Before the "Super" came the original. For many of us who grew up with Nintendo, the pixels and plumbs of the Mario Bros. NES port hold a special place in our hearts. Released for Nintendo's groundbreaking console in 1985 (following its 1983 arcade debut), this game wasn't just a precursor; it was the very foundation upon which an empire was built.
It introduced iconic elements we now take for granted – Luigi, those ubiquitous green pipes, and the Koopa Troopas (well, Shellcreepers initially) that would become Mario's eternal adversaries. But playing the original Mario Bros. on the NES is a distinctly different experience from its world-famous successor.
Stepping Back: Before Super Mario Bros.
While Super Mario Bros. defined side-scrolling platforming, the original Mario Bros. is a single-screen, static-level arcade-style game. The premise is delightfully simple, almost quaint by today's standards: creatures are emerging from the sewers of New York City, and it's up to the Mario brothers, Mario and Luigi, to stop them. No princesses to save yet, just good old-fashioned pest control.
The NES version brought this arcade hit home, allowing countless kids (and adults) to experience the frantic action without needing a pocketful of quarters. It was simple, challenging, and perfectly suited for quick play sessions.
The Unique Gameplay Loop
Forget jumping on heads! The core mechanic of Mario Bros. NES is hitting the platform below an enemy to stun them. Once flipped onto their back, you have a short window to kick them off the screen. Fail to kick them quickly enough, and they'll flip back over, often faster and angrier than before.
This simple interaction creates a rhythm that's unique to this game. You're constantly moving, dodging, and calculating the best moment to strike from below.
Other key elements include:
- The POW Block: A central block that, when hit, stuns all enemies currently on solid ground. Use it strategically, but be warned – it has limited uses per phase!
- Coin Collecting: Flipping and kicking enemies earns you coins. Collecting these adds to your score, driving the arcade high-score chase.
- Bonus Rounds: Occasionally, a bonus round appears where you simply collect coins against a timer, adding a brief, less stressful interlude.
This gameplay is less about exploration and more about survival and efficiency in a contained arena. It requires different reflexes and strategies than the later "Super" games.
Plumbing with a Pal: Multiplayer Mayhem
One of the absolute best parts of Mario Bros. NES is the two-player mode. Playing with a friend as Mario (Player 1) and Luigi (Player 2) elevates the fun significantly. You can cooperate to clear phases faster, strategically using the POW block together, or descend into hilarious chaos by accidentally (or intentionally!) stunning your partner or stealing their kills.
The competitive edge, like using the POW block just as your friend is about to kick an enemy, adds a layer of playful antagonism that made for many memorable couch gaming sessions. It's a fantastic example of simple, effective local multiplayer.
Graphics, Sounds, and That Classic Feel
Visually, Mario Bros. NES is simple but effective for its time. The sprites are clear, the animations basic but functional, and the different enemy types (Shellcreepers, Sidesteppers, Fighter Flies) are easily distinguishable. The black background keeps the focus on the action on the platforms.
The sound design, while iconic purely through repetition, is perhaps not the game's strongest suit. The looping background tune can become repetitive, and most sound effects are simple beeps and boops. However, the satisfying "thwack" of hitting a platform to flip an enemy and the distinct sound of the POW block are instantly recognizable to anyone who played it back then. It all contributes to that raw, early-NES charm.
Where Does Mario Bros. NES Stand Today?
While some might find the single-screen gameplay repetitive compared to the sprawling adventures of Super Mario Bros., the original Mario Bros. NES holds significant historical value. It's the game that truly cemented Mario and Luigi as characters and introduced mechanics and enemies that would become series staples.
Its simplicity is also its strength. It's easy to pick up and play, and the challenge ramps up nicely as phases introduce more and faster enemies, ice physics, and fireballs. The multiplayer alone makes it worth revisiting. It's a pure, unadulterated slice of early 80s arcade fun, perfectly translated to the home console. It's a must-play for any fan of retro gaming.
Revisit the Sewers: How to Play Mario Bros. NES Now
Feeling nostalgic? Thankfully, experiencing Mario Bros. NES today is easier than ever:
- Nintendo Switch Online: The most accessible official way is through the NES library available with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. This often includes the multiplayer mode.
- Classic Consoles: The game was included on the NES Classic Edition.
- Emulation: For those comfortable with the process, NES emulators on PC or other devices can run the game ROMs (ensure you own the original cartridge). Sites like Archive.org sometimes host historical software, though finding official ROMs is best pursued through legal means like the Switch Online service.
- Game Boy Advance: A port was released for the GBA, often included as an unlockable in Super Mario Advance titles.
However you choose to play, diving back into the original Mario Bros. NES is a great way to appreciate the humble beginnings of gaming's biggest icon.
FAQ
Q: Is Mario Bros. NES the same as Super Mario Bros. NES? A: No, they are very different games. Mario Bros. is a single-screen arcade-style game focused on clearing enemies from platforms, while Super Mario Bros. is a side-scrolling platformer with exploration and levels.
Q: Can you jump on enemies in Mario Bros. NES? A: No, you cannot jump directly on most enemies to defeat them. You must hit the platform below them to flip them, then kick them off the screen.
Q: Does Mario Bros. NES have multiplayer? A: Yes! The NES version features a fantastic 2-player mode where Mario and Luigi can play cooperatively or competitively.
Q: Where can I play the original Mario Bros. today? A: The easiest official way is via the Nintendo Switch Online service. It was also on the NES Classic Edition and ported to Game Boy Advance. Emulation is another option if you legally own the game.
