Super Mario World

 The launch title for the Super Nintendo, Super Mario World redefined what a Mario platformer could be, taking Mario and Luigi on a sprawling adventure across Dinosaur Land. This game is visually dazzling, introducing new, vibrant enemy types and inventive level design anchored by the arrival of the beloved green dinosaur companion, Yoshi, who can swallow enemies and gain powers from their shells. The game’s map is filled with hidden pathways and secrets that make it feel like a living, breathing world.

You should play this game for its incredible replay value and the introduction of the Cape Feather, one of the most fun and skill-intensive power-ups in gaming history. Mastering the cape's mid-air dive, recovery flutter, and full-on flight opens up massive sections of levels, encouraging experimentation and discovery. Furthermore, the game's secret-rich world map includes entirely hidden areas like the Star Road, which offers challenging shortcuts and new abilities, proving that this adventure is about exploration as much as it is about platforming.

The true reason to finish Super Mario World is to achieve 100% completion by finding all 96 unique exits. Simply beating Bowser's Castle and saving Princess Toadstool is just the beginning. Dedication is rewarded when you successfully discover every secret keyhole, clear every castle, and complete the notoriously difficult Special World. Upon achieving this true completion, the map of Dinosaur Land changes forever, replacing many enemies and color schemes with alternate versions, a legendary visual reward for the dedicated explorer.