Top 50 Video Games: Number 11

#11: Super Mario World
System: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Publisher: Nintendo
Released: 1991
Players: 1


Mario and Yoshi kick some ass in Super Mario World.


Nintendo's Mario franchise has always been top notch (several games have already appeared on this list.) Super Mario World is the best of the bunch, and that's saying something. If Tony Little came out with The Gazelle 2, this would be it. This game brings with it, as usual, some changes for Mario. He still flies, though this time with a cape and no raccoon tail. It's more of a skill in this game than it was in SM3 too; you have to ride the wind, diving forward and pulling back to try and keep momentum going. It's an acquired skill and a satisfying one. This game also marks the first appearance of Yoshi who has since become a mainstay in the series. For those of you who don't know, Yoshi is a green dinosaur. Mario rides on his back like a horse, and when Mario bonks him on the head he launches his tongue out like a frog to swallow enemies. There are different colored Yoshis in the game with different abilities. The best is the blue one who can fly for a short time while he's digesting an enemy. Yum.

The game has an overhead map similar to SM3. The different areas are of a good variety as are the various keeps and haunted houses you'll visit. As they've always done, the folks at Nintendo provided some extra game for those of us who want it and some shortcuts for those who just want to finish the game. You can make your way through each area in order, or you can find and use the secret Star Road. Some stages in the game have hidden alternate exits which lead there. The Star Road has different portals that can transport you around the map. It's a real time saver and if you find all the hidden exits in the Star Road stages, there is one more portal that opens up. This takes you to a seperate area with 10 of the most challenging stages in the game. Challenging isn't really accurate. Fucking difficult sums it up better. Your reward for finishing them is questionable, but the journey is its own reward.


The Haunted House stages in this game are some of my alltime favorite game levels.


This game exemplifies everything the Mario franchise has always stood for. The level design is brilliant, definitely some of the best ever. The music is catchy and entertaining. Super Mario World stands as the zenith of a very impressive franchise. Challenging, creative and fun, SMW raised the bar for what we should expect from a platform action game. Throughout the years, from Mario Bros on up to Super Mario Sunshine, this has been Nintendo's best and most consistent franchise. This is the best Mario game ever, but is it the best Super Nintendo game ever? Stay tuned....