Staring video gaming's most beloved character, Super Mario Bros. is an essential for any gamer's collection. Released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Mario Bros. set the precedent for the multitude of platform games to come. It is the best selling video game of all time (though some argue this point because it came as a package deal with many NES consoles) and set Nintendo on the path to become the biggest name in gaming.
Why was Super Mario Bros. so successful? To start, it was the first ever smooth-scrolling platform game. It featured colorful, changing scenery and a good variety of items, enemies, and obstacles. What is most overlooked, however, is the excellent use of "the element of surprise." Bricks labeled with question marks can contain a coin or a power-up. Certain unlabeled bricks can reveal a coin, multiple coins, power-ups, or even an extra life (1-up mushroom). The various large tubes found in the world of Mario (officially called "The Mushroom Kingdom") can sometimes house enemies or serve as passages into secret areas.
What it all comes down to is a terrific balance of original concept, level-design, lastingness, and artwork. It featured some groovy 8-bit music too! So dust off your old Nintendo, grab a controller, and press start. Someone has to save the princess.
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2 comments:
It is a must have game, the new Mario Galaxy does the old Mario games justice and im sure the new ones will continue to capture the hearts of gamers and my room mate at 3 in the morning when I am trying to sleep. Which would you prefer Super Smash Bros or the old classic Mario from 1985?
Hey,
I am glad that someone else other than me is interested in Mario games. Last night I played Super Mario Bros. 64 in an emulator and it is an addicting game. I could not put it down. I have the first Mario in my thumb drive right now. Unfortunately, I can't play it on Vista or not I would be playing it right now.
Nice topic choice,
-Tony
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