Super Mario Advance 4

Game Overview
Super Mario Advance 4 came out on the Game Boy Advance in 2003, published by Nintendo. It was part of a wave of classic remakes and ports that helped define the early GBA library, giving a new portability to games many of us originally played on the NES. This version brought Super Mario Bros. 3 into a handheld format, complete with some added features and the ability to save your progress, which was a big deal at the time.

You control Mario (or Luigi, if you have a friend) through a series of side scrolling levels, jumping on enemies, breaking blocks, and grabbing power ups like the Super Leaf that gives you a raccoon tail to fly with. The main goal is to reach the end of each stage, defeat the Koopalings in their fortress battles, and eventually take on Bowser to rescue the princess. Signature mechanics include the world map that lets you choose your path through the game, the wide variety of suits and items that change how you navigate obstacles, and the challenging level design that mixes precision platforming with enemy dodging. The pacing is brisk but fair, with later worlds demanding quick reflexes and smart use of your items. It feels responsive and rewarding, especially when you finally nail a tricky jump or discover a hidden shortcut.