Super Mario Bros. [Virtual Console]
Synopsis
by Skyler Miller
This text refers to the Nintendo Entertainment System version of this title.
In
Super Mario Bros.
,
Princess Toadstool
of the Mushroom Kingdom has been kidnapped by
Bowser
, the evil king of the
Koopas
. Former plumbers
Mario
and
Luigi
have been sent to rescue to her and restore peace to the kingdom. They must make their way over land, under ground, and through the sea, in eight worlds divided into four levels each. On their journey, they face a variety of enemies, including
Goombas
,
Koopa Troopas
, and
Bullet Bills
, which can be defeated by jumping directly on them. At the end of each world, the brothers come face to face with
Bowser
, who must be stopped before the quest can continue.
Power-ups play an integral part in
Super Mario Bros.
When
Mario
jumps and hits a question mark block from underneath, an item is revealed. This could be a coin, mushroom, fire flower, or star. The mushroom is the game's most important item -- it makes
Mario
grow to over twice his normal size and strength, giving him the ability to break bricks with his jump-punch. It also allows him to be hit once without losing a life. Once
Mario
is in this "super" state, he can collect a fire flower that lets him shoot fireballs. Stars provide temporary invincibility, and 100 coins earn you an extra life.