Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3

 Game Boy Advance
User Score
9.2

Universal acclaim- based on 356 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 330 out of 356
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 356
  3. Negative: 14 out of 356
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  1. drlowdon
    Mar 16, 2013
    9
    Originally released in Europe on the Nintendo Entertainment System way back in 1991 this GameBoy remake serves as a reminder of why it is still heralded as the greatest platformer in video game history.
    Many have tried to imitate Mario Bros 3 but Nintendo's attention to gameplay and innovation in level design is yet to be matched. Following the template laid down in the original the game    Originally released in Europe on the Nintendo Entertainment System way back in 1991 this GameBoy remake serves as a reminder of why it is still heralded as the greatest platformer in video game history.
    Many have tried to imitate Mario Bros 3 but Nintendo's attention to gameplay and innovation in level design is yet to be matched. Following the template laid down in the original the game provides eight different worlds, each containing several levels, which provide a huge amount of challenge and entertainment. Every world introduced new ideas, enemies and power-ups ensuring the game never became repetitive or dull. Unlike many early 3d games the graphics also still stand up to today’s standards with some clever visual effects throughout. In conclusion Super Mario Bros 3 is still the pinnacle of 2d gaming and remains amongst the greatest games of all time.    … Expand
  2. BlogDog123
    May 26, 2011
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Now I can play the NES classic on-the-go with this GBA release. Spiced up graphics and music make this a must-play, but MAN, the Ice World is brutally difficult!… Expand
  3. BasilZero
    Jul 26, 2014
    9
    Game: Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros. 3
    Genre: Adventure/Platformer
    Developer: Nintendo System: GameBoy Advance (GBA) Total Score: 92/100 Value Score: 9.2/10 • Story: 8/10 • Characters: 10/10 • GamePlay: 10/10 • Graphics: 10/10 • Sound: 9/10 • Music: 10/10 • Length: 8/10 • Replay Value: 7/10 • Player Value: 10/10 Pros +Visual properties improved. +Voice    Game: Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros. 3
    Genre: Adventure/Platformer
    Developer: Nintendo
    System: GameBoy Advance (GBA)
    Total Score: 92/100
    Value Score: 9.2/10

    • Story: 8/10
    • Characters: 10/10
    • GamePlay: 10/10
    • Graphics: 10/10
    • Sound: 9/10
    • Music: 10/10
    • Length: 8/10
    • Replay Value: 7/10
    • Player Value: 10/10

    Pros
    +Visual properties improved.
    +Voice overs have been added to characters
    +Few level design, music (remixed), and text improvements have been added

    Cons
    -Sound is weaker due to the GBA sound card    … Expand
  4. RangerManiac
    Apr 25, 2013
    10
    Greatest game available for the GBA so much fun must buy if you love Super Mário
  5. Fredinator2011
    Jan 17, 2016
    10
    Super Mario Bros. 3 Is one of those rare titles that was made by a spark of inspiration instead of a spark of violence. The game takes you to a variety of different worlds that each have its own charming scenery. The gameplay is magnificent. It isn't like Super Mario 2 where you throw vegetables at enemies, instead its like the original Mario where there are Goombas, Koopas, and FireSuper Mario Bros. 3 Is one of those rare titles that was made by a spark of inspiration instead of a spark of violence. The game takes you to a variety of different worlds that each have its own charming scenery. The gameplay is magnificent. It isn't like Super Mario 2 where you throw vegetables at enemies, instead its like the original Mario where there are Goombas, Koopas, and Fire Flowers. The story isn't "Save the princess" anymore. Its now "Save the 7 kings and the Princess". Its a moderately hard game as well because of the floaty controls so you will have a challenge. There are also many secrets in this game that each allow for a new item to be unlocked. This game introduced my favorite Mario enemies, the Koopalings. Each Koopaling has a different, hard airship that is so fun to navigate.

    I recommend this game to anyone
    10/10    … Expand
  6. MrMadMonkey18
    Dec 19, 2015
    9
    I know most people say this is a more annoying remastered version of super mario bros 3 and their actually right.However the good thing about this game is that it hits you right in the childhood.Your memories of playing this game on your NES come back to you quickly.Overall this game still remains one of the best GBA games of today.
  7. WiiUHighlights
    Apr 8, 2016
    10
    This game is one of the best Mario games you can buy. The story is unique compared to other Mario games. The graphics are great, the music is very catchy with lots of instrument variety, and the level design the superb! Mario controls perfectly throughout the game, so you should NEVER die to unfair level design - all deaths are your own fault, NOT the fault of the game. The power-ups areThis game is one of the best Mario games you can buy. The story is unique compared to other Mario games. The graphics are great, the music is very catchy with lots of instrument variety, and the level design the superb! Mario controls perfectly throughout the game, so you should NEVER die to unfair level design - all deaths are your own fault, NOT the fault of the game. The power-ups are all creative and varied, so the game never becomes stale. The bosses progressively get more challenging, and the final boss is one of the most unique of the entire series! After you beat the game, there is plenty of replay value. You can revisit all the worlds to beat any remaining stages (doing this will unlock, there is a updated Mario bros arcade game in which you can try and achieve a high score; and there are 38 additional e-reader levels and 3 mini games with those e-reader levels (these are only playable on the Wii U virtual console version though). Also it's possible to play the game with either Mario alone or play as Mario and Luigi (do note that Luigi controls differently to Mario). Finally, this game does have multiplayer! One player controls Mario and the other controls Luigi and you play through the game in a similar fashion to the Super Mario all-stars version of Mario 1. Overall this is a superb game which I highly recommend to Mario fan, fans of platforming games, or fans of multiplayer games.… Expand
  8. Barnes1987
    Mar 6, 2017
    10
    Amazing game that is ageless, still very playable to this day. This game set the standard for all future Mario releases. All gamers must play this classic.
  9. WaisyB.
    Sep 30, 2006
    7
    I recently bought SMA4...at the start it was really fun and cool but when I reached the Ice World, it was too fricking hard! SMA4 is the best platforming game rent u can get.
  10. MichaelR.
    Oct 17, 2003
    10
    Mario Bros. 3 is definitely in the top tier of Super Mario games.
  11. BCool
    Sep 26, 2003
    10
    Can't give less than 10 for this game! it was THAT groundbreaking.
  12. RyanT.
    Oct 26, 2003
    10
    This game is "super" good. The only thing that annoys me is you gotta beat at least half the world to save it. Still... awesome. Go buy it now.
  13. MattP.
    Dec 22, 2003
    10
    Bar none the best game ever, the original I mean. I grew up playing Super Mario 3 for days at a time, always knowing where everything was, but being suprised none the less. I recently got it on my emulator and my fingers are as red as tomatoes. Get this game, now.
  14. Sausage22
    Nov 7, 2017
    8
    Best Nes Mario titile on the go with improved graphics, you just can't go wrong with this one. The difficulty level can't let me give it better score.
  15. jake17
    Oct 16, 2020
    9
    this is a all time classic but better with more power ups stages just the only problem is there is a slight screen crunch but play this one if you like plat formers
  16. BM30
    Jul 5, 2020
    10
    The second I got this game in christmas 2003, I loved it. The game is so perfect and is the best out of the four.
  17. veryskilledgame
    Jun 29, 2020
    9
    Excellent remake! The only downside is that they included the same Mario Bros. game as a bonus in each Super Mario Advance game.
  18. StraightBowser
    Oct 8, 2020
    9
    This game is...
    JUST WHAT I NEEDED!
    Jokes aside, this game is quite the joy to play. Super Mario Bros. 3 was a big hit, and this remake is a step further.
  19. TERMINAL64
    Jan 21, 2021
    10
    The best Mario game of all time. A great remake and it works amazingly on the GBA specifically the SP. I would definitely recommend this game to a Mario fan. Even if you've already played it.
  20. AdamGaming
    Feb 18, 2021
    10
    Fun game, Mario jump good. Honestly only reviewing as a personal 10/10 anchor for any other reviews I make. Mario do fun good jump yes, play game
  21. berlidy_wilson
    Aug 27, 2023
    10
    I definitely love Mario, and this is one of the best games in the franchise that will bring you fun, a little difficulty, and hours of entertainment if you really want to delve into everything in the game.
  22. SonicDude
    Aug 15, 2015
    10
    The Game is a must buy for anyone who has a gameboy advance. Amazing levels, fine story, superb gameplay, Tons of good power ups. It's a masterpiece. This was a huge step forward for the Mario series. So buy the game
  23. Watermelon789
    Jan 31, 2012
    9
    If you liked the classic Mario platforming games and if you played the original, then theres no more words I can say to get you convinced.....unless you hate Mario , but thats very dumb idiotic .
  24. Keyes
    Nov 1, 2013
    10
    If you're looking for an awesome classic mario platformer for your GBA or even DS, this is it. Massive re playability, huge worlds and tons of unlockables and secrets.
  25. Focaccia
    Mar 11, 2018
    1
    Apart from nostalgia, can anyone give a good reason as to why this is a good game in 2017/2018? I didn't think so.
  26. CloudStrife
    Apr 15, 2005
    10
    The Game is Perfect. Is much better tha SMB3 For nes (which I still have). It reminds me tha odgood imes.JUST perfect. Buy it at any costs!!!!! Nana sk if you dont like mario games why then are you buying them and play them? And the game doesn't deserve a 0. You suck at Game rating at all!!!
  27. ElisaK.
    Dec 29, 2003
    10
    This game is amazing.
  28. AaronV.
    Jan 18, 2004
    10
    This game is wicked sick!!!!!!!!!
  29. Magnetick
    Oct 15, 2013
    8
    Well, it's Mario 3 with slightly better graphics on the GBA, whats not to love? It doesn't have much new content, but it is still a great port. Recommended!
  30. Maxx
    Oct 9, 2005
    10
    This game dominates, except it pisses me off easily.
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Awards & Rankings

1
#1 Best Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
6
#6 Most Discussed Game Boy Advance Game of 2003
3
#3 Most Shared Game Boy Advance Game of 2003

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
94

Universal acclaim - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 25
  3. Negative: 0 out of 25
  1. Gamestyle
    80
    But amidst all this dispensable extra substance is the core mechanic of Mario; the one thing that holds true to the series, and one thing that ensures Mario is leaps and bounds ahead of its platforming peers - inertia. The faster you run, the higher you jump. It's a brilliantly simple concept that works perfectly.
    Read full review
  2. Pocket Games
    100
    The bottom line is that this is Mario hop-n-bop action at its finest, with a goodly amount of minigames thrown into the mix for good measure... As great as it ever was. [Fall 2003, p.38]
  3. netjak
    97
    They just don’t make games like this any more, and this particular game really shows us how far we’ve come and that you don’t need flashy graphics and surrond sound to have a mind-blowing game.
See all critic reviews »