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

Super Mario Bros.: The Game That Redefined Video Games

1266 mots | Temps de lecture : 6 minute(s)

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

Super Mario Bros. is a platform video game developed and published by Nintendo, released on September 13, 1985 (Japan) on the Family Computer (Famicom), then on Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America in late 1985. A true pillar of video game culture, this game not only relaunched the industry after the video game crash of 1983, but also defined the foundations of 2D platforming. It is now considered one of the most influential, iconic, and enduring games of all time.

Summary

Context and Origin

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

Before Super Mario Bros., Nintendo had already made a name for itself in arcades with Donkey Kong (1981), where "Jumpman" — a moustachioed character in red overalls and a cap — tried to save a damsel. This character would officially become Mario, an Italian-American plumber from Brooklyn, inspired by the landlord of Nintendo of America's former premises, 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, became as famous as the game itself. The central idea: to create a sense of permanent discovery in each level, with secrets and alternative paths to explore.

Storyline

The story is short, but it's enough to motivate 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 off to rescue her across eight worlds full of dangers.

Gameplay

Mario in fire flower mode confronting a Goomba in Super Mario Bros.
Example of a power-up: the Fire Flower allows Mario to attack from a distance.
  • Precise jumps on platforms, enemies, or obstacles
  • Power-ups: red mushroom to grow, fire flower to shoot, star for invincibility
  • Varied enemies: Goombas, Koopa 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, gives the character a real "weight" — a revolution at the time.

Worlds and Levels

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

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

  • Outdoor levels: often daytime, simple platforms
  • Underground levels: dark atmosphere, massive blocks
  • Aquatic levels: slow and precise movements
  • Castle levels: lava, moving platforms, Bowser (or imposters) 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. became a cultural phenomenon:

  • More than 40.24 million copies sold — a record on NES
  • Consoles bundled with the game, massive distribution
  • Successful launch of the NES in the United States
  • Beginning of a Mario franchise, now the best-selling in history

It served as a model for countless games and created a rich universe (Luigi, Toad, Peach, Yoshi...)

Iconic Music and Sounds

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

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 re-release
  • 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. transcends the realm of video games: advertising, cinema, merchandise, and more recently, The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), a box office success. The original game remains studied in game design as a model of playful pedagogy.

Summary Sheet

Type 2D side-scrolling platform video game
Developer/Publisher Nintendo
Release September 13, 1985 on Famicom (Japan); NES in North America in late 1985
Creators Shigeru Miyamoto (director) and Takashi Tezuka
Composer Koji Kondo
Sales Over 40.24 million copies (best-selling game on NES)
Structure 8 worlds of 4 levels (1-1 to 8-4)

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FAQ

  • When was Super Mario Bros. released?
    The game was released on September 13, 1985, on the Family Computer (Famicom) in Japan, developed and published by Nintendo. It arrived slightly later on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in North America (late 1985).
  • Who created Super Mario Bros.?
    The game was directed by Shigeru Miyamoto, with design assistance from Takashi Tezuka, and music composed by Koji Kondo.
  • How many worlds does the game have?
    Super Mario Bros. has 8 worlds, each divided into 4 levels, ranging from level 1-1 to level 8-4.
  • What is the storyline of Super Mario Bros.?
    Bowser, king of the Koopas, has invaded the Mushroom Kingdom and kidnapped the princess (called Princess Toadstool at the time, now Princess Peach). Mario (and Luigi in two-player mode) set out to rescue her across eight worlds.
  • Why is Super Mario Bros. so important?
    It helped revive the video game industry in North America after the 1983 crash, popularized side-scrolling platforming, and sold over 40.24 million copies, making it the best-selling game on NES.

Conclusion

Super Mario Bros. is not just a cult game: it is a foundation of modern video gaming. Thanks to its precise gameplay, its graphical charm, its unforgettable music, and its ability to amaze, it remains a timeless work — essential for understanding the history of the medium.

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