This is video #08 in my playthrough of Super Mario Bros. 3. The final world, World 8, is Dark Land. It is a hellish world with all manner of Koopa fortifications. There are only two numbered stages, but there are plenty of other challenges here. At least if you get a game over and have to continue, the fortifications that you demolished will still be gone.

The first challenge is a division of tanks. This stage features a sequence of tanks armed with normal cannons, Bob-omb cannons, and Rocky Wrenches. At the end, Mario must defeat a Boomerang Bro. A bit of a let-down, actually. At least the foe drops a Star Man.

Next, Mario faces the Koopas' navy (time index 2:14). This is pathetically easy. Mario can actually swim in the brackish water underneath the ships! This is a great way to avoid damage. Boom-Boom awaits in the final ship.

Mario moves on to the second section of Dark Land, which features the Hand Trap stages. In the first (time index 4:09), Mario must battle Hammer Bros. of all varieties. Projectiles such as hammers and fireballs are helpful. The prize for this stage is a Super Leaf.

In the second Hand Trap (time index 5:11), Mario must cross a Podoboo-infested lava lake. The prize is a Super Leaf.

In the third Hand Trap (time index 6:19), Mario must cross a lava lake with Flying Cheep-Cheeps. There is oen trouble spot if Mario is in a big form. The prize is a Super Leaf.

Next, Mario must face the Koopa Air Force (time index 7:05). This stage is a prime candidate for using a P-Wing. Otherwise, Mario must cross a flotilla of fighter craft moving quickly across the screen. The supreme commander of this air force is another Boom-Boom.

The third area of Dark Land is as dark as night. The three "normal" stages of this world are here. First, Mario visits Level 8-1 (time index 8:37). With raccoon powers, this stage is quite easy. Mario just has to fly up to the top of the tall pipe and collect three 1-Ups. Then, if he dashes to the exit pipe, he can fly clear to the goal.

Next is 8-2 (time index 9:40). 8-2 can be pretty easy under the right conditions, too. The quicksand pit will lead to a shortcut where Mario can collect 100 coins! Where he emerges, beware of the Venus Fire Plants.

The heroic plumber next tours the Fort (time index 11:08). This particular fort is a bit complicated. Mario can swap freely between two parallel rooms, each with different traps. Be careful of the convery belts. Fireballs will be of great help against Boom-Boom.

In the fourth area of Dark Land, the final obstacle before Bowser's Castle is a second tank division (time index 13:38). This division features cannons, cannons, and more cannons. at the end, Mario must defeat the final Boom-Boom.

Finally, Mario has reached the front door to Bowser's Castle (time index 15:13). I will feature two different runs through this place. First, Mario will go through with a P-Wing. The P-Wing opens up an interesting option. When Mario reaches Bowser's chamber (time index 16:38), by flying up onto the left-hand wall, walking on it, and then dropping back off, Mario will prevent Bowser from shooting fire! Then, it's a small matter of letting Bowser fall through the floor. Really easy.

Then, Mario does a second run through the castle with the Hammer Suit (time index 17:50). This castle requires great care without the P-Wing, especially when navigating the lava pit before Bowser's chamber. Notice how Mario leapt slightly towards the second platform and then pulled back to draw Bowser's second fireball. Unlike in Super Mario Bros., the fireballs are always fired in the same pattern here.

With Hammer Suit hammers, Bowser is not difficult to defeat (time index 20:14). Hooray!

When Mario enters the room after Bowser, some humorous final dialogue is shown, and then we are treated to a whirlwind tour of the eight worlds.

As I have said, quite an enjoyable game. This is one of the best that the NES has to offer. The graphics are good for the NES, play control is superb, and the levels are generally well designed. I hope you have enjoyed this playthrough as much as I have enjoyed making it. Merry Christmas 2013!

Thanks for watching!

This video is part of my Super Mario Bros. 3 [NES] Playthrough playlist. This is the version originally released with the NES in 1990. I am playing on the FCE Ultra emulator. All characters, story, music, artwork, and other components of this game are the property of their respective owners.

Played and recorded in FCE Ultra version 2.1.5. Produced with Adobe Premiere Pro CS6.

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