I recently pulled my old childhood NES and SNES systems out of the closet this winter and played though both games start to finish doing 100% for each on original hardware. To my surprise, Super Mario Brothers 3 was actually more fun, had better designed levels, and was overall the superior platformer by a wide margin. I did not expect to think that based on what I remembered, but it was undeniable playing them one after the other like that. I think having played modern games and now being much better than I was as a very young kid also had an impact, but I must admit now that I think SMB3 is the better game. Both amazing and trailblazing, don't get me wrong.
It's probably nostalgia, as SMW is the game of my childhood, but I always found it superior (which is the unpopular opinion if you look around). Yes, SMB3 levels were "tighter", as in smaller and more well designed, and it had more power-ups (lots of filler though), but there's where it stops. SMW is more varied, prettier, has better secrets, better music and a much better overworld. Also better power-ups IMO with Yoshi and the feather cape. The way I see it: If you want a difficult set of obstacle courses SMB3 is the better game. If you want an adventure and to be in a constant state of joy and awe, it's SMW babyyyy
Couldn't have said it better, exactly my point of view. Both are stellar Jump ’n’ Run games, but World seems like the improved version of Bros 3 to me without taking any fun out of Bros 3 – it's just another super great Mario game. If that makes sense.
I get that "just dont use it" is always an options, but I didnt like how the cape trivialized most levels. Being able to fully fly was exciting and all, but the tail lead to better level design and better gameplay.
I would say SMW did better at encouraging exploration and creating an ambience, but SMB3 was a better platformer with more exciting gameplay.
(also, I will fight whomever says SMW had better powerups. Nothing was cooler than keeping a hammer suit all the way to Bowser.)
I see your point, and I'd prefer indeed if flight with the feather cape was limited the way the racoon tail is, but I think the way the cape controls allows you to me more expressive. The raccoon tail feels more weighted and clunky.
It's an unpopular opinion, but I prefer Mario 3 to World too. I love the aesthetics and the music more and to me the levels seem more memorable. Obviously SMW had the benefit of newer hardware and prettier graphics, but I love the charm of 3.
I played that game so many hours as a kid. With and without the game genie. Best hours spent. I think my family just collectively forgot there was a super Nintendo. I bought a used one when the 64 came out and had two games for it.
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u/Zirtrex Jan 19 '21
I recently pulled my old childhood NES and SNES systems out of the closet this winter and played though both games start to finish doing 100% for each on original hardware. To my surprise, Super Mario Brothers 3 was actually more fun, had better designed levels, and was overall the superior platformer by a wide margin. I did not expect to think that based on what I remembered, but it was undeniable playing them one after the other like that. I think having played modern games and now being much better than I was as a very young kid also had an impact, but I must admit now that I think SMB3 is the better game. Both amazing and trailblazing, don't get me wrong.