Compare and Contrast of Levels and Environmets

80’s: Super Mario Bros. 3

Super Mario Bros. 3 is important for many reasons. For one, it marks the first time the overworld map has been introduced in a game. The map features a number of total worlds that each has a different name, theme and boss. Super Mario Bros. 3 has made a name for itself as the pinnacle of 2D platforming that ranges beyond different worlds, each unique depending on the increase in difficulty and boss enemies.

The game consisted of 8 levels, each spanning new environments, missions and enemies to defeat.

World 1: Grass Land, must defeat Larry Koopa. The environment is mainly grassy hills and cliffs and clear blue skies.

World 2: Desert Hill, must defeat Morton Koopa Jr. The environment consists of pyramids and quicksand. New enemies are introduced that are more “deserty” in order to relate to the environment.

World 3: Ocean Side, must defeat Wendy O. Koopa. Ocean Side contains nine levels in total and while some land platforms are included, most of the level involves underwater obstacles and enemies.

World 4: Big Island, must defeat Iggy Koopa. Obviously, the game revolves around an island theme however; the “Big” is due to enlarged versions of all the new and regular enemies sizes and other features in the game.  

Wold 5: The Sky, must defeat Roy Koopa. The level has ground and sky features. The player can acquire new power-ups as well as new enemies that fly being introduced. If the player is unsucesssful in defeating the boss in the first try, the boss is free to move with the player throughout the level in replay. These increases difficulty as well as bringing something new to the player/enemy dynamics; balance throughout the level as the boss enemy can now fight back during the level.

World 6: Iced Land, must defeat Lemmy Koopa. Iced level consists of ice floors that make Mario slide around and the controls much less controllable, the player can slide and fall to their doom if they are not careful. Also, the bricks in other levels are now made of ice cubes that can only be destroyed/melted by Marios fire balls.

World 7: Pipe Maze, must defeat Ludwig Von Koopa. Just as the Sky level had the enemy able to attack the player during the level if not defeated at first go, Pipe Maze boss’ ship flies overhead the enemy throughout the level. The level consists of some water elements and a network of pipes on an island.

World 8: Castle of Koopa, must defeat Bowser. The environment and level dynamics are sort of a ‘war zone.’ The enemies and obstacles are tanks and airships, with slight mini-games interwoven in order to finally meet and defeat the main boss.

The game combines meticulous design elements that are repetitive and “cartoony”, interesting interactive enemies with the same detail, and power ups to help the player achieve their goal in a multitude of different ways (growing in size, speed ups, fire balls, etc.).

90’s: Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart includes a combination of power-ups, slides, hopping, and weapons in its gameplay. The game consists of Nintendo mascots, each with their own personalities and vehicles that race in a competitive environment. Mario Kart is open world and unlike Super Mario Bros. 3 as the player is introduced to a number of mechanics that are much simpler in order to progress to the next “level.”

The game has multiple functions in order to play;

Mario Kart GP which is the main mode of play for the game. The player can race against other components in a five-course cup, collecting points and trophies as the game progresses.

Match Race involves multiplayer and multiple hazards around the course to thwart each other’s chances.

Time trial in which you race against the clock solo.

Battle, where you play against your friend/s by hitting the player and destroying all their balloons.

AFTER 04: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Smash Bros. Brawl seen en extensive list of Nintendo characters coming together to smash the living daylights out of each other. With lots and lots of unlockable content and its pull for players who just want to smash a string a buttons together to trigger complex move sets and fighting mechanics, Super Smash Bro. Brawl is in huge contrast to the former games mentioned.

With obvious multiplayer modes and battles against each other, SSBB offers players a solo option to play a side-scroller feature while playing their choice of character. The character has a unique storyline mode in which the player must defeat enemies with their “history” in order to progress to the next and final level.