I think maps in Mario 3 are quite unique even nowadays since the game did so much with such a basic concept.

A level select with a themed board around it. 3 introduce the concept to a lot of gamers, but also evolved it over later games.Īmidst all this, it's easy to dismiss Mario 3's maps as something similar and something that we've all seen too many times. That is no surprise, since not only did Super Mario Bros. One of the most famous series that uses map screens is Super Mario. Clock rings, wakes up the bear, bear stretches and moves the ground above him just enough so that you could reach the door to the next level. Upon throwing a clock, it goes to a specific spot near a sleeping bear. For example, one of the badges that you obtain is a clock. However, the presentation is so unique, that animations of levels opening could be described as rewards. The player will have a badge that they can drop to reveal a new level. Upon beating each world the player is returned to a room that looks and plays much like a normal level. However, games that do map screens well usually nail them.

Some, like Super Meat Boy, offer just a more interesting version of a level select screen. Of course, not all games do that perfectly. They offer players a natural stopping point and make the levels, which are usually quite abstract, feel like they belong to an actual world. Not surprising, as they're often stylish and interesting, and are way better than plain menus. Nowadays maps like that are common and mostly used in platformers. When speaking about maps, I don't mean those that show your position in an open-world or a dungeon, but those that creatively showcase the world around you in games that consist only of levels or missions. There's something cool about video game maps to me.

Super mario bros 3 world 2 secrets