Super Mario Bros. 3
Main Game
RELEASED
8.9
Oct 23, 1988
Wii UNintendo Entertainment System+4byNintendo R&D4•Nintendo
Overview:|
This classic platform Main Game, first released in 1988, sends Mario or Luigi across a nonlinear world map to navigate diverse platforming stages. The core loop involves exploring this map, tackling levels, and engaging in optional minigames. Distinctive features include significantly expanded movement options and new power-ups, such as flight capabilities, alongside more complex level designs and boss encounters, as the heroes seek to recover stolen magic wands from Bowser's seven children in the Mushroom World.
This platform game, originally released in 1988, represents a significant evolution in the classic side-scrolling adventure genre. Players step into the roles of Mario or Luigi as they embark on a quest across a vast, interconnected world map, moving away from strictly linear progression. The core experience involves traversing diverse platforming levels, interspersed with optional minigames and challenges that offer strategic diversions. This entry introduced a greater variety of movement options and powerful new items, fundamentally changing how players interact with the environment and overcome obstacles.
The Premise and Setting
The story begins after a period of peace in the Mushroom Kingdom, which is suddenly disrupted. Bowser has dispatched his seven children to cause chaos across the neighboring Mushroom World. These antagonists have stolen the royal magic wands from each of the seven kingdoms, using their power to transform the respective rulers into animals. The objective for the heroes, Mario and Luigi, is to journey through this world, confront Bowser's offspring, recover the stolen wands, and restore the kings to their true forms.
Core Gameplay Mechanics and Progression
The gameplay loop centers on exploration and precise platforming. A defining feature of this title is the introduction of a non-linear world map. This map serves as the central hub, allowing players to select which stage to tackle next, often providing multiple paths forward or opportunities to revisit areas. Success in levels rewards players with access to new regions and story progression.
Innovations in Power-Ups and Movement
This installment is renowned for expanding the hero's abilities significantly. New power-ups grant unique capabilities, such as the ability to fly or glide for extended periods, adding verticality and new strategic layers to level design. These mechanics demand a different approach to traditional running and jumping, encouraging experimentation with the expanded move set.
What makes this game unique in its genre?
The combination of the expansive world map structure with the highly diverse level designs sets this title apart. Each of the seven worlds often features a distinct theme and unique environmental hazards. Furthermore, the game features more complex boss battles than previous iterations, requiring players to utilize their acquired items and skills effectively to proceed.
Platform Availability and Content Status
As a main game, this title has been made available across several platforms over the years, including the original Nintendo Entertainment System, the Wii, the Nintendo 3DS, and the Wii U. It has also seen one remake and one remaster, ensuring accessibility across different generations of hardware. Regarding additional content, there are no official DLCs or expansions associated with this core game experience.
Game Details
Primary Name: Super Mario Bros. 3
Alternative Names:
Mario 3 (Abbreviation)
マリオ3 (Japanese title - abbreviation)
Super Mario Brothers 3 (Japanese title - romanization)
SMB3 (Acronym)
Супер Братя Марио 3 (Bulgarian title)
슈퍼 마리오 3 (Alternative title)
슈마브3 (Alternative title)
Type: Main Game
Series: Super Mario Bros.
Developer: Nintendo R&D4
Publisher: Nintendo, Playtronic
Release Information
Release Date: Oct 23, 1988
Genres & Themes
Genres: Platform
Themes: Action, Fantasy
Platforms
Wii UNintendo Entertainment SystemNintendo 3DSFamily ComputerArcadeWii
Game Modes
Perspective: Side view
Player Modes: Single-player
Game Modes: Single player, Multiplayer
Age Ratings
ESRB:E (Everyone)
PEGI:3+
CERO:A (All Ages)
USK:0 (All Ages)
GRAC:ALL (All Ages)
CLASS_IND:L (All Ages)
ACB:G (General)
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