Let us move our thoughts to the beginning of the 90s of the last century. It was a time of many changes and innovations, also in the entertainment world. Among them was the 16-bit console from Nintendo - Super Nintendo Entertainment System (also known as SNES, Super NES or Super Famicom). The starting title for this device was the next installment of the adventures of the famous plumber and I will tell you about it now.
To begin with, let me quote an anecdote that will explain the title of this text. A few weeks ago, when I was taking my dogs for a night walk, I decided to take out the rubbish. After leaving the block and opening the garbage can’s door, I saw a mysterious box. There were some cables sticking out of it, which made me a bit curious. Upon closer inspection, it turned out to be a slightly dirty but complete SNES with a pad and five games (Mario was among them). My surprise and my mother’s (who waited with our pets in front of the garbage can) was considerable – why would someone throw away an old school console in good condition. I decided to take the device on the way home and see if it works. My joy was limitless when, after plugging in the electricity and the TV set, it turned out that everything was flashing like new.
Nintend.co.uk
The old way, good
The plot of this game is… like most of the others in the series. Princess Peach is kidnapped by the terrible Bowser, and our protagonist is tasked with freeing her. If we play with another person, Mario will be supported in this adventure by his brother – Luigi. And so begins our journey through the entire archipelago of various islands and the fight against Bowser’s soldiers and his children. Basically, the creators from the country of the rising sun with this production decided to keep the old plot and squeeze it into a new (for those times) 16-bit clothing. Later it turned out to be a bull’s eye, because the game was received positively – and it can indeed provide a lot of entertainment.
eteknix.com
Old but good
Speaking of Super Mario World one important thing to keep in mind – this is an old title. Almost 30 years have passed since its premiere (it will turn 30 in Japan next year). As it is with such games, it is not particularly complicated, but it does not forgive the slightest mistake. As of the day of writing this text, I haven’t finished the plot yet; precisely because of the demanding level of gameplay. The best example is the situation with the shell of one of the opponents. After depriving the scaly minion of his clothes, the player has the option to use them against other enemies. This is obviously very fun and gives you extra points, but he can take revenge on our plumber when the armor bounces off the wall and we fail to dodge him. In addition, the opponents themselves can also be a pain. While ordinary Goomba or turtles are not a problem, more complex enemies can create additional problems. I do not mean bosses, because they are a separate category, but even among ordinary creatures there are those that require a lot of concentration and timing from the player. Judging by the old saves, the previous owner of this SNES also had problems completing it.
tfxbrasil, with
Sweet nostalgia
Aesthetically Super Mario World significantly deviates from the current standards. This does not mean, however, that the titles published today are better. 16-bit, two-dimensional graphics has its charm, and as befits one of the installments of the Super Mario series, the whole thing is very colorful. Although the game is old, it still pleases the eye. Even the music it contains makes you smile. For a person my age – born in the early 90’s – these elements are reminiscent of childhood. Back then, hardly anyone had access to the original Nintendo consoles, but with the help of various bazaars where you could get the so-called Pegasuses and other similar gaming machines. Besides, featuring simple graphics and sound, Mario is very similar to many indie games currently being released. For people who like to play with such titles, I can definitely recommend reaching for something older.
Vice
Is it worth playing retro?
I write a lot about how much this Mario on SNES is “great”, but someone may accuse me that it’s because I got the consoles and the game for free. Certainly, this factor somehow influences my opinion, but it is not decisive. Super Mario Worldis a great memory trigger for people of my age and older, and for the younger generation it can be a new challenge and inspiration. Now you are probably asking yourself “cool, but what if you are not lucky enough to find functional retro electronic equipment in the garbage can?” I’m already here to help. Immediately after checking if my “new” SNES was working, out of curiosity, I looked at several sites on the web to find out about its availability on the market. As it turns out, you don’t even need to visit foreign websites to get this console. For 150-200 zlotys you can get a full set with several games.
In summary, Super Mario World on SNES is a great option for reasonably inexpensive fun and a look at the past of the gaming industry. If you miss the old days of gaming or want to get a taste of how it used to be played for the first time, don’t wait any longer. Also, remember to sometimes check the box that someone left next to the garbage can – maybe you will also find some treasures!
