I think it’s a combination of nostalgia and the fact that SML1 had levels, enemies and music that were super unique compared to other Mario games before or after.

SML2 is a better game on the technical side of things but nothing in it blew me away or was memorable enough for me to recall with super clarity like I do with 1.

I’ll always prefer SML 1.

But I do fondly remember this.

Do I need sources for the failed invasion of Kyiv?

Everyone knows about it.