Super Mario Bros: An Iconic 8 Bit Video Game

Super Mario Bros is one of the most beloved video games of all time. Developed and published by Nintendo in 1985, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, with its iconic characters, colorful graphics, and catchy music. It has since spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations, and continues to capture the hearts and imaginations of players young and old.

In this comprehensive guide, we will take a deep dive into the world of Super Mario Bros, exploring its history, gameplay, characters, and legacy. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the franchise, we hope to provide you with valuable insights and information that will enhance your appreciation and enjoyment of this classic game.

History of Super Mario Bros

Super Mario Bros was developed by Nintendo’s legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto, who had previously created the hit arcade game Donkey Kong. Miyamoto drew inspiration from his childhood experiences exploring the countryside near his home in Japan, as well as from his love of Disney cartoons and other popular media.

The game was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in 1985, and was an instant success. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, innovative level design, and charming characters quickly won over players and critics alike, and helped to establish the NES as the dominant home video game console of its era.

Gameplay of Super Mario Bros

In Super Mario Bros, players control Mario, a plucky plumber who must rescue Princess Toadstool (later known as Princess Peach) from the clutches of the evil Bowser, king of the Koopa Kingdom. Mario navigates through a series of side-scrolling levels, dodging obstacles, defeating enemies, and collecting power-ups such as mushrooms and fire flowers.

The game’s controls are simple but precise, allowing players to run, jump, and shoot fireballs with ease. The levels are designed to be challenging but fair, with hidden secrets and alternate paths to discover. Each level culminates in a boss battle with one of Bowser’s minions, before leading to the final showdown with Bowser himself.

Characters of Super Mario Bros

This game features a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique personality and abilities. Mario is the heroic protagonist, known for his red cap, blue overalls, and trademark mustache. He is joined by his brother Luigi, who wears green and serves as the second player in the game’s co-operative mode.

Princess Toadstool is the damsel in distress, a regal figure who is often kidnapped by Bowser but occasionally takes an active role in the story. Other notable characters include the helpful Toad, the mischievous Koopa Troopas, and the fearsome Bowser himself.

Legacy of Super Mario Bros

Super Mario Bros has had an enormous impact on the video game industry and popular culture at large. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, and has been cited as a major influence by many game designers and developers.

The game’s success helped to establish Nintendo as a major player in the video game industry, and paved the way for numerous sequels, spin-offs, and adaptations. Mario himself has become a cultural icon, appearing in countless merchandise, movies, TV shows, and even theme parks.

The game quickly became a sensation and has since become a cult classic. In this article, we will be discussing how to play Super Mario Bros, including the rules, objectives, and strategies.

1. The Objective of the Game

The objective of Super Mario Bros is to guide Mario, the game’s main character, through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Toadstool from the clutches of the evil Bowser. The game is divided into eight worlds, each with four levels, and players must navigate through various obstacles and enemies to reach the end of each level.

2. Basic Controls

The basic controls of Super Mario Bros are relatively simple. Players use the directional pad on their controller to move Mario left or right and to make him jump. The A button is used to make Mario jump higher, and the B button is used to make him run faster. Players can also use the down arrow to crouch and slide through narrow passages.

3. Power-Ups

Throughout the game, players can collect various power-ups that give Mario special abilities. The most common power-up is the Super Mushroom, which makes Mario grow in size and become more resistant to enemy attacks. The Fire Flower gives Mario the ability to shoot fireballs at enemies, and the Starman makes him invincible for a short period.

4. Enemies

Super Mario Bros has a variety of enemies that players must navigate around or defeat. Some of the most common enemies include Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Piranha Plants. Each enemy has its own unique behavior and movement pattern, and players must learn how to avoid or defeat them.

5. Strategies

To successfully complete this game, players must develop a range of strategies to navigate the various levels and defeat enemies. Some tips and strategies include:

• Jumping on enemies’ heads to defeat them
• Using power-ups to gain an advantage
• Exploring levels thoroughly to find hidden items and secrets
• Timing jumps and movements carefully to avoid obstacles
• Experimenting with different routes to find the fastest path to the end of the level.

FAQs

Q: Is Super Mario Bros available on modern consoles? A: Yes, this game is available on a variety of modern consoles, including the Nintendo Switch.

Q: Can I play Super Mario Bros online? A: Yes, there are many websites and emulators that allow players to play this game online for free.

Q: Is Super Mario Bros a difficult game to play? A: This game can be challenging, but it is not an excessively difficult game. With practice and persistence, most players should be able to complete the game.

Q: Can I save my progress in Super Mario Bros? A: No, this game does not allow players to save their progress. However, there are cheat codes that can be used to skip levels or access other features.

Q: What is the best way to defeat Bowser? A: The best way to defeat Bowser is to wait for him to jump and then run underneath him to hit the switch behind him. After hitting the switch, the bridge will collapse and Bowser will fall into the lava below.

In conclusion, Super Mario Bros is a classic video game that has stood the test of time. With its simple controls, challenging levels, and charming graphics, it remains a favorite of gamers around the world. By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, players can improve their gameplay and have more fun with this beloved classic.

Photo by Caleb Oquendo