Super Mario World is generally considered to be one of the best games ever made, due to its amazing graphics (for the time), superb gameplay and level design, and its immense depth. There are plenty of Super Mario World secrets that the developers have included in the game, and the fact that people are still playing the game now and enjoying it just as much (since the game was released in 1992) speaks volumes.

Upon completing the game you might realise that you didn't visit the levels. This is due to the fact that here are multiple ways to progress around map, and dozens of levels that you don't even have to visit. In fact, it's actually possible to reach Bowser's castle by only completing 11 levels!

First of all, when looking at the map realise that every level that is marked as red (rather than yellow) has a secret ending in it. That secret ending will usually open up another path to somewhere else. This means you'll need to complete the level normally, then go back and look for a secret area somewhere. In addition to this, there is the secret Star Road that can be accessed from different points on the map. In between each star is a level. Complete that level and you gain access to a new star, which will transport you to a new place on the map. Finish the entire star road and you can take on the Special area, where you have to make your way through 8 ultra-hard levels. None of this is necessary, and most players probably won't even figure it out, but it's a great bonus and one of the nicest Super Mario World secrets.

By far the most useful of all of the Super Mario World secrets is the Top Secret Area, which is located above the first Donut Ghost House. Once you've unlocked it you can go in as many times as you like and stock up on mushrooms, fire-flowers, feathers and even get Yoshi.