The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a legendary console that brought joy and excitement to millions of gamers around the world during its heyday in the late 1980s and early 1990s. One of the most iconic characters associated with this console is Mario, the red-capped plumber who has become a cultural phenomenon. The Mario series, which debuted on the NES, consists of several games that are still widely popular today. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the best NES M.C. Mario games, including their age ratings.
History of Nintendo NES and Mario
The NES was released in 1985 and went on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time. The console's library included over 700 games, many of which were developed by Nintendo itself. The Mario series, which debuted with the release of Super Mario Bros. in 1985, quickly became a flagship franchise for the NES.
Super Mario Bros. is widely regarded as one of the greatest video games of all time, and its impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. The game's success spawned numerous sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise, cementing Mario's status as an icon of popular culture. Other notable NES M.C. Mario games include Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, Dr. Mario, and Wrecking Crew.
Super Mario Bros. (1985)
Age Rating: E for Everyone (by the Entertainment Software Rating Board)
Super Mario Bros. is a platformer that follows the adventures of Mario and his brother Luigi as they attempt to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. The game introduced many innovative gameplay mechanics, including power-ups, pipes, and castles.
The game's graphics and sound design were revolutionary for its time, with vibrant colors, catchy music, and iconic sound effects that have become synonymous with the Mario franchise. Super Mario Bros. has been re-released on numerous occasions, including on the Virtual Console service and in various ports for other consoles.
Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988)
Age Rating: E10+ for Everyone 10 and older (by the Entertainment Software Rating Board)
Super Mario Bros. 2 is a platformer that was originally released in Japan as Doki Doki Panic, but was later reworked by Nintendo to feature Mario instead of the game's original characters.
The game's unique gameplay mechanics include a focus on exploration and item collection, rather than traditional platforming. Players can collect items such as mushrooms, fire flowers, and stars to give them new abilities and power-ups. Super Mario Bros. 2 is often praised for its challenging difficulty level and addictive gameplay.
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988)
Age Rating: E for Everyone (by the Entertainment Software Rating Board)
Super Mario Bros. 3 is widely considered one of the greatest games of all time, and its influence can still be seen in modern platformers. The game introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as the Koopalings, a group of villains who serve Bowser.
The game's world map system allowed players to explore different regions of the Mushroom Kingdom, each with their own unique challenges and enemies. Super Mario Bros. 3 also introduced new power-ups, such as the Tanooki Suit, which granted Mario the ability to fly and turn into a statue.
Dr. Mario (1990)
Age Rating: E for Everyone (by the Entertainment Software Rating Board)
Dr. Mario is a puzzle game that was originally released in Japan as Oshaberi Dr. Mario, but was later reworked by Nintendo to feature the Mario characters.
The game's gameplay mechanics involve matching colored pills with viruses to eliminate them from the grid. The game introduced a unique "power-up" system, where players could collect bonus pills to give themselves an advantage.
Wrecking Crew (1985)
Age Rating: E for Everyone (by the Entertainment Software Rating Board)
Wrecking Crew is a platformer that was originally released in Japan as Donkey Kong Jr. Math, but was later reworked by Nintendo to feature Mario instead of Donkey Kong.
The game's gameplay mechanics involve navigating Mario through levels while collecting coins and avoiding enemies. The game introduced a unique "wrecking ball" power-up, which allowed players to destroy blocks and enemies with a single hit.
Conclusion
The NES M.C. Mario games are a testament to the innovative spirit of Nintendo during its heyday in the late 1980s and early 1990s. These games have stood the test of time, and their influence can still be seen in modern platformers. The age ratings listed above are for reference only and may vary depending on the region or re-release.
If you're looking to experience these classic NES M.C. Mario games for yourself, be sure to check out various ports and re-releases available on modern consoles and mobile devices. With their addictive gameplay, vibrant graphics, and catchy music, these games are sure to bring back memories of a bygone era and introduce new generations of gamers to the iconic world of Mario.
Additional Information
The NES M.C. Mario games were developed by Nintendo's legendary development team, which included industry legends such as Shigeru Miyamoto, Gunpei Yokoi, and Kazunori Sawano.
The series' success can be attributed to its innovative gameplay mechanics, charming characters, and iconic music. The Mario franchise has since become one of the most successful entertainment franchises in history, with numerous TV shows, movies, merchandise, and theme park attractions.
In recent years, Nintendo has released various remakes and re-releases of classic NES M.C. Mario games, including Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels and Super Mario 3D All-Stars. These releases have introduced new generations of gamers to the iconic world of Mario, while also providing a nostalgic experience for fans of the original games.
Overall, the NES M.C. Mario games are an essential part of gaming history, and their influence can still be seen in modern platformers. If you're looking to experience these classic games for yourself, be sure to check out various ports and re-releases available on modern consoles and mobile devices.