At this point, I'm sure we all know the cultural phenomenon that was "Super Mario Bros" released in 1985. Not only did it save the video game industry, but it also redefined what a great video game can be, as it's still fun to this day. The second game released in 1988 incorporated a new enemy/object throwing mechanic with a heavier emphasis on bigger scope, and if you mix that with the livelier and much improved visuals as well as the diverse gameplay between 4 playable characters, what you have is one of the most pleasant games on the console that, in my opinion, often outshines the first game.
However, because of it being on a seemingly completely different trajectory than the first game (though it still felt like a Mario game at its core), I understand why people may disagree with me on that last remark, because even though I love it to bits, it's still unmistakably different; which isn't a bad thing, but to anyone who wants the classic Mario gameplay they know and love that they discovered in 1985, they'd have to wait 2 years after the aforementioned second game. Was the wait worth it?
Absolutely. It seemingly takes everything great about both of the prior games and perfects them to a level never before seen. The visuals are jam packed full of detail and life, the gameplay has been basically perfected with essential additions in tow, the level design is consistently excellent, the music is forever classic, and the boss battles are much more diverse and fun. By all accounts, this really does seem to be everything a classic Mario game should be, and one that ALL (not some) fans are bound to enjoy, as the gameplay stays true to the first game while also bringing and tweaking some of the gameplay from the 2nd game. Controls and plays exactly as you'd want a Mario game to play with the classic power ups and jump-on-enemy goodness, but you can also grab things like shells and blocks and throw them anywhere you need them to be. It really is not only a natural evolution, but also insanely satisfying and well implemented.
And it's not just what this game perfected that makes it a masterclass. It's also the newness it brings. The Koopalings (the rogue children of Bowser with distinct attributes that work for the evil Koopa himself, who's back) and Boom Boom all make their debut here, and would prove to be some of the series greatest and memorable bosses in the series. This, as well as the aforementioned fantastic level design is made even better with the inclusion of world maps with bonus stages, as it all really makes this game feel that much bigger. But that's not all, as the super leaf (the new power up here) is one of the most consistently fun in the series, as the ability to not only attack enemies with your tail awesome, but so is the ability to fly when you charge the meter by running first. It's an excellent risk and reward power up, as it's easy to use, but hard to master, which you'll want to do to unlock the upgraded version: the Tanooki suit, where you can also turn into a statue temporarily. This isn't to take away from the frog suit or the hammer man power up, as they are also wonderful, with the former being amazing for water levels and the latter being amazing for combat. It's a shame we don't see these power ups more often, because they are some of the best.
Mix ALL of this with the games excellent use of the charming aesthetic of a play, genius way of ending each level with matching cards for extra one-ups, and every great thing from the last two games as well, and it's no wonder why this is still considered by some to be the best the iconic Italian plumber has ever been. It gets everything just right, and there's so much to it, that it's almost overwhelming compared to most other 2D platformers beforehand; which I mean as a huge compliment, because this game shows Nintendo setting the standard for platformers AGAIN. While I personally can't choose which Mario game on the NES is my favorite (since they're all great), this one is undoubtedly the most impressive and the most timeless. If you haven't played this (for whatever reason), please fix that as soon as possible. It really is one of the greatest of all time.
