04-14-2007, 11:04 PM
Wow. How many times has this game been re-released? Surprisingly, this game is really addictive and needs to be given props for its innovation (at the time) and for sorta jumpstarting the video game market in America.
Story
Fairly typical for the Mario series. You go forward, slay the monster and save the girl. But it was also the first game to introduce Bowser, Peach and the Toads. Which are now staples for the Mario series.
Gameplay
What can be said about this? You move forward on a 2-D plain. You press A to jump on Goombas, Koopas etc. While you use B to run, fire fireballs. That's pretty much it. But that's all you need. This is a really challenging game, especially if you try to beat it by going through all 32 levels.
And none of the levels are the same. Sure the swimming levels may seem similar, but every level is packed with different obsticles and hard enemies. Plus this game gets harder as you progress, which is always a plus. After beating the game, you get to play the game on a harder mode, adding to the replay value.
Graphics
Now the words to describe the graphics of this game by today's standards are 'ZOMG! WTF up wit da graphs? Dey Suck!'
But back then, this was nearly top of the line. This game shines with brilliantly bright colors. Bumping the resolution up to 480p only adds more points to this score. Nice work Nintendo.
Music
Well its not orchestrated...or any different in any of the levels. There are 4 songs. Above Ground, Below Ground, Underwater and Bowser's Castle. But when you create music that people are still humming today...22 years after the game was released, you know there is some sweet sounding music in this game. You know you're still humming it.
Overall Scores:
Story:
9/10 Not that original, but introduce characters who practically make the Mario games today.
Gameplay
10/10 Without a hiccup in sight. Plays smoothly and excellently.
Graphics
9.5/10 Ugly by today's standards but beautiful back then. The added 480p support really helps this score.
Music:
11/10 People are STILL humming this music today!
Overall Score:
9.9/10 (Average)
[The Rooster's Seal of Approval]
In short, even if you own two dozen copies of this game. Buy it! It deserves a spot in your VC collection! Well worth $5.
