It was February, 30 years ago when Super Mario Bros 3 was released in North America (has it really been that long?!) Where were you when the game was released? Do you remember the Wizard hype? Did you get the Super Mario Bros Strategy Guide? The game sold out in two days that some even drove to the next town just to possibly get into the waiting list. Actually having this game meant you would be the most popular kid in school for at least the next month with hopeful kids wanting to at least get a glimpse of the game in your house.

The plumber brothers, this time with additional abilities like flight and sliding were tasked to go through 7 different levels to save Princess Toadstool from the despicable Bowser ( Trivia time: did you know Bowser was originally drawn as an ox but the illustrator thought for months he looking at a turtle with horns thankfully they decided to stick with the combo). With a range of new and more interesting enemies -some were based on real experiences. 

🍄Chain Chomp came from Miyamoto’s bad experience with a chained neighborhood dog.

🍄Boo or the Ghost which only moved when you turned your back and froze as soon as you turn around, was based on the director, Takeshi Tazuka’s wife who was a quiet and shy woman but would get uncharacteristically angry whenever he worked too late.

🍄The 7 Koopalings were a nod of appreciation to the 7 young hardworking designers in the Research and Development Team. In North America, they were assigned names from famous rock stars thus Iggy Koopa and Ludwig Van Koopa except Larry Koopa, Larry just sounded right.

It was revolutionary for its time. Super Mario Bros 3 was able to change a whole nation's take on video games. Prior to its release, video games were becoming a big concern for the Japanese government stating it is too addicting for children. Come the release of Super Mario Bros 3 it was welcomed with open arms due to its bright colors and seemingly family-friendly approach. Dare I say and would you agree that Mario Bros 3 is the best game ever? Now how to get the Super Mario Bros. theme out of my head.