A faithful tribute to classic Mario
Super Mario 3: Mario Forever is a fan-made platformer that brings back the charm of the classic NES-era Mario games. Created by Buziol Games, it recreates the familiar side-scrolling adventure gameplay as players guide Mario through colorful worlds, defeating enemies, collecting coins, and reaching flagpoles. Its responsive controls and retro visuals preserve the original’s spirit with modern performance.
Beyond recreating the nostalgic experience, Super Mario 3: Mario Forever adds new worlds, secret areas, and bonus challenges. Players can explore hidden paths, unlock power-ups, and conquer complex stages, offering depth, variety, and a fresh twist on classic Mario platforming fun.
The gameplay of Super Mario 3: Mario Forever closely follows the classic Mario formula of running, jumping, and defeating familiar enemies across diverse worlds. It features eight expansive worlds with stages set in grasslands, deserts, ice fields, and underwater areas. Hidden warp pipes and secret zones boost replayability, though the limited save system can frustrate. Still, its responsive controls keep platforming satisfying.
Classic platforming with hidden challenges
The game runs on various Windows systems, from XP to Windows 10, requiring minimal specifications. Performance is generally smooth, though occasional glitches or stuttering may appear on newer hardware. Antivirus programs might mistakenly flag its installer, but the setup is straightforward. Keyboard controls are the default with remapping options, though earlier versions offered limited gamepad support, reducing control flexibility for some players.
While Super Mario 3: Mario Forever offers plenty of nostalgic fun, it has a few drawbacks that can affect the overall experience. The limited save system forces players to redo large portions of levels if they fail, which may feel punishing. Occasional glitches and stuttering can break immersion, and the lack of robust gamepad support may deter players who prefer using controllers over keyboards.
A fan-made tribute with lasting charm
Overall, Mario Forever stands out as a heartfelt tribute to the classic Mario games, preserving their nostalgic charm while offering fresh content for players craving more than a simple remake. Although its limited save system and occasional technical issues can be bothersome, these flaws don’t outweigh its engaging platforming, colorful worlds, and enduring appeal as a fan-made celebration of the beloved series.
Pros
- Faithful recreation of classic Mario gameplay
- Eight worlds packed with secrets and hidden areas
- Runs smoothly on older and newer Windows PCs
- Lightweight and easy to install
Cons
- Progress saves only at the end of worlds
- Occasional glitches or stuttering on modern hardware
- Limited or no gamepad support in some versions
- Antivirus false positives during installation