Platform video game
Super Mario Bros. 3: Mario Forever is a fan translation of the original Super Mario Bros game included in the Super Mario All-Stars set. This fangame was developed by Softendo to allow players to play the original Super Mario Brothers game with improved graphics and new features. It does, however, maintain the original story. The Mushroom Kingdom has been invaded by Bowser and the Koopa Troopas, turning many of its citizens into inanimate objects. The gang has also kidnapped Princess Peach to use as leverage against Mario. As Mario, you must traverse across the 8 worlds to save the princess and free the kingdom from evil.
The objective of Mario Forever is the same as Super Mario Bros: you must race through the Mushroom Kingdom, survive the attacks of Bowser’s henchmen, and rescue Princess Peach. Along the way, you must collect coins, shatter bricks, and gather special abilities. The special abilities come in the form of a Super Mushroom. These are important in extending Mario’s life and skill. Once ingested, Mario will double in size and give you the advantage of moving across the platform with ease.
Gameplay
As Mario, you must defeat Goombas and Koopa Troopas that surround you. The catch is that Mario can only jump. This means you can jump over your enemies or hit the brick they’re sitting on so they fall over. An efficient way to get multiple enemies at once is to jump on a Koopa Troopa. It will retract into its shell and can be pushed to hit other enemies. Another strategy you can use is to apply the Fire Flower ability. This is a rare skill that comes out of the floating boxes.
Once you’ve acquired it, you can send fireballs towards your enemies. You must use all of Mario's abilities to get through the game’s eight worlds. The 8th and final world is where King Bowser and Princess Peach are located. This is important to know because he has put false Bowsers in each world. Whether real or not, both can be defeated by jumping over them and reaching for the axe at the end of the bridge.
Fan port additions
Mario Forever’s general appearance does not stray far from the original game but new features have been added to enhance the gaming experience. The first being Mario’s new skills. The cabbage ability allows him to run faster and jump higher while the beetroot power allows him to throw a root towards his enemies. Another is the extra worlds.
One level that will come as a surprise to the players of Super Mario Bros is the Tank Army level. It is a hard level where Bowser and an army of tanks are in your way alongside a Venus Fire Trap that shoots fireballs at you. Other levels feature clones and an endless line of Goombas and Koopa Troopas.
Fun rendition of Super Mario Bros
While Mario Forever may not be an official Nintendo game, the game mechanics and features are close to the original Super Mario games. The graphics and side-scrolling appear smoother but it continues to be as challenging. This is a suitable game for both fans of the franchise and to new players as its controls are easy to follow.
