This is the original classic, the 1985 side-scroller that defined a genre. You play as Mario or Luigi, running and jumping through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. Its bright, simple visuals and iconic music are timeless. It is absolutely worth playing, the foundation for everything that followed.
The gameplay is pure, precise platforming. It requires fast reflexes and tight jumps, especially in the later worlds. A key surprise is the warp zones hidden in certain pipes, letting you skip ahead. Mastering the momentum of your jump is the core skill. Give it a go and see where it all began.
