Super Mario Bros 3: Mario Forever

If you're a fan of classic platformers, you've probably heard of Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario Forever. It’s a fan made reimagining of the original Super Mario Bros., originally part of the Super Mario All Stars collection. Developed by Softendo, this version gives the iconic game a fresh coat of paint with upgraded visuals and some cool new twists, while still keeping the beloved story intact. You know the drill: Bowser and his Koopa Troopas have taken over the Mushroom Kingdom, turning its inhabitants into objects and kidnapping Princess Peach. It’s up to Mario to journey through eight worlds, defeat enemies, and save the day.

The goal in Mario Forever stays true to the original race through levels, avoid or take down Bowser’s minions, and rescue the princess. You’ll still be collecting coins, breaking bricks, and grabbing power ups like the Super Mushroom, which makes Mario bigger, stronger, and better equipped to handle obstacles. It’s all about timing, precision, and a little bit of luck!

Gameplay is straightforward but engaging. Mario’s main move is jumping you can hop on enemies, bounce off blocks, or kick shells to take out multiple foes at once. One classic tactic is jumping on a Koopa Troopa to make it retreat into its shell, then kicking it to clear a path. There’s also the Fire Flower, a rare power up that lets you shoot fireballs at enemies. Each of the eight worlds has its own challenges, and the final world is where you’ll face the real Bowser (after dealing with a few fakes along the way). To beat him, you’ll need to jump over him and grab the axe at the end of the bridge simple, but satisfying.

What makes Mario Forever special are the fan made additions. While it looks and feels familiar, there are fun new abilities like the Cabbage, which boosts Mario’s speed and jump height, and the Beetroot, which lets him throw projectiles. There are also extra levels, like the Tank Army stage, where you’ll dodge tanks, fireballs, and endless streams of Goombas and Koopas. These additions keep the experience fresh, even for veterans of the series.

Even though it’s not an official Nintendo release, Mario Forever captures the spirit of the original games beautifully. The controls are smooth, the side scrolling action feels polished, and the challenge level stays high. Whether you’re a longtime Mario fan or new to platformers, this is a fun, accessible tribute that’s well worth playing.