Box art

Technical Information

Platform: NES
Versions played: Nintendo Switch Online, NES
Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Other versions: Arcade / Atari 2600 / Apple II / Commodore 64 and others
Release date: Sep/09/1983 (JP); Jun/23/1986 (US)
Genre: Platformer / 2D
Where to play now: Nintendo Switch Online

Plumbing, Pests, and Power-Ups

About the Game

Before Mario was soaring through the Mushroom Kingdom in search of Princess Peach, he was plumbing his way through the bustling sewers of New York… or at least, that’s where it all began. Mario Bros. for the NES is the game that kicked off the plumber’s own adventures.

Released in 1983, this game predates the Super Mario hype we all know and love. It’s a quirky arcade-style platformer that pairs everyone’s favorite plumber with his brother, Luigi, as they take on a unique underground adventure filled with critters and coins.

How Is the Gameplay

The gameplay in Mario Bros. is a blend of frantic action and quirky mechanics. It’s a bit like plumbing meets pest control. You’ll find yourself hopping around platforms, bumping the floor beneath enemies to flip them onto their backs, and then giving them a good kick off the screen. You control either Mario or Luigi, depending on whether you’re playing solo or with a friend, and your goal is to clear the sewers of various critters and pests.

You’ll jump, dodge, and squash enemies while collecting coins and power-ups, but here’s where things get a tad slippery, and not in a good way. The controls in Mario Bros. can be maddeningly imprecise. Mario and Luigi slide around like they’re on an ice rink, making it challenging to execute those precision moves. Expect to send your beloved plumber duo careening into danger more than a few times.

What’s Good About the Game

Despite the control quirks, Mario Bros. offers an engaging and unique gameplay experience. The concept of flipping enemies and collecting coins in a series of single-screen stages was innovative for its time and laid the groundwork for Mario‘s future adventures.

The cooperative multiplayer mode is where the game truly shines. Team up with a friend (or a sibling) and work together to tackle those mischievous foes. The chaos of teamwork adds an extra layer of fun to the game.

What Isn’t So Good About the Game

While Mario Bros. lays down some solid gameplay foundations, the aforementioned control issues are hard to ignore. The slip-and-slide antics of Mario and Luigi can lead to frustrating moments, especially when precision is required.

Additionally, the game’s repetitive nature can wear thin after a while. You’ll find yourself doing the same things over and over again, just on different levels with increasing speed. The sewer setting, while iconic, lacks the variety of the later Mario games, and you’ll find yourself facing similar challenges throughout. This lack of variety can make the game feel somewhat monotonous.

Technical Features

Technically, Mario Bros. for the NES doesn’t aim for graphical greatness. The visuals are simple and functional, with distinct character designs for Mario, Luigi, and the various creatures that roam the pipes. It’s a game that doesn’t rely on visual complexity to deliver its unique charm.

The music, while not particularly memorable, suits the game’s arcade-style action well. It’s catchy in its simplicity, serving to enhance the overall experience. Sound effects, from the coin collection jingle to the sound of enemies getting squashed, are kind of a satisfying accompaniment to the action.

How Does It Compare

Compared to the later Super Mario titles, Mario Bros. is like the quirky cousin who paved the way but never quite stole the spotlight. It’s a fascinating look at the early days of Mario‘s adventures, but it lacks the depth and polish of its successors.

In the realm of NES classics, Mario Bros. holds a special place as a precursor to the Super Mario series, but it doesn’t quite reach the same iconic status.

Is the Game Worth It

Whether Mario Bros. is worth your time depends on your nostalgia for retro arcade-style gameplay and your tolerance for slippery controls. It’s a game that offers a unique slice of Mario history but may not hold your attention for extended play sessions.

If you’re a die-hard Mario fan or looking for a cooperative multiplayer experience with a touch of nostalgia, it’s worth giving Mario Bros. a playthrough. Just be prepared for those occasional moments of frustration!

Tips and Tricks

– Cooperative Play: If you’re playing with a friend, coordinate your movements and strategies to tackle enemies effectively and collect coins efficiently.

– Precision Jumping: Mastering the timing and precision of your jumps is essential, especially in later levels with faster enemies and more challenging obstacles.

– Use the Environment: The pipes and platforms in the sewers can be your allies. Use them strategically to outmaneuver enemies and collect hard-to-reach coins.

Game Trivia

– Mario Bros. marked the first appearance of Luigi, Mario‘s younger brother. The green-clad plumber quickly became a beloved character in his own right.

– The game’s success in arcades and on the NES paved the way for the Super Mario franchise, one of the most iconic and influential series in gaming history.

– The idea of plumbing and sewers in Mario‘s world came from the limitations of the hardware at the time. The pipes served as a convenient way to connect different levels and challenges within the game.

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