The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most iconic consoles in gaming history, known for its timeless games and nostalgic value. Among its vast library of titles, two games stand out as particularly unique and deserving of attention: Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, also known as Mario Bros. in some regions. These games have captivated audiences for decades with their challenging gameplay, colorful graphics, and beloved characters.

In this article, we will delve into the world of these two classic games, exploring their history, gameplay mechanics, and features that set them apart from other NES titles. We will also discuss the age rating of these games, providing guidance for parents and gamers who want to ensure they are suitable for all ages.

History of Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros. is one of the most iconic platformer games of all time. Developed by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto and released in 1985, it was initially designed as a test game for the NES. The game's creator wanted to create a title that would showcase the console's capabilities while providing an engaging experience for players.

The game follows Mario, a plumber who must rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser, a Koopa king who has kidnapped her. Players control Mario as he navigates through eight worlds, each with its unique theme, enemies, and power-ups. The game's innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the use of pipes to transport players between levels, have had a lasting impact on the platformer genre.

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels

Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels is an expanded version of Super Mario Bros., first released in Japan in 1986. This game is also known as Mario Bros. in some regions and was developed by the same team that created Super Mario Bros.

The Lost Levels introduces new characters, levels, and gameplay mechanics, making it a more challenging experience than its predecessor. Players control either Mario or Luigi as they navigate through six worlds, each with its own unique theme and difficulty level. The game's infamous "Death Star" stage is one of the most notoriously difficult levels in any NES title.

Mario Bros.

Mario Bros. was released in 1983 for arcades and later ported to various Nintendo consoles, including the NES. Developed by the same team as Super Mario Bros., this game follows two plumbers, Mario and Luigi, who must navigate through underground pipes to eliminate creatures and collect coins.

The gameplay mechanics of Mario Bros. are similar to those of Super Mario Bros., with a few key differences. Players can control either Mario or Luigi, each with their unique abilities, such as the use of mushrooms to increase size and invincibility. The game's level design is also more maze-like than Super Mario Bros., requiring players to think strategically about how to navigate through the pipes.

Age Rating

Both Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels are suitable for all ages, making them a great introduction to platformer gameplay for children. However, parents and guardians should be aware of some content that may not be suitable for younger players.

• Super Mario Bros. contains mild cartoon violence and some minor peril, but it is generally a family-friendly game.
• Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels has more challenging gameplay and higher difficulty levels than its predecessor, which may make it less suitable for very young children.

Additional Features

Both games feature colorful graphics, catchy music, and sound effects that have become synonymous with the Mario franchise. Players can collect power-ups, such as mushrooms and fire flowers, to gain an advantage over enemies and navigate through levels more efficiently.

The games also introduce players to iconic Nintendo characters, including Toads, Yoshis, and Goombas, which have since become staples of the Mario universe.

Impact on Gaming

Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels have had a lasting impact on the gaming industry, influencing countless platformer titles and inspiring new generations of gamers.

The game's innovative gameplay mechanics, such as the use of pipes to transport players between levels, have become standard features in many platformers. The games' colorful graphics and catchy music have also influenced the visual style of numerous other NES titles.

Legacy

Both Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels remain popular among gamers today, with their classic gameplay mechanics and nostalgic value continuing to captivate audiences.

The games have been re-released on various Nintendo consoles, including the Virtual Console and the Super NES Classic Edition, allowing new generations of players to experience these iconic titles.

Conclusion

Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels are two of the most beloved platformer games in gaming history, offering engaging gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and nostalgic value that continues to captivate audiences today.

While some content may not be suitable for very young children, both games are generally family-friendly and offer a great introduction to platformer gameplay. As parents and guardians, it's essential to consider the age rating of these games and ensure they are suitable for your child's skill level and maturity.

In conclusion, Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels are must-play titles for any NES enthusiast or gamer looking to experience the best of classic platformer gameplay.