Why I love this game and why it's one of my favorites? Well, I'll tell you.

Seeing Mario leap into 3D for the first time was an amazing experience. Sure, the graphics look a bit dated by today's standards, but at the time it was really cool.

Somehow, Nintendo managed to create a fun open world game that's fun and immerses you within it's whimsical Super Mario world.

Like the usual Mario stories, Mario is invited to Peach's castle, but of course she gets kidnapped. But to be able to explore Princess Peach's castles was really cool. Getting to run around the courtyard and swim around in the moat.

Then you go inside the castle where there are many rooms that leads you to these giant magical paintings that you could jump in. Leading you into that painting's world.

Such a fun and novel concept and Nintendo manages to nail it. The only downside to this game are the camera controls. There were certain cases within the game, I try to angle the camera in a specific way, but couldn't get it the way I wanted it to. Of course, this was a new game in 3D, so, the camera controls of the past weren't always perfect.

One of my favorite tracks to listen to was Dire, Dire Docks. Such a serene tune while exploring an underwater area. Also... that giant eel scared me when it came out of that pirate's ship. Since it's low poly, it makes it more scary.

Another moment where I was chasing a Boo within the corridors of Peach's castle, leading to the back outdoor courtyard. There are many Boos hanging around. Of course, I defeated them, but came across one Boo that had a cage hidden inside it. I hit it, and got close to it. It was another level. Mario jumps and shrinks down to size. Big Boo's Haunt is a scary level. Seeing a giant haunted mansion. eerie music and atmosphere. Also.... coming across scared me because it was so unexpected! It also didn't help that I had the TV volume up.

When you finally get to the ending to defeat Bowser one last time, it was epic. At least for me it was. You're on a floating platform. Each phase has the platform getting smaller and Bowser adding new moves to his attacks.

Seeing the finale of the game was also amazing as well. Also, freeing the Princess was cool. Also, hearing Princess Peach talking for the first time in the game was really cool. I learned that the original Japanese version of the game didn't have voice acting, but Nintendo of America added that in. They didn't have to, but I'm glad they did. I really liked the voice.

The VA of Peach, Leslie Swan, made her sound like a Disney princess. The end credits were fun to watch as well. Even after the credits, they show the cake that Peach mentioned about baking a cake for Mario. Such a nice, heartwarming ending of the game. I would play this game several more times because it was so much fun to play.

I'm sorry for the long post, but I really wanted to share about one of my favorite games and why it was my favorite. There's more, but this post is already long as it is.