the most seminal mario game in the years where every new game in the series was seminal (1985–2006), because this is where mario became MARIO. usually my favorite mario game, narrowly edging out world because its levels are punchier and have less time to wear out their welcome. it is as difficult now to fathom that this and smb1 were both nes games as it was then. the leaps in design and imagination were and are staggering. every level is a triumph of architecture and creativity. smb2 (usa) is in some ways more of a free spirit, but this is the complete package. essential.