LESSONS IN 2D GAME DESIGN
We all understand what an important role Super Mario Bros. played in shaping the gaming landscape, and in revitalizing the U.S. game market, but the question is: how is it that a game created at the start of the NES era – with a relatively small team, small budget, and laughably simple hardware – could outshine many of the multi-million dollar blockbusters of today? The answer is in the game. And it’s been right in front of us the whole time.
A game by Nintendo for NES, originally released in 1985.
People have a strong tendency to use Super Mario Bros. as a comparison when discussing any type of platforming game, and even side-scrolling action games in general. This is due, in part, to the fact that the original Super Mario Bros. has been experienced by more people than practically any other console game ever made, and is therefore easily relatable. But more than that, the game is tightly designed. It wasn’t successful just because it was technically superior to the other games on the market; it was a better designed game overall. At the time of its release it was a revelation, but even decades later, it still holds up.
We all understand what an important role Super Mario Bros. played in shaping the gaming landscape, and in revitalizing the U.S. game market, but the question is: how is it that a game created at the start of the NES era – with a relatively small team, small budget, and laughably simple hardware – could outshine many of the multi-million dollar blockbusters of today? The answer is in the game. And it’s been right in front of us the whole time.
