Super Mario Brothers Classic

Bibliographic Information:

• Title: Super Mario Brothers Classic
• Developer: Nintendo
• Publisher: Nintendo
• Platform: NES Classic
• Release Date: Original Game- October 1985. Re-released November 11, 2017 and June 29, 2018

Genre: Platform Game, Action/Adventure

Format: Video Game

Awards: None found.

Rating/Interest Level: No rating but appropriate for all ages.

Game Description: Super Mario Brothers is a platform game that was originally released in 1985. The players control Mario and his brother Luigi through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Toadstool. The characters travel through 2-dimensional, side-scrolling stages, avoiding hazards and defeating enemies. The game can be played with one or two players. Over 10 variations of Super Mario Brothers have been released over the years, and it is estimated that the “Mario franchise” contains over 200 variations and sub-series (Wikipedia, 2021). In 2017, Nintendo released NES Classic Edition. This is a replica of the original NES system, and comes pre-loaded with 30 classic games. In addition to Super Mario Brothers, the console includes Donkey Kong, The Legend of Zelda, Pac-Man, and Castlevania.

Reaction/Interest: Super Mario Brothers received a score of 8.9 out of a possible 10 on Gamespot.com (2021). It is described as “fun, challenging, well-designed, and stood the test of time.” The only negative point is the number of lives is too small and the player needs to start from the beginning when the game is over (which was the norm in 80s and 90s gaming).

Critical Evaluation: Super Mario Brothers is referred to as “the greatest video game of all times” (Wikipedia, 2021). It has stood the test of time since its original release in 1985. This classic version has a side-scrolling platform and very basic, two-dimensional graphics. The backgrounds repeat throughout the game and lack detail, especially compared to newer games. However, the game has a certain retro charm to it that makes it fun to play. The music is catchy and has become iconic. The sound effects add to the game without distracting from game play. The biggest problem with this game is that after you lose your lives, the game goes back to the beginning, regardless how far you got in the game. This can be very frustrating once the user has reached the more advanced levels.

Creative Use for a Library Program: Super Mario Brothers would be perfect for a “Throw-back Thursday” program or any retro game program. Teens can play the video game along with retro board games such as Battleship, Operation, Trouble, and Twister. They can do crafts from the 80s and 90s, like Shrinky Dinks and Perler (ironing) beads. Retro snacks could include Hostess Twinkies, Dunkaroos, Ritz Crackers and EZ Cheese among others.

Speed-Round Game Talk: Are you looking for a game that you can’t put down? You’ve come to the right place! Super Mario Brothers Classic is fun, challenging, and non-stop action. Play alone or with a friend, but just a warning: this one is addicting!

Potential Challenge Issues and Defenses: There are no challenges or issues that I can foresee with this game.

Reason for Inclusion: This game is fun! It is a blast from the past. Many teens grew up playing different games from the Super Mario Brothers franchise but never played the original. The teens in my library love playing this game when it is part of a library program or event.

References:

Game Spot. (2021). Super Mario Bros. Retrieved from https://www.gamespot.com/games/classic-nes-series-super-mario-bros/reviews/

NintenDaan. (2016, November 12). Nintendo Classic mini: NES Super Mario Bros. gameplay. [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_MBijR0d48&ab_channel=NintenDaan

Wikipedia. (2021, March 30). Super Mario Bros. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Mario_Bros.