Super Mario World Plus 3 - The New Home Hard is one of those brutal-but-fair ROM hacks that takes the original game and cranks up the challenge. You still get the same classic platforming, but now with remixed levels, tighter jumps, and way more enemies lurking in places you don’t expect. The first time I played, I got wrecked by a hidden Piranha Plant in the very first level—classic.

It’s not just cheap difficulty, though. The level design actually makes you rethink how you approach Mario’s moveset, especially with the cape feather. Some sections feel almost puzzle-like, where you have to plan your route instead of just running through. And yeah, the name isn’t lying—it’s hard, but in that satisfying way where every win feels earned.

If you’ve played the original to death and want something fresh without losing that SMW feel, this is a solid pick. Just don’t throw your controller.