Super Mario World - Barren is one of those weird, stripped-down ROM hacks where someone took out almost all the enemies and power-ups. At first, it feels kinda empty—like, where are all the Goombas? But then you realize it’s more of a speedrunner’s playground, with these wide-open levels that let you just go. Weirdly peaceful, in a way, but also makes you appreciate how much the original game’s chaos shaped the experience.

Still, pulling off perfect shell jumps without distractions is weirdly satisfying. Just don’t expect the usual Mario chaos.