In 1985, Nintendo released Super Mario Bros., a game that would change the landscape of video gaming forever. Created by Shigeru Miyamoto, the game introduced players to Mario, a mustached plumber who would go on to become one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture. With its iconic gameplay, memorable music, and secret-filled levels, Super Mario Bros. has held its place as a timeless classic. Here’s a look at the origin story, fascinating facts, hidden secrets, and tips to help master this legendary game.
The Origins of Super Mario Bros.
Shigeru Miyamoto, the mastermind behind Super Mario Bros., wanted to create a game that would bring the joy of exploration to players. After Mario’s first appearance in Donkey Kong as “Jumpman,” Miyamoto refined his concept, turning Mario into a plumber and introducing the vibrant, side-scrolling world of the Mushroom Kingdom. Nintendo’s technical team worked tirelessly to push the boundaries of the 8-bit Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) to produce smooth gameplay, memorable graphics, and catchy music, a combination that would set a new standard in gaming.
The story is simple: Mario must rescue Princess Toadstool (later known as Princess Peach) from the clutches of Bowser, the fire-breathing turtle-like antagonist. The game’s levels are designed as “worlds” with distinct themes, filled with obstacles, enemies, and secrets for players to discover. It was one of the first games to introduce power-ups, like the Super Mushroom and Fire Flower, adding a layer of strategy that allowed players to approach challenges in multiple ways.
Interesting Facts About Super Mario Bros.
- Mario’s Design Was Created Out of Necessity: Mario’s hat and mustache weren’t just stylistic choices; they were decisions born from the technical limitations of the NES. Drawing realistic hair and a mouth was difficult, so Miyamoto added a hat and mustache to make him recognizable within the constraints of pixel art.
- Groundbreaking Side-Scrolling Mechanic: Super Mario Bros. was one of the first video games to use smooth side-scrolling, where the screen follows the character rather than being confined to a single frame. This opened up a whole new way of designing levels and immersing players in Mario’s world.
- The 1-Up Trick: Many players discovered the famous “1-Up trick” in World 3-1, where Mario can bounce repeatedly on a Koopa Troopa on a staircase to rack up extra lives. This glitch became a staple of Mario lore and is known by generations of players worldwide.
- Luigi as the Second Player: Super Mario Bros. was the first game to introduce Luigi as Mario’s brother and co-adventurer. In two-player mode, players could take turns controlling the brothers, adding a social aspect to an otherwise single-player experience.
- Inspired by Classic Fairy Tales and Folklore: Miyamoto wanted Super Mario Bros. to feel like a whimsical journey, much like classic fairy tales. The Mushroom Kingdom and its characters have a unique charm that appeals to both children and adults, ensuring its lasting popularity.
Secrets and Easter Eggs
- The Minus World Glitch: In World 1-2, players can jump and slide into a wall at the pipe exit to access an infamous level known as the “Minus World.” This water level is a bug that allows players to swim endlessly through an impossible-to-complete area. The Minus World glitch fascinated gamers and added to the game’s mystique.
- Hidden Warp Zones: Warp Zones are hidden areas that let players skip levels and jump to later worlds. In World 1-2, for instance, players can break through the ceiling near the exit pipe to access a Warp Zone that allows them to skip to World 2, 3, or 4. World 4-2 has another secret warp area, making it possible to fast-track to World 8.
- The Infinite 1-Up Turtle Trick: As mentioned, in World 3-1, players can earn infinite lives by carefully positioning Mario on a staircase and repeatedly jumping on a Koopa Troopa. Mastering this trick takes practice, but it’s one of the most well-known exploits in the game.
- Invisible Blocks and Secret Vines: Throughout the game, there are several invisible blocks containing items or vines leading to coin-filled bonus areas. These hidden blocks reward players who explore every inch of each level, often leading to extra lives or valuable power-ups.
Tricks and Tips to Master Super Mario Bros.
- Use Power-Ups Wisely: The Super Mushroom and Fire Flower power-ups can be game-changers. The Super Mushroom allows Mario to take an extra hit, while the Fire Flower enables him to shoot fireballs, making certain enemies and bosses easier to defeat. Collecting these power-ups as early as possible in each level will help you tackle tougher challenges ahead.
- Time Your Jumps Carefully: Precise timing is key to progressing through later levels, especially when it comes to Mario’s jumps. Practice makes perfect with Super Mario Bros., especially when maneuvering over gaps, dodging Piranha Plants, or avoiding tricky enemies.
- Watch Out for Power-Up Blocks: While most power-ups come from obvious Question Blocks, some power-ups are hidden in unmarked blocks. Exploring each level thoroughly can lead to more power-ups and extra lives, so always take a second look if you think a block could hold a secret.
- Save the Fire Flower for Bowser: In the final stages, having a Fire Flower can give you a huge advantage against Bowser. Instead of having to dodge Bowser’s fireballs and jump over him, you can keep your distance and defeat him by hitting him with fireballs, making the rescue much easier.
- Learn the Enemy Patterns: Many enemies, like Goombas and Koopa Troopas, follow predictable patterns. Learning how they move will help you avoid or jump over them efficiently, especially in tight spaces where timing is everything.
Super Mario Bros.’ Legacy and Cultural Impact
Super Mario Bros. transformed video games from a niche pastime to a global cultural phenomenon. The game’s blend of simple mechanics with challenging gameplay set a new standard for game design, influencing countless games that followed. Mario’s cheerful personality, the colorful world of the Mushroom Kingdom, and the unforgettable soundtrack by Koji Kondo cemented it as a staple of gaming culture.
Nintendo has since released dozens of sequels and spin-offs, but Super Mario Bros. remains iconic, as each generation discovers the magic of this original adventure. Mario became Nintendo’s mascot, and his franchise has sold over 370 million copies worldwide. Even as gaming technology has evolved, fans continue to return to Super Mario Bros. for its timeless gameplay and enduring charm.
With hidden secrets, challenging levels, and Mario’s trademark charm, Super Mario Bros. has earned its place in gaming history as one of the greatest games of all time. Whether you’re a newcomer or a veteran aiming for a perfect run, Super Mario Bros. delivers a gaming experience that remains just as exciting and rewarding as it was in 1985.