childhood is saying that Mario Bros. sucks, adulthood is realizing Mario Bros. is actually great and we mostly hate it because of the inferior NES version being shoved down our throats
huge shoutouts to the Lonely Goomba for being a big contribution into me trying out the Arcade version. as well as introducing me to the existence of the Classic Series NES port of this game, go check out his video on Mario Bros. when you're done reading this review. besides that, I had originally planned to go through almost every 2D Mario in order in preparation for Wonder, starting with this game, however I backed out of it since I didn't want to risk going through Mario Burnout, but hey at least I got to try this one out.
it's a shame this is considered a black sheep of Mario since a lot of staples originated here like the coins, the pipes, the POW Block, Luigi, New York, how can you imagine Mario without those? the goal here is instead of jumping on enemies like in later games, you instead have to jump under the platform they're on and kick them into the water while they're stunned. they ease you pretty easy at first by having only Shellcreepers to deal with, but as the levels, or Phases as the game calls it goes on, they'll start adding Sidesteppers that take two hits to stun, the first making them faster, then they give you the Fighter Flies that start off real slow and can only be hit when they land on the ground, then they give out the Slipice (known as Freezie in later games) that can freeze the middle and bottom platforms if they stand on the middle of it, then they add Icicles which slowly form at the bottom of the top platforms and can defeat you if you either touch them or have them land on you, and during all that there's red and green fireballs that begin to show up more often the further you get, the red ones slowly moving diagonally through the whole area while the greens quickly zip through one of the three floors. you're probably thinking that's way too chaotic, and it is, and that's what makes it fun (and frustrating). don't worry, there's bonus games at Phase 4, 9, and every seventh one after to help you earn bonus points for lives, as well as helping to calm your nerves, but not for long. the goal there is to collect all the Coins before time runs out, and you're given 20 seconds to collect them all, enough time to easily do so once you're used to the controls, but then in the next one, all the floor is slippery and you're given 15 seconds from now on, then after that, the slippery floor turns invisible after a few seconds then it's not relaxing at all, welcome to Mario Bros. Arcade.
throughout my five or so hours put into this version, I developed some tips to make things easier such as standing on top of the POW Block during Phases that start with Sidesteppers to try and stun them when they're on the middle platform, staying on the top sometimes to not only lure the green fireballs there and safety drop down but also to make Slipices and Icicles easier to deal with, as well as stalling the first three Phases out to try and get early bonus points by defeating the red fireballs as well as chaining up Shellcreepers, ensuring I get an extra life during the third Phase. despite all my efforts, at my best I could only make my way to Phase 20 with a High Score of 166350, before I reluctantly conceded defeat and almost considered dropping the rating to 6/10. there are 23 Phases in the game before it starts looping and not being able to complete that 23rd Phase will keep me up for the rest of the life, but I was able to complete a few Phases with the Icicles so I'll happily count that as my completion for the game.
now if you want to try and have as much fun as I did, get the Arcade version. there's an Arcade Archives version of this on the Switch and it doesn't cost that much money. don't play the NES version, though considering how many times Nintendo have released that version you've probably already have, so stop playing the NES version. the sprites don't look as good, the Icicles are missing, and the difficulty has been turned down so much to the point that the game becomes boring. "But Mario's outfit in that version matches how he's normally dressed!!!" don't go using that excuse on me this was a point of history when Mario used to wear a blue cap things were different back then
this is Mario Bros. at its purest form, however if you're somehow still getting filtered despite my words of encouragement, there's an exclusive European version of the NES port that not only fixes all the sprites and bumps up the difficulty to be closer to the Arcade version, but it also adds free air movement so you're not committed to the jump, potentially reducing some stupid deaths. of course there's also the GBA remake in all the Mario Advance and Superstar Saga carts that can be considered a much better game, but I'm here to sell you on the Arcade version so at least give this one a shot first and see how far you can get.
I think I like this more than Super Mario Bros., no you are not changing my mind
huge shoutouts to the Lonely Goomba for being a big contribution into me trying out the Arcade version. as well as introducing me to the existence of the Classic Series NES port of this game, go check out his video on Mario Bros. when you're done reading this review. besides that, I had originally planned to go through almost every 2D Mario in order in preparation for Wonder, starting with this game, however I backed out of it since I didn't want to risk going through Mario Burnout, but hey at least I got to try this one out.
it's a shame this is considered a black sheep of Mario since a lot of staples originated here like the coins, the pipes, the POW Block, Luigi, New York, how can you imagine Mario without those? the goal here is instead of jumping on enemies like in later games, you instead have to jump under the platform they're on and kick them into the water while they're stunned. they ease you pretty easy at first by having only Shellcreepers to deal with, but as the levels, or Phases as the game calls it goes on, they'll start adding Sidesteppers that take two hits to stun, the first making them faster, then they give you the Fighter Flies that start off real slow and can only be hit when they land on the ground, then they give out the Slipice (known as Freezie in later games) that can freeze the middle and bottom platforms if they stand on the middle of it, then they add Icicles which slowly form at the bottom of the top platforms and can defeat you if you either touch them or have them land on you, and during all that there's red and green fireballs that begin to show up more often the further you get, the red ones slowly moving diagonally through the whole area while the greens quickly zip through one of the three floors. you're probably thinking that's way too chaotic, and it is, and that's what makes it fun (and frustrating). don't worry, there's bonus games at Phase 4, 9, and every seventh one after to help you earn bonus points for lives, as well as helping to calm your nerves, but not for long. the goal there is to collect all the Coins before time runs out, and you're given 20 seconds to collect them all, enough time to easily do so once you're used to the controls, but then in the next one, all the floor is slippery and you're given 15 seconds from now on, then after that, the slippery floor turns invisible after a few seconds then it's not relaxing at all, welcome to Mario Bros. Arcade.
throughout my five or so hours put into this version, I developed some tips to make things easier such as standing on top of the POW Block during Phases that start with Sidesteppers to try and stun them when they're on the middle platform, staying on the top sometimes to not only lure the green fireballs there and safety drop down but also to make Slipices and Icicles easier to deal with, as well as stalling the first three Phases out to try and get early bonus points by defeating the red fireballs as well as chaining up Shellcreepers, ensuring I get an extra life during the third Phase. despite all my efforts, at my best I could only make my way to Phase 20 with a High Score of 166350, before I reluctantly conceded defeat and almost considered dropping the rating to 6/10. there are 23 Phases in the game before it starts looping and not being able to complete that 23rd Phase will keep me up for the rest of the life, but I was able to complete a few Phases with the Icicles so I'll happily count that as my completion for the game.
now if you want to try and have as much fun as I did, get the Arcade version. there's an Arcade Archives version of this on the Switch and it doesn't cost that much money. don't play the NES version, though considering how many times Nintendo have released that version you've probably already have, so stop playing the NES version. the sprites don't look as good, the Icicles are missing, and the difficulty has been turned down so much to the point that the game becomes boring. "But Mario's outfit in that version matches how he's normally dressed!!!" don't go using that excuse on me this was a point of history when Mario used to wear a blue cap things were different back then
this is Mario Bros. at its purest form, however if you're somehow still getting filtered despite my words of encouragement, there's an exclusive European version of the NES port that not only fixes all the sprites and bumps up the difficulty to be closer to the Arcade version, but it also adds free air movement so you're not committed to the jump, potentially reducing some stupid deaths. of course there's also the GBA remake in all the Mario Advance and Superstar Saga carts that can be considered a much better game, but I'm here to sell you on the Arcade version so at least give this one a shot first and see how far you can get.
I think I like this more than Super Mario Bros., no you are not changing my mind
Mario Bros, the game where Chris Pratt stomps Koopas and flips his turtle.
It's not good
I don't want to be a Bully Scholarship Edition and pick on this bad arcade game but I think the comparison I can put this is a mediocre burger from a fast food restaurant, The Buns (presentation) is charming albeit dated with colourful and varied sprites, the cheese (the plot) is simple and gets the job done, Mario and his little brother Luigi are doing simple odd jobs in New Donk City, now find themselves plumbers locked in a battle with Shellcreepers, Sidesteppers and Fighterfiles. Now, when it comes to the meat, it absolutely stinks. Most arcade games are like this, if the core mechanics have one or two issues, then the entire game is ruined.
Mario Bros is a game where you run through sewers which is a never ending hell I guess and stomps on Koopas and Crabs and flies I guess, there's also bonus rounds too sometimes where you collect coins. You can't actually stomp on Koopas, you actually have to jump on blocks them kick them. The reason why it's so putrid is for 2 reasons.
1. The controls feel awkward, way too slippery in my opinion
2. There's no damn variety, Mario Bros unlike most games I've played doesn't end, you have the same 3 enemies and mostly the same aesthetic and level design, it loses it's fun factor quickly
Overall, Mario Bros is not very good, I say stick with the GBA Version in my opinion since it feel more like an actual fun game with Good controls, Bowser and wacky 4 player hijinks, this one was certainly a game alright.
It's not good
I don't want to be a Bully Scholarship Edition and pick on this bad arcade game but I think the comparison I can put this is a mediocre burger from a fast food restaurant, The Buns (presentation) is charming albeit dated with colourful and varied sprites, the cheese (the plot) is simple and gets the job done, Mario and his little brother Luigi are doing simple odd jobs in New Donk City, now find themselves plumbers locked in a battle with Shellcreepers, Sidesteppers and Fighterfiles. Now, when it comes to the meat, it absolutely stinks. Most arcade games are like this, if the core mechanics have one or two issues, then the entire game is ruined.
Mario Bros is a game where you run through sewers which is a never ending hell I guess and stomps on Koopas and Crabs and flies I guess, there's also bonus rounds too sometimes where you collect coins. You can't actually stomp on Koopas, you actually have to jump on blocks them kick them. The reason why it's so putrid is for 2 reasons.
1. The controls feel awkward, way too slippery in my opinion
2. There's no damn variety, Mario Bros unlike most games I've played doesn't end, you have the same 3 enemies and mostly the same aesthetic and level design, it loses it's fun factor quickly
Overall, Mario Bros is not very good, I say stick with the GBA Version in my opinion since it feel more like an actual fun game with Good controls, Bowser and wacky 4 player hijinks, this one was certainly a game alright.
Not sure what it is about this game but I always come back at least once a year to play, it's great fun
This is the game based off illumination's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie"
A huge step up from the NES version in terms of graphics, enemy count, and cutscenes, the arcade version of Mario Bros. truly is an all time great arcade game, and one that I will continue to return to again and again to eventually see all 99 stages. Playing the Arcade Archives port on Switch, and it’s about as solid as you can ask for!
gba version best. game itself still ain't anything special though. cool for the historic value mostly
This game made me anxious when I was but a small
Easily the best of Nintendo's arcade games. While Donkey Kong felt more like a game that should have been a console game originally, Mario Bros. and its more streamlined gameplay feels much more suited for the arcades. The game features a nice colorful cast of characters, including the introduction of Mario's green brother, Luigi. Turtles, crabs, flies, and icicles are found throughout the various sewers and all have different attritubes to make them stand out. While the movement is slippery, the game controls great and makes skillful play all the more satisfying after mastering the momentum. And the best part of all is that this can even be played with two players simultaneously. Fantastic game all around. However, I would suggest skipping the 2600 version.
While growing up... man I spent HOURS of my life stomping...
...
.......
KOOPAS!
...
.......
KOOPAS!
WE'RE THE MARIO BROS! AND PLUMBINGS OUR GAME!
Very cool "first" game for the Mario Bros debut!
Very cool "first" game for the Mario Bros debut!
One of the forefathers of single-screen platformers like Bubble Bobble and the like, and one that surprisingly still holds up well aside from jump physics that take a bit to get used to, and repetitiveness in longer play sessions.
The Game Boy Advance remake does wonders to improve the game, though, but you really can't go wrong with the original arcade version.
The Game Boy Advance remake does wonders to improve the game, though, but you really can't go wrong with the original arcade version.
My record is phase 10, yours?
(i´m gonna edit this)
(i´m gonna edit this)
stompin koopas
The best of the classic arcade games in the Mario wheelhouse. I've definitely spent hours stomping on..... KOOPAS (and then promptly dying).
how I found out I was actually terrible at platformers
Let’s just say if I were Chris Pratt I would not want to spend hours of my life stomping…. KOOPAS, in the original Mario Bros arcade game
In the Mario Movie Direct, Chris Pratt said he would stomp koopas in this, and yet you can't even stomp them, you kick them.
the gameboy advance remake makes this the arcade classic it really should've been, but if you can push past some of the shitty control decisions (why in the world does mario slide on every turn or stop jesus h) there's a fun albeit cyclical gameplay loop to be had here with some charming character and sound design. i like it well enough.
As the basis for Mario, it's a decent enough game. It does take a little time getting used to figuring out how to get a groove of defeating enemies, but once you do, it can become a nice way to kill some time during the day.
Game #4
Game #4
Most franchises have rough beginnings and Mario is no stranger to that, this game is boring as hell.
As an actual video game and not a bla bla bla video game history it’s important it changed the industry thing, this game isn’t particularly fun.
The controls are rough, they are not fun to play with, the momentum is terrible, if you even call that a momentum, the jumps feels to much like moon gravity and the enemies are fast as hell.
Overall a pretty mediocre time for this day and age but for 1983 this game looked pretty damn sweet.
As an actual video game and not a bla bla bla video game history it’s important it changed the industry thing, this game isn’t particularly fun.
The controls are rough, they are not fun to play with, the momentum is terrible, if you even call that a momentum, the jumps feels to much like moon gravity and the enemies are fast as hell.
Overall a pretty mediocre time for this day and age but for 1983 this game looked pretty damn sweet.
The Germany tour stage in MK8D has the Berlin wall in it, confirming WW2 happened in the Mario Universe.
Mario and Luigi are obviously Italian, but canonically lived in New York before the events that led them to the Mushroom Kingdom.
However, since they still have very strong Italian accents they are most likely immigrants from Italy themselves or only first/second generation.
And assuming the games originally take place in 1983 when they first released, it's extremely likely Mario's parents and/or grandparents either escaped from or fought under Mussolini in WW2.
Mario and Luigi are obviously Italian, but canonically lived in New York before the events that led them to the Mushroom Kingdom.
However, since they still have very strong Italian accents they are most likely immigrants from Italy themselves or only first/second generation.
And assuming the games originally take place in 1983 when they first released, it's extremely likely Mario's parents and/or grandparents either escaped from or fought under Mussolini in WW2.
Ive been to two different dentists with a mario bros machine in it which isn't that much but it's weird that its happened twice.
I have never enjoyed this game at all. Every time I play it, my interest has lasted about 3 minutes and I move on. Out of respect for Luigi, I will bump it to a solid 1 star review.
Certainly more notable for spinning off Mario into... Mario than it is for being a good game on its own merit but it is fun. It's definitely more fun with a second person. Also the debut of: the respawn platform for Smash -- let's hear it for the respawn platform from Smash.
Rating: 3.5 - 3.5 - Good: Good enough to enjoy
Rating: 3.5 - 3.5 - Good: Good enough to enjoy
Retro Yearly List #9 [1983: Mario Bros.]
After jumping over barrels and rescuing Pauline, here Mario started his violent path of beating animals, so he's been doing this for a long time, he also debuted his punching and running abilities, and used to kick as well, but did not learn how to jump on enemies yet.
It's just a simple, point-based, arcade game, but is well-designed, there are different enemies with unique characteristics and it becomes pretty difficult at a pixel-perfect level, forcing you to use your time wisely and train some moves. Controls are a bit stiff, but you'll get used to it after some practice. This took more time than I imagined, really instigating my challenging spirit, and more important: it's fun.
Also there is a 2-player mode which works like a co-op experience, featuring Luigi, which debuted in this game.
After jumping over barrels and rescuing Pauline, here Mario started his violent path of beating animals, so he's been doing this for a long time, he also debuted his punching and running abilities, and used to kick as well, but did not learn how to jump on enemies yet.
It's just a simple, point-based, arcade game, but is well-designed, there are different enemies with unique characteristics and it becomes pretty difficult at a pixel-perfect level, forcing you to use your time wisely and train some moves. Controls are a bit stiff, but you'll get used to it after some practice. This took more time than I imagined, really instigating my challenging spirit, and more important: it's fun.
Also there is a 2-player mode which works like a co-op experience, featuring Luigi, which debuted in this game.
Imagine my face when I stomped onto the enemy just to die, I felt like the world just fell around me
how do u even play this
Fun game for the first 8 minutes there is nothing else to do
I think this is maybe one of the shittiest games of the 80's and I wish everyone forgot about it.
Bostinha mas ei, é só um jogo de Arcade.