Super Mario Bros. : Le jeu légendaire qui a redéfini le jeu vidéo

Super Mario Bros.: The legendary game that redefined video gaming

918 mots | Temps de lecture : 4 minute(s)

North American cover of Super Mario Bros. (NES, 1985)
The original cover that marked the revival of video games after 1983.

Super Mario Bros. is a platform video game developed and published by Nintendo , released on September 13, 1985, for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) . A true pillar of video game culture , this game not only revived the industry after the video game crash of 1983 , but also defined the foundations of the 2D platform game . It is today considered one of the most influential , iconic , and enduring games of all time.

Background and origin

Shigeru Miyamoto in conference (2015)
Shigeru Miyamoto, creative director and father of Mario.

Before Super Mario Bros. , Nintendo had already made its mark in arcades with Donkey Kong (1981), in which "Jumpman"—a mustachioed character wearing red overalls and a cap—attempted to save a young lady. This character would officially become Mario , an Italian-American plumber from Brooklyn, inspired by the janitor of the old Nintendo of America offices, Mario Segale .

The game was developed by a small team led by Shigeru Miyamoto and Takashi Tezuka , with gameplay designed to combine adventure, platforming, and exploration. The music, composed by Koji Kondo , has become as famous as the game itself. The central idea: to create a sense of constant discovery in each level, with secrets and alternative paths to explore.

Scenario

The story is short, but it's enough to inspire an unforgettable adventure: the Mushroom Kingdom has been invaded by the terrible Bowser , king of the Koopas. He has transformed the inhabitants into bricks and objects, and kidnapped Princess Peach . Mario (and Luigi , in two-player mode) set out to rescue him through eight worlds full of dangers.

Gameplay

Mario in Fire Flower mode fighting a Goomba in Super Mario Bros.
Example of a power-up: the fire flower allows Mario to attack from a distance.
  • Millimeter jumps on platforms, enemies or obstacles
  • Power-ups : Red mushroom to grow, Fire flower to shoot, Star for invincibility
  • Various enemies : Goombas, Koopas Troopas, Piranha Plants, Lakitus…
  • Mystery blocks containing coins, 1-Ups or bonuses
  • Secret pipes , hidden areas, shortcuts to advanced worlds

Mario's physics , with inertia and acceleration, gave real "weight" to the character - a revolution at the time.

Worlds and Levels

Start of World 1-1 level: mystery blocks, Goombas and the famous final flag
World 1-1: The most famous game design course in history.

The game is made up of 8 worlds , each divided into 4 levels (1-1 to 8-4):

  • Outdoor levels : often during the day, simple platforms
  • Underground levels : dark atmosphere, massive blocks
  • Water levels : slow and precise movements
  • Castle levels : lava, moving platforms, Bowser (or lookalikes) at the end of the level

Each world is designed to renew the challenge and gradually introduce new gameplay ideas.

Success and legacy

Super Mario Bros. becomes a cultural phenomenon :

  • Over 40.24 million copies sold — a record on NES
  • Consoles sold in bundles with the game, massive distribution
  • NES successfully launched in the United States
  • The beginning of a Mario franchise that is now the best-selling in history

It serves as a model for countless games and creates a rich universe (Luigi, Toad, Peach, Yoshi, etc.)

Iconic music and sounds

Koji Kondo playing the piano during a concert (2015)
Koji Kondo, composer of the theme that became a global video game anthem.

The main theme, composed by Koji Kondo , is among the most recognizable video game music in the world. Other sounds—jump, coin, game over—are part of the sonic DNA of an entire generation.

Versions, remakes and adaptations

  • Super Mario All-Stars (SNES) – 16-bit graphics
  • NES Classic Edition – miniature reissue
  • Super Mario Bros. 35 – Multiplayer Battle Royale
  • Available on Nintendo Switch Online
  • Numerous adaptations: books, cartoons, etc.

Why is Super Mario Bros. a cult game?

  • Timeless and fun gameplay, even 40 years later
  • Level design that teaches everything without a tutorial
  • Technical prowess: fluid scrolling, convincing physics
  • An iconic hero who became a global mascot
  • Lasting impact on the industry and its economy

A cultural icon

Super Mario Bros. has expanded beyond the realm of video games, with advertising, film, merchandise, and, more recently, the box-office hit The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023). The original game continues to be studied in game design as a model for playful teaching.

Conclusion

Super Mario Bros. isn't just a cult classic: it's a foundation of modern gaming . With its precise gameplay, graphic charm, unforgettable music, and ability to amaze, it remains a timeless masterpiece —a must-have for understanding the history of the medium.

Back to blog