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Super Mario Bros. – The Game That Started It All

Released back in 1985, Super Mario Bros. didn’t just launch a franchise — it helped save the video game industry. If you had an NES growing up, there’s a good chance this was the first game you ever played. It’s simple on the surface, but somehow, it still holds up decades later. The controls are tight, the music is iconic, and every level feels like a little adventure.

What’s the Game About?

You play as Mario — or Luigi if you’ve got a second player — on a mission to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. You’ll run, jump, and stomp your way across 8 different worlds, each with their own look and feel. From underground tunnels to water stages to fiery castles, there’s just enough variety to keep things fresh without overwhelming you.

Why It Works

• Levels that teach without talking: The game never tells you what to do, but somehow you figure it out — like that first Goomba in 1-1. It’s clever design.
• Unforgettable music: Koji Kondo’s theme is burned into the brain of anyone who’s played even five minutes of the game.
• Perfectly tuned controls: Mario’s jumps, momentum, and responsiveness are spot on — which makes even tricky levels feel fair.
• Classic power-ups: The Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman still feel satisfying to grab. That little jingle when you power up? Instant nostalgia.
• Hidden stuff everywhere: Warp zones, secret blocks, vine paths — exploring is part of the fun.

The Impact

Super Mario Bros. came out at a time when video games were in a slump. But thanks to this game — and the NES as a whole — everything changed. It sold over 40 million copies, introduced Mario as Nintendo’s mascot, and set the tone for almost every platformer that came after. This wasn’t just a fun game; it was a turning point for the entire industry.

Fun Facts

• The game was originally planned as a final send-off for the Famicom before newer tech arrived. That didn’t go as expected.
• The infamous “Minus World” glitch is still one of the most talked-about bugs in gaming history.
• Speedrunners have pushed this game to the limit — current records are measured in fractions of a second.

Why It Still Matters

Lots of Mario games came after this one, and many of them added new mechanics, better graphics, or flashier worlds. But Super Mario Bros. still has that charm. It’s straightforward, challenging, and rewarding in all the right ways. No saves. No tutorials. Just you, the controller, and a race to the flagpole.

Getting Started

If you’re new (or just rusty), here’s how it plays:

• Move: Left/right to walk, A to jump, B to run or shoot (with Fire Flower).
• Reach the flagpole at the end of each level before time runs out. Bonus if you hit the top!
• Power-ups: Mushrooms make you big, Fire Flowers let you shoot, and Starman gives you brief invincibility.

Tips for Surviving

• Take it slow at first: Each level introduces new enemies or obstacles. Watch and learn before rushing ahead.
• Warp zones are your friend: Found in 1-2 and 4-2, they let you skip whole worlds. Great if you're short on time.
• Leave some bricks unbroken: They might help you reach secret areas later in the level.
• Try every pipe: Some lead to bonus coin rooms or shortcuts. You’ll never know unless you check.
• Save Fire Mario for later levels: That firepower can really help against tougher enemies and bosses.

How It Compares to Later Mario Games

Sure, later games added more — flight suits, maps, Yoshi — but here’s a quick comparison:

Even with all those upgrades, there’s something about the original Super Mario Bros. that just feels right. Whether you're a speedrunner, a first-timer, or someone dusting off their NES for old times’ sake — this is a game that never loses its magic.