35 years later, Mario 3 still does some things better than every Mario since

Which 2D Mario game is the best has always been a fairly contentious topic. Every Mario game does things a little bit differently, with a smattering of unique power-ups, concepts, and mechanics. It’s only natural that opinion would be relatively divided. But I’d put forth that two major contenders for the crown always eventually float to the top: Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario World. In 2023, we now have Super Mario Wonder – which in years to come could very well be the third title vying for this throne. To be honest, I’m a Super Mario World stan – but today, on its 35th anniversary, I want to admit that Super Mario Bros. 3 may well deserve the crown more. And, for one release, in one category, it definitely deserves the top spot. There’s a lot I like about Super Mario Bros. 3, to be fair. The Racoon Suit is an all-time great power-up, which is precisely why it’s one of the few to make a regular reprise in later entries. Mario World’s cape doesn’t get that sort of love, does it? Then again, World gave us Yoshi… so perhaps in truth that’s a one-all draw. Read more