Super Mario Land

A portable Mario adventure

Super Mario Land is one of the original Mario titles released for the Game Boy in 1989, bringing the iconic plumber to handhelds for the first time.

Gameplay and mechanics

In this entry, Mario sets out to rescue Princess Daisy from the clutches of the villainous Tatanga. The game features four worlds, each filled with unique platforming challenges, enemies, and power-ups. Unlike its console counterparts, the gameplay is simplified for the smaller screen but still retains the core Mario mechanics of jumping, running, and defeating enemies.

New features and appeal

One of the unique features of Super Mario Land is its inclusion of a few different gameplay styles, such as a plane shooting level, offering variety in the otherwise traditional platforming experience. The game was also one of the earliest examples of Mario’s portable adventures and helped define the Game Boy’s potential.

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