Super Mario Land : le premier Mario portable

Super Mario Land: the first portable Mario

1286 mots | Temps de lecture : 6 minute(s)

On April 21, 1989, as the Game Boy launched in Japan, Nintendo released a title that would make history: Super Mario Land. It was Mario's very first adventure designed for a portable console, and it took the plumber far from the Mushroom Kingdom, into a new world called Sarasaland.

Developed by Gunpei Yokoi's team rather than Shigeru Miyamoto's, this miniature platformer dared to introduce surprising ideas: a new princess to save, airplane and submarine shooter sequences, and an exotic universe. Let's look back at a foundational classic that launched an entire branch of the saga.

Summary

A Historic Launch Alongside the Game Boy

Super Mario Land was released in Japan on April 21, 1989, the same day as the Game Boy's launch, making it one of its launch titles. It was then released on August 1, 1989, in North America and September 28, 1990, in Europe. It was therefore among the very first games for Nintendo's portable console.

The gamble paid off beyond all expectations: the title sold over 18 million copies, making it the 4th best-selling Game Boy game, behind Tetris and the Pokémon titles. This commercial success demonstrated that a true Mario platformer could fit in your pocket, a revolution in 1989.

Gunpei Yokoi at the Helm, Not Miyamoto

This is one of the game's most striking peculiarities: Super Mario Land was not designed by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario. It was the work of the Nintendo R&D1 division, with Gunpei Yokoi as producer and Satoru Okada as director.

  • Gunpei Yokoi is the legendary creator of the Game Boy and Game & Watch.
  • This distinct team explains the game's particular tone, more experimental than the canonical titles.
  • Mario's sprite is significantly smaller, adapted to the console's small monochrome screen.

This different signature gives the episode a unique identity, halfway between classic Mario and the future Wario games born in the same studio.

Sarasaland, Daisy, and the Alien Tatanga

Gone is the Mushroom Kingdom: the action takes place in Sarasaland, a kingdom divided into four regions with exotic inspirations. Princess Daisy makes her debut here as the ruler of this world, long before becoming a regular in Mario spin-offs.

The antagonist is not Bowser but Tatanga, a mysterious alien who hypnotizes the inhabitants of Sarasaland and kidnaps Daisy. Mario must cross the four kingdoms to free her and confront Tatanga in the final battle. Tatanga would also reappear as a boss (Space Zone) in Super Mario Land 2, making him a curious figure for fans.

Four Kingdoms with Exotic Settings

The game's 12 levels are spread across four worlds, each inspired by a real culture or place, with its own enemies:

  • Birabuto: a desert universe reminiscent of ancient Egypt, guarded by the boss Totomesu.
  • Muda: aquatic levels inspired by Bermuda, where you encounter the boss Dragonzamasu.
  • Easton: a rocky setting inherited from Easter Island and its statues, with the giant Hiyoihoi.
  • Chai: a region evoking ancient China, leading to the final confrontation against Tatanga.

This variety of themes, rare for a game from 1989, gives Sarasaland a unique flavor in the Mario universe.

Airplane, Submarine, and Superball: New Mechanics

Super Mario Land stands out with phases that no other main episode would truly repeat. On two occasions, Mario swaps jumping for an auto-scrolling vehicle in a shoot'em up style:

  • The Marine Pop, a submarine, in the waters of the Muda kingdom, where Mario fires torpedoes.
  • The Sky Pop, a small airplane, during the final level, used to defeat Tatanga and then escape with Daisy.

Another novelty: the flagship power-up is not the classic Fire Flower but the Superball Flower. It transforms Mario into Superball Mario, capable of throwing a bouncy ball at 90° that ricochets off walls and collects coins along the way. A unique projectile, absent from subsequent Mario games for decades.

The Legacy: The Birth of the Land Branch and Wario

The success of Super Mario Land spawned a true portable lineage. Its sequel, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins (1992), introduced a character destined for a bright future: Wario, who takes over Mario's castle.

The third installment, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (1994), gave the spotlight to this rival and launched his own series. Long neglected by Nintendo in the official chronology, Super Mario Land was finally rehabilitated during the saga's anniversaries, recognized as an essential link: the one that proved Mario could conquer both living rooms and playgrounds.

Summary Sheet

Release (Japan) April 21, 1989 (Game Boy)
Developer Nintendo R&D1
Producer Gunpei Yokoi
Universe Sarasaland (4 kingdoms)
Number of levels 12 levels (4 worlds)
Sales Over 18 million copies
Sequel Super Mario Land 2 (1992)

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FAQ

  • Who created Super Mario Land?
    The game was developed by Nintendo R&D1, with Gunpei Yokoi as producer and Satoru Okada as director. Notably, Shigeru Miyamoto, Mario's usual creator, was not involved in its design.
  • Why isn't Peach in Super Mario Land?
    Because the action takes place in Sarasaland and not the Mushroom Kingdom. It is Princess Daisy, ruler of Sarasaland, who is kidnapped by the alien Tatanga and whom Mario must rescue. This is also Daisy's very first appearance.
  • What is the Superball Flower?
    It is the game's main power-up, replacing the Fire Flower. It transforms Mario into Superball Mario, who throws a ball that bounces diagonally at 90° off walls. This ball can defeat enemies and collect coins.
  • Why are there an airplane and a submarine in the game?
    Super Mario Land integrates two unique auto-scrolling shoot-em-up phases: the Marine Pop submarine in the Muda kingdom and the Sky Pop airplane during the final level. These sequences make the game unique in the main series.
  • Is Super Mario Land related to Wario?
    Yes. Its sequel, Super Mario Land 2 (1992), introduces Wario as an antagonist. The third installment, Wario Land: Super Mario Land 3 (1994), then launched the series entirely dedicated to Wario.
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