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Super Mario Bros.

1985
PlatformAdventure

Boss Battles · Pixel Art

The original 2D Mario perfected a formula that has yet to be surpassed: tight platforming, brilliantly designed levels, and a sense of pure, unadulterated joy. Its genius lies in its simplicity; each jump, enemy encounter, and hidden secret is carefully considered, creating a cohesive experience that's both challenging and endlessly replayable. From the iconic power-ups to the deceptively intricate level layouts, Super Mario Bros. established the blueprint for decades of platformers.

About Super Mario Bros.

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One day the kingdom of the peaceful mushroom people was invaded by the Koopa, a tribe of turtles famous for their black magic. The quiet, peace-loving Mushroom People were turned into mere stones, bricks and even field horsehair plants, and the Mushroom Kingdom fell into ruin. The only one who can undo the magic spell on the Mushroom People and return them to their normal selves is the Princess Toadstool, the daughter of the Mushroom King. Unfortunately, she is presently in the hands of Bowser, the King of the Koopa. Mario hears about the Mushroom People’s plight and sets out on a quest to free the Mushroom Princess from the evil Koopa and restore the fallen kingdom of the Mushroom People. You are Mario! It’s up to you to save the Mushroom People from the black magic of the Koopa!

Top 3 Alternatives to Super Mario Bros.

1
Rating
Critic & community
92
Match
Recommendation strength
85%

Celeste

2018 · Platform

Like Super Mario Bros., Celeste offers a side-scrolling platforming adventure, but with a deeply personal story and a level of precision and challenge that demands mastery of its mechanics.

Why recommended

  • Features incredibly tight, responsive platforming controls and a focus on precise jumps and movements, echoing the demanding nature of classic Mario levels.
  • Criteria — 'Adventure' through a mountain ascent filled with secrets and new abilities, 'Action' in its fast-paced movement and obstacle courses, and 'Challenging Difficulty' designed to push players to their limits.
  • Each screen presents a unique platforming puzzle, requiring players to understand and utilize various mechanics to progress, reminiscent of Mario's level design philosophy.
2
Rating
Critic & community
90
Match
Recommendation strength
80%

Shovel Knight captures the nostalgic feel of 8-bit platformers like Super Mario Bros. but with its own unique charm, a memorable protagonist, and a series of challenging, well-designed levels.

Why recommended

  • Employs a side-scrolling, pixel-art aesthetic and level structure that pays homage to classic 8-bit platformers, including Super Mario Bros.
  • Criteria — Offers a grand 'Adventure' across diverse lands, 'Action' combat with a unique shovel bounce mechanic, and 'Challenging Difficulty' through intricate level design and boss battles.
  • Features distinct worlds with unique themes and enemy types, culminating in boss encounters that require pattern recognition and precise execution, similar to Mario's castle stages.
3
Rating
Critic & community
90
Match
Recommendation strength
78%

While a Metroidvania, Hollow Knight shares Super Mario Bros.'s sense of side-scrolling exploration and challenging platforming, but wraps it in a haunting world and a deeper sense of mystery.

Why recommended

  • Features a side-scrolling perspective with a strong emphasis on precise platforming and combat, requiring players to master movement and attack timings.
  • Criteria — Provides a vast 'Adventure' through the interconnected world of Hallownest, 'Action' combat against numerous foes and bosses, and a 'Challenging Difficulty' that punishes mistakes.
  • Encourages exploration and discovery of hidden paths and secrets within its intricately designed world, rewarding players for their curiosity much like finding secret exits in Mario.

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