3 was praised by critics for its challenging gameplay and is regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time. 3 introduced many elements that became Super Mario staples, such as Bowser's children (the Koopalings) and a world map to transition between levels. As in previous Mario games, they defeat enemies by stomping on them or using items that bestow magical powers they also have new abilities, including flight and sliding down slopes. Players control brothers Mario or Luigi, who must save Princess Toadstool and the rulers of seven different kingdoms from the antagonist Bowser.
It was developed by Nintendo Entertainment Analysis and Development, led by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka. It was released for home consoles in Japan on October 23, 1988, in North America on Februand in Europe on August 29, 1991. 3 is a platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
