Super Mario Bros. set a precedent for good controls, level design, and music that is still followed today. Super Mario Land may be different from the mainline franchise, but it has a loyal fan base.

Every single Mario platformer game, 2D or 3D, seems to gleefully reinvent itself to some degree, doubling down on the unique delights that they bring me. Continuing that trend, Super Mario Bros.

When a Super Mario game gets really good, you can’t help but move around in your seat. I find myself leaning into jumps as if it’ll give me an advantage and ducking my head down to avoid flying ...