If I'd never seen it before, this incredible game would likely score even higher-but since I already jumped through every nook and cranny of this World years ago, much of the excitement of exploration and discovery I remember was lost this second time (and I can't be alone, given that SMW was a Super Nintendo pack-in game). Levels are honed to perfection: Every block, every enemy, and every secret is placed with devious precision, all in a variety of stages vast enough to explore every facet of the excellent gameplay.
Graphics and controls haven't suffered one bit in the translation to the GBA, and other refinements (such as the added map menu) improve on an already top-notch title. That's more than any other platformer, ever, and yet it never overwhelms you everything just comes naturally.
Check out the collage of all your moves on this page. Mario is simply a joy to play-effortlessly fun to control, and nearly impossible to put down.
This is the ultimate proof that 2D games will never die.
