With eight worlds containing multiple stages, Super Mario Bros. 3 is so big that Mario now needs a map to find his way around. The game is somewhat nonlinear, as you do not have to complete every stage to finish each world, and on some levels there are multiple paths to reach the final boss. As in Super Mario Bros., you do not even have to complete each world to finish the game -- you can warp between levels by using the Magical Flute.

One of Super Mario Bros. 3's innovations is the addition of different costumes that give Mario special abilities. The leaf dresses Mario in a raccoon suit, letting him fly for a short time and whap enemies with his tail. The Tanuki suit allows Mario to turn to immovable stone, and the frog suit makes Mario swim better than normal. The traditional mushroom and fireball power-ups are also available.

The two-player mode from Super Mario Bros. is back, and Mario and Luigi can even square off in a special version of the original Mario Bros. ~ All Game Guide