The game uses a side-scrolling view where players move from left to right through stages filled with enemies, pits, blocks, and moving platforms. Mario can run, jump, stomp foes, and break blocks; mushrooms make him grow, while fire flowers allow ranged attacks. Stages hide bonus rooms and secret routes, and each world ends with a castle or boss-style finale. Some versions support two-player alternating play with Luigi as the second character.

Mario

The main playable hero who travels through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue the princess.

Luigi

The second playable character in alternating two-player mode.

Princess Toadstool

The princess kidnapped by Bowser and the game’s rescue target.

Bowser

The main antagonist who leads the enemy forces and rules the castles.

Learn enemy movement patterns and jump timing before trying to rush through stages. Search suspicious blocks and walls for hidden items and secret paths. Try to keep the mushroom form as long as possible for extra survivability, and use fire flowers to clear dangerous enemy clusters. In castle stages, wait for safe windows around fire traps and moving platforms rather than forcing a risky sprint.

Tips and tricks

Memorize common hidden block locations to make later runs much safer.

Tips and tricks

Pause briefly on narrow ledges to read enemy movement before jumping.

Tips and tricks

Keep power-ups for late-stage sections where mistakes are most costly.

User Reviews

An all-time classic with tight stage design and timeless controls.

User Reviews

The PC Engine version keeps the core feel while adding its own presentation flair.

User Reviews

Easy to pick up, hard to master, and still a landmark platformer.