, to a certain extent, less is more here; compared to Super Mario Brothers 3, in which half a dozen powerups are available, World has only three but they're so well-balanced that it makes up for it. The introduction of Yoshi and the additional elements he brings to the gameplay (especially when it comes to the different colored Yoshis and shells) adds a whole new dimension to the game.
As for the levels themselves, they are likewise well-designed, with most being challenging but not frustrating (and a few, like Tubular or the entrance to Soda Lake, really testing the player's abilities). In addition, the numerous hidden areas and secret exits give the game excellent replay value. The aesthetics of each of the worlds are well-defined, so the claustrophobic Forest Of Illusion looks and plays much differently from the wide open spaces of Donut Plains or the underwater levels.
Overall, this game is one of the all-time classics in gaming history.