“Super Mario Bros.” is widely considered both one of the most well-known and best games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Is Super Mario Bros. most known game for NES?
“Super Mario Bros.” is more than just a game; it’s a cornerstone of gaming history. Designed by Shigeru Miyamoto and released by Nintendo in 1985, it is often credited with not only popularizing the NES but also redefining the video game industry at a time when it was in decline.
Iconic Status: Released in 1985, “Super Mario Bros.” was a major driver behind the success of the NES and is often credited with helping to revive the video game industry after the crash of 1983. It’s considered one of the most iconic video games of all time.
Cultural Impact: Mario as a character became a cultural phenomenon. The game introduced people to Mario and Luigi, who have since become the mascots of Nintendo and recognizable worldwide.
Sales: With over 40 million copies sold, it was the best-selling video game of all time for several years (until surpassed by later titles like “Wii Sports”).
Wide Appeal: Its simplicity, accessibility, and engaging design ensured that it reached a broad audience, from casual to hardcore gamers.
Is Super Mario Bros. the best game for NES?
Ultimately, while some may argue about the best NES game based on personal preference, “Super Mario Bros.” is certainly the most well-known and arguably one of the best games ever made for the system.
Pioneering Gameplay: It revolutionized the platforming genre and introduced many gameplay elements that are now standard, such as power-ups, secret levels, and smooth side-scrolling action.
Level Design: The game’s level design is legendary, teaching players how to play without heavy tutorials. The challenge curve is expertly crafted, making the game engaging for both new and seasoned players.
Replayability: Even decades later, it holds up as a fun and challenging game. Its secrets, alternate routes, and hidden power-ups encourage repeated playthroughs.
Influence on Later Games: It laid the groundwork for subsequent Mario titles and other platformers, setting a high bar for design and creativity.
Why is Super Mario Bros. is one of the best games for NES?
The success of “Super Mario Bros.” led to a massive franchise that includes sequels, spin-offs, merchandise, TV shows, movies, and more. It set the standard for platform games, influencing hundreds of titles that followed. Its core design principles—like rewarding player curiosity, balancing challenge with accessibility, and creating memorable characters—remain influential in game development.
Many elements introduced in “Super Mario Bros.” would become standard in future games, not just for the Mario franchise but for the entire platforming genre. From the catchy music composed by Koji Kondo to the iconic level designs (like World 1-1, which is often considered a masterclass in teaching players how to play), the game set a template that’s still studied and admired today.
The game has really huge cultural Impact. Mario went on to become one of the most recognizable characters in pop culture, comparable to Mickey Mouse. His mustache, red hat, and blue overalls are instantly identifiable, and he has appeared in more than 200 video games since.
Music: The original theme song composed by Koji Kondo is one of the most recognizable pieces of video game music ever. Even non-gamers can recognize its catchy melody.
Speedrunning: “Super Mario Bros.” is one of the most popular games in the speedrunning community, where players attempt to complete the game as quickly as possible using a combination of skill, precise movements, and glitches. World records are still actively contested, with the game’s simple yet deep mechanics making it ideal for speedrunning.
Try it, it still worth to play!
You can still have fun playing mario on your NES. Or if you don’t have it, you can download one of the “NES emulators” and run it on your PC.
“Super Mario Bros.” is more than a game – it’s a legacy that continues to impact the world of gaming. Its universal appeal, groundbreaking design, and enduring charm have secured its place as one of the greatest and most well-known video games of all time. Even decades later, it remains a touchstone for developers and players alike, showing that great design and creativity can transcend time and technology.