The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is a classic home video game console released in 1985 by Nintendo. It was one of the most popular consoles of its time and has since become an iconic symbol of retro gaming. One of the most beloved games on the NES is Super Mario Bros., which was first released in 1985 for the arcade version and later ported to the NES in 1986. The game's success led to the creation of several sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise, including Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, and Super Mario World.

In this article, we will focus on Super Mario Bros. for the NES, specifically the v1.1 version (also known as Super Mario Bros. 6 in some regions), which was released in 1988. We will provide an overview of the game's history, gameplay, features, and availability, including information about its age rating.

History

The original Super Mario Bros. was developed by the legendary video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto and released in Japan on September 13, 1985, for arcades. The game was a massive hit, and Nintendo quickly ported it to the NES. However, due to licensing agreements with Universal Pictures, which owned the rights to the Mario character, the game's title was changed to "Super Mario Bros." in North America.

The NES version of Super Mario Bros. was released in 1986 and became a huge success worldwide. The game's popularity led to the creation of several sequels and spin-offs, including Super Mario Bros. 2 (released in 1988) and Super Mario Bros. 3 (released in 1990).

Super Mario Bros. for the NES is considered one of the best games of all time, and its impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. The game's innovative gameplay mechanics, charming graphics, and catchy music helped establish the NES as a major player in the home console market.

Gameplay

Super Mario Bros. for the NES follows the classic platformer formula, where players control Mario (or Luigi) as he navigates through increasingly difficult levels to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. The game features four playable characters: Mario, Luigi, Toad, and Yoshi.

The gameplay is simple yet addictive, with a focus on jumping, power-ups, and exploration. Players can collect coins, mushrooms, fire flowers, and other items to give Mario new abilities, such as increased size or the ability to throw fireballs. The game also features a variety of enemies, from Goombas and Koopa Troopas to Bullet Bills and Hammer Bros.

One of the most iconic features of Super Mario Bros. is its level design. The game's 32 levels are divided into eight worlds, each with four levels. Each world has its own unique theme, music, and challenges, making the game feel both familiar and fresh.

Features

Super Mario Bros. for the NES features several notable elements that have become synonymous with the series:

• Power-ups: The game includes a variety of power-ups, such as mushrooms, fire flowers, and stars, which give Mario new abilities and enhance his existing ones.
• Coins: Players can collect coins to earn points and buy power-ups from Toad.
• Enemies: The game features a diverse range of enemies, including Goombas, Koopa Troopas, Bullet Bills, and Hammer Bros.
• Worlds: The game is divided into eight worlds, each with four levels. Each world has its own unique theme, music, and challenges.

Availability

Super Mario Bros. for the NES was originally released in 1986 for North America and Europe. The game's title was changed to "Super Mario Bros." due to licensing agreements with Universal Pictures.

In 2007, Nintendo re-released Super Mario Bros. as part of its Virtual Console service for the Wii and later for other platforms such as the 3DS and Switch.

Today, Super Mario Bros. is available on various platforms, including the NES Classic Edition, the Nintendo Switch Online service, and digital storefronts like the Nintendo eShop and Steam.

Age Rating

Super Mario Bros. was rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) in 1988. The rating is based on the game's content, which includes mild violence, cartoon-style characters, and innocuous themes.

In modern times, Super Mario Bros. has been re-rated as a T for Teen by the ESRB, due to its inclusion of more mature elements such as mild violence and cartoon-style gore.

Conclusion

Super Mario Bros. for the NES is an iconic game that has stood the test of time. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, charming graphics, and catchy music helped establish the NES as a major player in the home console market. The game's impact on the gaming industry cannot be overstated, and its influence can still be seen in modern games today.

If you're looking for a classic platformer that will challenge your skills and entertain you, Super Mario Bros. is an excellent choice. With its re-release on various platforms, it's easier than ever to experience this timeless classic.