When it comes to platform games, there’s no denying that Super Mario Bros. is the king. The game has been a beloved classic for decades, with its iconic characters, catchy music, and challenging gameplay. But was Super Mario Bros. really the first platformer? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of platform games to uncover the truth. From the early days of Pac-Man to the modern era of Mario, we’ll explore the evolution of platformers and the games that paved the way for the plumber we all know and love. So join us as we dive into the world of platform games and uncover the true origins of the genre.
The Evolution of Platform Games
The Early Years: Pong and Donkey Kong
The Rise of Arcade Games
Arcade games have been around since the early 1970s, but it wasn’t until the release of Pong in 1972 that the genre truly took off. Pong was a simple game that involved players hitting a ball back and forth across a screen, but it was an instant hit and spawned countless imitators.
The Impact of Pong on the Gaming Industry
Pong was a revolutionary game that set the stage for the modern gaming industry. It was the first game to use a home console, and its success led to the development of more sophisticated games. Pong’s popularity also led to the creation of the arcade game, which would become a staple of the gaming industry for decades to come.
The Emergence of Platformers: Donkey Kong
The Creation of Donkey Kong
The first true platformer game was Donkey Kong, released in 1981. The game was created by Shigeru Miyamoto, who would go on to create some of the most iconic video game characters of all time, including Mario and Zelda.
Donkey Kong was unique in that it featured a hero character, Jumpman (later renamed Mario), who had to navigate a series of obstacles to rescue a damsel in distress, Pauline, from the clutches of a giant ape, Donkey Kong. The game was a massive success and helped to establish the platformer genre.
The Legacy of Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong was a landmark game that set the stage for the platformer genre. Its success inspired a slew of imitators, and it remains a beloved classic to this day. The game’s characters, particularly Mario and Donkey Kong, would go on to become two of the most iconic figures in gaming history.
The Birth of the Platformer Genre
The Arcade Platformer Boom
After the success of Donkey Kong, platformer games became a staple of the arcade scene. Games like Super Mario Bros., Sonic the Hedgehog, and Mega Man became household names and helped to establish the platformer genre as a cornerstone of the gaming industry.
The Home Console Platformer Revolution
As home consoles became more popular in the late 1980s and early 1990s, platformer games made the transition to home consoles. Games like Super Mario Bros. 3 and Sonic the Hedgehog 2 became huge hits, and the platformer genre continued to evolve and expand.
The NES Era and the Birth of Super Mario Bros.
The Launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in 1985, revolutionizing the gaming industry and setting the stage for the rise of platform games. The NES was the first major home console to use cartridges instead of discrete circuit boards, which allowed for greater flexibility in game design and increased the lifespan of the console. This led to a surge in the popularity of video games and made the NES a staple in many households.
The Impact of the NES on the Gaming Industry
The NES had a significant impact on the gaming industry, as it brought gaming to a wider audience and paved the way for future consoles. The NES was responsible for popularizing several iconic franchises, such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, which would go on to become some of the most successful and influential series in gaming history.
The Release of Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. was released for the NES in 1985 and quickly became one of the most popular and beloved video games of all time. The game was developed by Shigeru Miyamoto and features the character of the same name, a mustached plumber who travels through various worlds to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser.
The Creation of Super Mario Bros.
The development of Super Mario Bros. was influenced by several earlier games, including the arcade game Donkey Kong, which featured a character named Jumpman (later renamed Mario) who had to navigate a series of obstacles to rescue a damsel in distress. Miyamoto sought to create a game that would be accessible to a wide audience, with simple controls and a focus on exploration and platforming.
The Legacy of Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. was a massive commercial success and helped to establish the platformer genre. The game’s iconic characters, such as Mario and his brother Luigi, have become pop culture icons and have appeared in numerous spin-off games, animated series, and movies. The game’s influence can still be felt today, with countless platformers drawing inspiration from its innovative gameplay and timeless design.
Super Mario Bros. and the Evolution of Platformers
The Innovations of Super Mario Bros.
The Jump Button and Its Impact on Gameplay
Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the platformer genre by introducing the iconic jump button. This innovation allowed players to control the height and distance of Mario’s jumps, adding a new dimension to gameplay. No longer were players simply navigating a character from left to right; they now had to master the art of timing and spacing to successfully navigate the game’s obstacles. The jump button not only made the game more challenging but also opened up new possibilities for level design, as designers could create increasingly complex and intricate obstacle courses.
The Introduction of Power-ups and Collectibles
Another groundbreaking innovation in Super Mario Bros. was the introduction of power-ups and collectibles. Players could now collect mushrooms, stars, and other items to give Mario temporary abilities, such as increased size or the ability to shoot fireballs. These power-ups added a new layer of strategy to the game, as players had to decide whether to prioritize collecting power-ups or simply reaching the end of the level. The inclusion of collectibles also added replay value to the game, as players could go back and try to collect everything they missed on their first playthrough.
The Inclusion of Secrets and Easter Eggs
Super Mario Bros. also featured secrets and Easter eggs, hidden areas and items that could only be found by exploring off the beaten path. These secrets added a sense of discovery and excitement to the game, as players felt rewarded for their curiosity and exploration. Secrets and Easter eggs also helped to extend the game’s lifespan, as players could spend hours searching for and discovering all of the game’s hidden treasures. Overall, the innovations of Super Mario Bros. helped to establish the platformer genre and set the standard for all future platformers to come.
The Influence of Super Mario Bros. on Later Platformers
The Legacy of Super Mario Bros. in the Platformer Genre
Super Mario Bros. revolutionized the platformer genre and its impact is still felt today. One of the most significant ways it has influenced the genre is by establishing many of the conventions that have become synonymous with platformers. For example, the game features a variety of power-ups that give the player character special abilities, such as the famous “Mushroom” which increases the character’s size and strength. This concept of power-ups has become a staple of the platformer genre and is featured in countless other games.
The Emergence of Platformer Icons
Super Mario Bros. also helped to establish the platformer genre’s iconic characters. The game’s main character, Mario, has become one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time. The game’s villain, Bowser, has also become an iconic character in the platformer genre. These characters have transcended the world of video games and have become a part of popular culture.
The Influence of Super Mario Bros. on Modern Platformers
Super Mario Bros. has also had a significant influence on modern platformers. Many modern platformers continue to draw inspiration from the game’s level design and gameplay mechanics. For example, the game’s use of secret areas and hidden passages has become a common feature in many modern platformers. Additionally, the game’s emphasis on exploration and discovery has also been adopted by many modern platformers.
Overall, Super Mario Bros. has had a profound influence on the platformer genre. Its innovative gameplay mechanics, memorable characters, and iconic level design have become staples of the genre and continue to inspire new games to this day.
The Evolution of the Platformer Genre After Super Mario Bros.
The Continued Evolution of Platformers in the 8-Bit and 16-Bit Eras
The evolution of platformers after Super Mario Bros. continued in the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, with the emergence of new franchises and technological advancements. One notable example is the “Mega Man” series, which debuted in 1987 and introduced the concept of “weapon pickups” that the player could collect and use to defeat enemies. Another example is the “Castlevania” series, which debuted in 1986 and featured challenging platforming and precision-based controls.
The Emergence of New Platformer Franchises
In addition to “Mega Man” and “Castlevania,” other platformer franchises emerged during this time period, including “Sonic the Hedgehog” (1991), “Donkey Kong Country” (1994), and “Rayman” (1995). These games built upon the foundation laid by Super Mario Bros. and introduced new gameplay mechanics, such as high-speed platforming and smooth animation.
The Technological Advancements in Platformers
During the 8-bit and 16-bit eras, platformers also saw technological advancements that allowed for more complex and detailed gameplay. For example, the introduction of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in 1991 allowed for more advanced graphics and sound, which paved the way for more immersive platforming experiences. Additionally, the development of more powerful hardware in the later half of the 1990s led to the creation of games with larger worlds and more intricate level designs.
The Modern Era of Platformers
In the modern era of platformers, the genre has continued to evolve and innovate. One notable trend is the revival of retro-inspired platformers, which draw on the aesthetics and gameplay mechanics of classic 8-bit and 16-bit games. Examples of this trend include the “Shovel Knight” series (2014) and the “Axiom Verge” (2015).
Another trend in modern platformers is the evolution of open-world platformers, which offer large, non-linear environments for players to explore. Examples of this trend include the “Minecraft” series (2011) and the “Breath of the Wild” (2017). These games offer a greater sense of freedom and exploration than traditional platformers, and often incorporate elements of other genres, such as survival and action-adventure.
Overall, the evolution of platformers after Super Mario Bros. has been marked by the emergence of new franchises, technological advancements, and innovative gameplay mechanics. These trends have helped to shape the modern platformer genre and continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in video game design.
The Enduring Legacy of Super Mario Bros.
The Impact of Super Mario Bros. on Popular Culture
Super Mario Bros. is a game that has had a profound impact on popular culture. Its characters, such as Mario and Luigi, have become iconic figures in the world of video games and beyond. The game’s music and sound effects are also widely recognized and have been featured in countless movies, TV shows, and commercials.
The Continued Evolution of the Platformer Genre
Super Mario Bros. also played a significant role in the evolution of the platformer genre. The game introduced many of the tropes and mechanics that have become staples of the genre, such as power-ups, hidden areas, and obstacles. The game’s level design and enemy placement also set a high standard for future platformers to follow.
The Lasting Appeal of Super Mario Bros.
Despite being released over 30 years ago, Super Mario Bros. remains a beloved and influential game to this day. Its simple yet addictive gameplay, charming characters, and catchy music have ensured its lasting appeal to players of all ages. The game has been re-released on numerous platforms and has inspired countless sequels, spin-offs, and homages.
The Future of Platformers
As technology continues to advance, the platformer genre is poised to undergo even more significant changes. The following are some of the ways in which platformers are likely to evolve in the future:
The Continued Evolution of Platformers in the Digital Age
One of the most significant ways in which platformers will continue to evolve is through the use of digital technology. With the advent of new technologies such as motion controls and touchscreens, developers are now able to create more immersive and interactive experiences for players. This has led to the development of new gameplay mechanics and control schemes, which in turn have expanded the possibilities for platformer game design.
The Emergence of New Platformer Franchises
Another way in which platformers are likely to evolve is through the emergence of new franchises. As the genre continues to grow and mature, we can expect to see more and more innovative and unique platformer games hitting the market. This will not only help to keep the genre fresh and exciting, but it will also provide players with a wider range of experiences to choose from.
The Potential of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Platformers
Finally, the emergence of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technology has the potential to revolutionize the platformer genre. By providing players with a more immersive and interactive experience, VR and AR platformers have the potential to transport players to entirely new worlds and create entirely new ways of playing games. This is an exciting development for platformer fans, and one that is sure to lead to some truly innovative and groundbreaking games in the years to come.
FAQs
1. What is a platformer game?
A platformer game is a type of video game where the player controls a character who jumps and runs across a series of platforms, often while dodging obstacles and enemies. The term “platformer” comes from the fact that the gameplay is centered around the character’s ability to move and jump between different platforms.
2. When was Super Mario Bros. released?
Super Mario Bros. was first released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). It was developed by Nintendo and was the first game in the Super Mario Bros. series.
3. Was Super Mario Bros. the first platformer game?
Super Mario Bros. is often credited as the first platformer game, but it was not the first game to feature platforming elements. Early platformer games include Pitfall! (1982) and Donkey Kong (1981), both of which were developed by Atari. However, Super Mario Bros. popularized the platformer genre and is often considered the game that defined it.
4. What makes Super Mario Bros. a classic platformer game?
Super Mario Bros. is considered a classic platformer game because of its innovative gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and catchy music. The game features a simple control scheme that allows players to control Mario’s movements with just two buttons, and the game’s level design is highly creative and challenging. The game also introduced power-ups like the mushroom, which allowed players to increase Mario’s size and abilities.
5. What impact did Super Mario Bros. have on the video game industry?
Super Mario Bros. had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game was a commercial success and helped to establish the NES as a dominant force in the gaming market. The game’s popularity also led to the creation of numerous sequels, spin-offs, and imitators, making Mario one of the most recognizable and beloved video game characters of all time. The game’s success also paved the way for other platformer games, such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Crash Bandicoot, which have become classics in their own right.
