When we talk about video game history, one name instantly stands out: Super Mario Bros. This iconic franchise has not only redefined gaming but also influenced pop culture for decades. In this article, we explore the History This Games, from its humble arcade beginnings to becoming one of the most recognized and celebrated brands in the world.
The Birth of a Legend: Donkey Kong (1981)
The History Super Mario Bros begins in 1981, not with a Mario game, but with an arcade classic: Donkey Kong. Designed by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto, Donkey Kong introduced a character called Jumpman, a carpenter who had to save his girlfriend from a giant ape. This character would soon evolve into Mario, Nintendo’s flagship character.
Although not titled as a Mario game, Donkey Kong laid the foundation for what would become one of the most important franchises in gaming history.
Super Mario Bros (1985): A Game-Changer
The official beginning of the Super Mario Bros series came in 1985, when This Games was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This game changed everything.
Why was it revolutionary?
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Side-scrolling platforming: Most games at the time used static screens. This Games allowed players to explore a scrolling world with obstacles, enemies, and power-ups.
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Tight, responsive controls: Mario’s running, jumping, and momentum felt fluid, making the game highly enjoyable and challenging.
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Iconic power-ups: The Super Mushroom, Fire Flower, and Starman introduced creative ways to enhance gameplay.
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Memorable music: Composed by Koji Kondo, the game’s theme became one of the most recognizable tunes in the world.
The success of Super Mario Bros helped revive the gaming industry https://ohyeamoving.com/ after the 1983 video game crash and solidified Nintendo as a major player.
Expanding the Universe: Sequels and Spin-Offs
After the overwhelming success of the original, Nintendo began expanding the Super Mario universe.
Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels (1986)
Known in Japan as This Games 2, this game reused the same engine as the original but was significantly more difficult. It was later released globally as “The Lost Levels.”
Super Mario Bros 2 (1988)
The version released outside Japan was actually a rebranded version of a different game called Doki Doki Panic. It introduced new gameplay features like picking up and throwing objects, and four playable characters with unique abilities.
Super Mario Bros 3 (1988–1990)
Often hailed as one of the greatest games of all time, Super Mario Bros 3 introduced new power-ups (like the Tanooki Suit), diverse world maps, and non-linear level progression. It set new standards for what platform games could be.
Super Mario 64 (1996): Jumping into 3D
The History Super Mario Bros took a major leap forward with the release of Super Mario 64 on the Nintendo 64 in 1996. This was one of the first fully 3D platformers ever created.
Innovations of Super Mario 64:
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360-degree movement in open environments
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Dynamic camera control
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Non-linear level design
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Fluid mechanics for jumping, diving, swimming, and flying
Super Mario 64 set the template for 3D platformers and is still studied by game designers today for its groundbreaking mechanics.
The Mario Franchise Expands
Over the decades, the Mario franchise has grown far beyond its original format. Here are some standout titles:
Super Mario Sunshine (2002)
Set on a tropical island, Mario uses a water-powered jetpack called FLUDD. It introduced new mechanics and colorful visuals, and was released on the Nintendo GameCube.
Super Mario Galaxy (2007, 2010)
Mario goes to space! These games took gravity to new extremes and featured orchestral soundtracks and stunning visuals. Both entries received critical acclaim.
Super Mario Odyssey (2017)
Released on the Nintendo Switch, Odyssey reintroduced sandbox-style gameplay, allowing Mario to explore wide-open worlds. The game introduced Cappy, a sentient hat, which Mario could use to “capture” enemies and control them.
Mario in Pop Culture
The History Super Mario Bros isn’t just about video games — it’s about cultural impact.
Television and Film
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The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! aired in the late 1980s.
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A live-action movie was released in 1993 (with mixed reviews).
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In 2023, an animated Super Mario Bros. Movie by Illumination and Nintendo broke box office records.
Spin-Off Games
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Mario Kart – A beloved racing franchise
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Mario Party – A board-game-style multiplayer series
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Paper Mario and Mario & Luigi – RPG adventures with unique styles
Theme Parks
In 2021, Super Nintendo World opened in Universal Studios Japan, giving fans a real-world Mario experience.
Sales and Legacy
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By 2025, the Mario franchise has sold over 800 million copies worldwide, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises of all time. Super Mario Bros alone has sold over 40 million units.
Mario’s influence is visible in almost every corner of gaming — from indie developers to major studios. His signature jump, hat, and mustache are instantly recognizable.
Challenges and Evolutions
While the Mario franchise has remained successful, it has faced challenges too:
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Adapting to changing technology
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Competing with modern AAA games
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Meeting fan expectations while staying innovative
Nintendo has handled these challenges with care, continuously evolving gameplay while keeping the spirit of Mario alive.
Why the History Super Mario Bros Still Matters
Understanding the History Super Mario Bros is important not just for gamers but for anyone interested in digital entertainment and storytelling. The franchise represents:
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Innovation – Constantly evolving gameplay and design
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Consistency – Quality games for nearly four decades
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Nostalgia – A shared childhood memory for millions
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Cultural significance – A character known across generations and countries
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Mario, the franchise offers something for everyone.
Conclusion
The History Super Mario Bros is a journey through time, technology, and creativity. From pixelated 2D sprites to breathtaking 3D worlds, This Games has remained relevant, beloved, and groundbreaking.
As gaming continues to evolve, one thing remains constant: Mario will always be there, ready to take another leap — into new worlds and into our hearts.