Super Mario Bros. NES Review: The Definitive Retrospective

Super Mario Bros. (NES) Review: Does the 1985 Masterpiece Hold Up?

A deep-dive into the game that defined a genre and saved an industry.

The Quick Verdict

Super Mario Bros. isn't just a nostalgic relic; it is a masterclass in level design. While successors like Mario 3 or World added more "stuff," the original NES classic offers a pure, high-stakes platforming experience that remains the gold standard for game physics.

Score: 10/10 – Essential History

The Game That Saved Video Games

To understand the Super Mario Bros. NES review, you have to understand 1985. The North American gaming market had collapsed. The NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) was a gamble, and Mario was the ambassador. Unlike the static screens of the Atari era, Mario introduced a sprawling, scrolling world that felt alive.

Gameplay: The Physics of Momentum

What sets Mario apart from other 8-bit heroes? Weight.

In Super Mario Bros., you don't just move; you build momentum. Mastering the "B-button run" is the difference between clearing a gap and falling into the abyss. This momentum-based platforming is why the game remains a favorite for speedrunners today. Every jump feels earned.

• World Design: 8 Worlds, 32 Levels of increasing difficulty.
• Power-ups: The Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and the elusive Starman.
• Iconic Enemies: Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and the hammer-tossing Bowser.

Hidden Secrets: Beyond the Flagpole

One reason this game stays #1 in search results is the "Secret" factor. Even 40 years later, players are looking for:

• Warp Zones: Skip entire worlds in 1-2 and 4-2.
• The Minus World: A glitch-induced infinite loop (World -1) that has become gaming legend.
• Infinite Lives: The famous "Turtle Tipping" trick on the stairs of 3-1.

Sound & Visuals: 40KB of Perfection

The Koji Kondo soundtrack is arguably the most recognizable music in human history. Every "ping" of a coin and "thump" of a Goomba stomp is perfectly synchronized with the action. Visually, the bright blue skies of World 1-1 were a revolutionary departure from the black backgrounds of early 80s arcade titles.

NES vs. All-Stars: Which Version is Better?

While many prefer the 16-bit Super Mario All-Stars graphics, purists argue the original NES hardware has more precise jumping physics. On the NES, there is no "slippage"—if you miss a jump, it's on you.

Experience the Legend

Want to play the original? You can find the classic cartridge, the NES Classic Mini, or play via Nintendo Switch Online.

Check out NES Console & Game Bundles on Amazon

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