: When a level is completed, Mario often walks off the "stage" into the darkness. The Koopalings and New Powers
In the world of , peace in the Mushroom Kingdom is shattered when Bowser returns with his seven children, the Koopalings . These troublemakers invade the seven kingdoms of the Mushroom World, stealing each king's magical wand and transforming the rulers into animals. Princess Toadstool dispatches Mario and Luigi to travel across these diverse lands—from the giant-sized objects of Giant Land to the freezing paths of Iced Land—to retrieve the wands and restore the kings. Super Mario Bros. 3
: The iconic Super Leaf allows Mario to grow a raccoon tail and fly, while other suits like the Frog Suit and Tanooki Suit provide unique environmental advantages. : When a level is completed, Mario often
: Background objects like platforms and bushes often cast shadows on the "skyline" or appear bolted to the backdrop. Princess Toadstool dispatches Mario and Luigi to travel
Interestingly, the entire game was conceived by as a stage play . This creative choice is reflected in several in-game details:
: The game begins with a stage curtain being drawn open.
: Bowser's seven children—Larry, Morton Jr., Wendy O., Iggy, Roy, Lemmy, and Ludwig von Koopa—each acting as a boss at the end of a world.