Super Mario Bros.

"Gaming Perfection"

Super Mario Brothers for the Nintendo Entertainment System.

The Review

Over the last twenty years this game has never failed to lose its appeal or playability and remains a prime example for platforming perfection. This is one game you can come back to over and over again and still have a great time on every play through. This game is amazing from the graphics down to the controls. There is a reason that the Mario franchise is so successful and this game is the reason.

The Graphics

The graphics in this game were and still are great. Featuring bright sprites and great animation; Super Mario Bros made people begin to see that gaming is an art form. Mushrooms that have eyes, beanstalks that sprout from blocks into the sky and the many enemies all help make SMB the great game it is. From the first level to the last castle you never lose the feeling that you are in a fantasy world and it keeps you coming back. Only won small problem is to be found in the graphics department and that is slight flickering but since the frame rate never drops, this is for the most part acceptable.

Score: 9/10

Sound

Who doesn't know the Super Mario theme by heart? The song is as much a part of our culture as democracy or baseball and once again helps immerse you in the wonder that this game is. SMB took music one step farther then games of its time by featuring a diverse soundtrack for the game. Underwater, on the ground or in a castle you are treated to the most memorable music in gaming and it never gets old which is rare in even the newest of game. In game sounds are also very good and diverse. Everything you hit or jump on makes its own unique sound. Collecting mass amounts of coins in the underground areas or grabbing mushrooms; you are treated to very clear and crisp sound effects that put the bleeps and boops of its predecessors to shame. SMB has everything a game needs in the sound department and therefore gets a perfect score.

Score: 10/10

Story

Again this is an area where SMB succeeds. Unlike games then SMB actually gave you a reason to continue on. Princess Peach of the Mushroom Kingdom has been kidnapped by the evil King Koopa and your job is to get her back. Your Princess is in another castle is a catchphrase that all true gamers know by heart. Sure the story isn't much and depth is most definitely lacking. Admit it, you needed to see this Princess that our hero was trying to save and this is what kept many people playing into the wee hours of the morning.

Score: 7/10

Controls

The controls here are simple. One button to jump and one button to sprint. Underwater omits sprint for a paddle button. Simple stuff here but then again that's all we needed. Timing jumps or avoiding Hammer Bros here is all made easy and in turn making SMB a fun game to play. From young children or older adults this game is easy to play and get into.

Score: 10/10

Game-play

Again SMB succeeds. Here your job is to make it from one end of a stage to another all the while avoiding enemies and making amazing, although sometimes complex, jumps. This style of game play is called platforming and SMB invented and perfected this genre. On top of all that the game features a two player mode where the players control one of the Mario brothers in the form of Mario Mario or Luigi Mario. All great stuff here and as said before this is gaming at its finest.

Score: 10/10

Replay Value

Amazing. If you are ever in need of a quick gaming fix or just feel like re-living your younger years this game is a blast to play each and every time. Alone or with a friend SMB delivers fun platforming every time.

Score: 10/10

Overal

Super Mario Brothers has been here for twenty years now and no doubt it will be here in another twenty. SMB and its many, many spin-offs have provided us with so much of the great gaming of the last two decades all in part to the success of this game. It's great to go back and see where it all started and fortunately for us you'll have a great time doing it. You owe it to yourself to always have a copy of this game in your library and in easy reach. Sooner or later you'll find yourself whistling that familiar tune and you'll have the need to go stomp some turtles or throw fireballs at those throwing hammers at you This is a gem that deserves it's place in the gaming hall of fame.

Overall Score: 10/10

Reviewer's Score: 10/10, Originally Posted: 01/25/05