Super Mario Bros. (PG)

Super Mario Bros. was widely popular game orginally packed in with the Nintendo Entertainment System. This game set many standards for 2D platform games that are still used today.

The Game
In Super Mario Bros. the hero Mario must rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser, King of the Koopas. In each level Mario starts at the far left and must reach the goal within the time limit while enemies and other obstacles will try to stop him. Mario will find different power-ups in blocks that will help and secret areas in some of the green pipes that will let him skip parts of the level. There are eight worlds with four levels in each world.

Quality
Despite the age of the game it's easy to see why the game was popular. The graphics are very cartoon like. The controls are simple but very responsive. The game itself is fun and easy for anyone to pick up and play while still being challenging enough in later levels to keep skilled players entertained. There are plenty of secrets for players to discover that will keep them coming back.

Content
All the action in the game is non-violent and cartoon like. When Mario defeats an enemy it's either flattened or falls off screen.

Reading
There is no reading required to play. The only text is at the start menu and one sentence at the end of each world.

Mathematics
There is no math required to play. There are some counters on screen that track score and coin total, but computer tracks everything.

Logic
Different enemies and obstacles in the game require different methods to defeat or get past them. It's usually simple logic such as you can't step on the bad guys with spikes.

Reflexes
The player needs to time movement and jumps well to advance in the game. Early in the game is fairly easy but later levels require more skill.

Social
There is two player mode where each player takes a turn playing through the game. Whenever one person loses a life it's the other person's turn.

Releases
Super Mario Bros. is available for these systems:


 * Nintendo Entertainment System
 * Super Nintendo - Part of the Super Mario All-Stars game compilation - Improved graphics and new save feature
 * GameCube - Unlockable in Animal Crossing
 * Wii - Download on Virtual Console
 * Gameboy Color - Updated release with new content
 * Gameboy Advance

Similar Games
Other games in this series:


 * Super Mario Bros. 2
 * Super Mario Bros. 3
 * Super Mario World
 * Super Mario 64