Super Mario Bros - 25th Anniversary (Japan) (En) (Virtual Console)

Super Mario Bros - 25th Anniversary on the NES Virtual Console perfectly recreates the classic platforming gameplay that defined an entire genre. Players control the hero Mario (or his brother Luigi in two-player mode) on a quest to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of the evil Bowser. The primary objective is to navigate through a series of challenging side-scrolling levels, each culminating in a flagpole that Mario must jump onto.

Throughout the adventure, Mario faces numerous familiar foes such as Goombas, Koopa Troopas, Piranha Plants, and Hammer Bros. Players can defeat them by jumping on their heads or by skillfully avoiding them. The game also introduces iconic power-ups that grant Mario special abilities. The Super Mushroom makes Mario grow larger, allowing him to withstand one hit. The Fire Flower transforms Mario into Fire Mario, enabling him to shoot powerful fireballs. The Starman provides temporary invincibility, allowing Mario to plow through enemies unharmed.

The levels are diverse, ranging from lush green plains and deep caverns to perilous castles and special underwater stages. Players must precisely jump over gaps, climb ladders, and discover secret areas containing coins or shortcuts (green warp pipes). Each world typically concludes with a castle where Mario confronts Bowser or one of his decoys. After defeating Bowser (often by jumping over him and breaking the bridge behind him), Mario will rescue a Toad instead of the princess, before finally finding Peach at the end of World 8.

Super Mario Bros - 25th Anniversary is not just an entertaining game but also a masterclass in game design, featuring simple yet incredibly responsive controls, clever level design, and an engaging pace. It retains all the charm and challenge of the original, offering a nostalgic and rewarding experience for both new and veteran players alike.