Nintendo - 1985
Side Scrolling Platformer
Super Mario Bros. is a game that should need no introduction to gamer or even non-gamer alike. This is arguably THE game that put Nintendo on the map and pushed the NES into the homes of millions of people around the world. Without Super Mario and the NES, the video game crash of '83 may have persisted for much longer and the state of video games as we know it today may have been very different. Looking back at this game 31 years later it is still quite apparent why this game was, and continues to be, so popular.
The bright, colorful graphics still look pleasing today even without the rose colored lens of nostalgia and the on screen action flows smoothly with minimal slowdown or flicker. There is a nice variety of environments to explore and each world has it's own unique "feel" and set of platforming challenges.
Control is quick and responsive, though not as crisp as the later Mario Bros. installments. The only real complaint I have is that Mario's "run-up" speed feels a bit sluggish and can make some platform segments quite difficult.
The music and sounds are decent for such an early NES title and the catchy tunes will stick with you long after the play session has ended. The sheer number of Super Mario Bros. remixes out there will tell you all you need to know about the lasting impact of this game's soundtrack.
While not as laden with secrets as later installments, SMB still has plenty of discoveries to be made. While not the first to use the term, Super Mario is basically responsible for the term "Warp Zone" having permeated the video game lexicon. Mention "Warp Zone" and I would hazard a guess that most people will think immediately of the Mario games.
A variety of power-ups will assist you on your mission to rescue the kidnapped princess including power mushrooms, fire flowers and super stars. You will likely need all the assistance you can get to reach the final castle and battle with Bowser, the King of the Koopa race.
If you haven't played SMB before, or haven't in a while, I really recommend giving it a go. If not just for the appreciation of this early groundbreaking game which continues to influence game design 30+ years on, but because it is a genuinely fun and challenging experience.
Helpful Tips and Game Genie cheats -
Once you run out of lives and see the "Game Over" screen, when you return to the title screen hold the A button and press start. You will continue from the beginning of the world you left off in.
Game Genie -
| Effect | Code |
| Unlimited Lives | SXIOPO |
| Start with 9 lives | AATOZE |
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