Super Mario Bros. Crossover is a massive dose of NES nostalgia. It answers the question every five year old in the late 80s had: what if I could play as Mega Man in Super Mario Bros.? Or as Samus, for that matter? Dropping half a dozen NES-era characters and their unique abilities into the familiar world of the original Super Mario Bros. game, Super Mario Bros. Crossover weaves familiar gaming icons into a new product, allowing you to play an old game in several very unique ways.
Playable characters in Crossover include Samus from Metroid, Simon Belmont from Castlevania, Link from The Legend of Zelda, Mega Man, Bill from Contra, and of course, Mario himself, each in his or her original 8-bit form. Each character's abilities are mostly intact, so Mega Man can still slide and fire his arm cannon, Simon still has his whip, and Samus can still roll into a ball and set bombs. How cool is that?
Although their abilities are different, each character is still subject to the rules of the Mario universe. Turtles are bad and must be destroyed. Mushrooms and flowers are good and should be collected. Powering-up is different for each character but appropriate to his or her original game. Samus, for example, starts with her short-range beam, but grab a mushroom and she can fire across the screen. Each character's attacks also destroy bricks and activate "?" blocks, making short work of obstacles Mario has to tackle one square at a time.
Great care was taken with Super Mario Bros. Crossover to make sure each character's unique abilities fit into this goomba-infested world. Everybody can safely stomp baddies, but because of height and attack differences, not everyone can stand and fire at ground-based foes. Bill, for example, has to lay down to hit goombas, which adds a lot of flavor to the game.
Analysis: Fan games that build on established commercial releases are usually slapped together with terrible controls and little more than a few strings of code to make the game run. Super Mario Bros. Crossover is quite the opposite, gathering a number of characters with unique abilities and adapting them perfectly to Mario's platforming universe. A lot of attention was put on making things fit together, and that shows every time you power-up with a mushroom as Simon Belmont.
Unique character abilities is at once the game's biggest strength and its chief drawback. While it's beyond awesome to stab Mario's enemies with Link's sword, not all of these gaming icons are cut out for the Mushroom Kingdom. Simon is one of the worst, as his jump (just like in the original Castlevania game) is a set height and arc, making it impossible to adjust yourself in mid-air. It ends up being more of a gameplay challenge than a design flaw, though, and as I stated above, a lot of time was spent balancing and fitting these characters into a new universe.
Then there's the whole issue of copyright infringement. Super Mario Bros. Crossover uses ripped sprites and music from six games released by major development studios. It certainly doesn't lend any credibility to this game, and Nintendo, Capcom, and Konami would be within their rights to have it removed. The spirit of Crossover is definitely appreciated, regardless of what any lawyer might say, and it plays on that good ole feeling of nostalgia. We know how to play Mega Man. We know how to play Super Mario Bros. Now let's throw them together and have fun!
Super Mario Bros. Crossover doesn't do many new things, but the ambitious mixing of classic gaming heroes into one of the most recognizable game environments produces extraordinary results. It's well-made, well-tuned, and grin-inducingly fun to play.
While I like the Mario music, why does it have to be so loud and unmuteable?
Is it really so hard to add a mute button to a game? Or at least a volume control so that I'm not deafened.
ugh the worst part i think are the controls. why can't jump be up or space or something normal??? or is that just for the retro feel?
Uhm, I can only see 1/4 of the game. As well as Hewitt, and OgOg Alive. Help?
[Can you scroll the window that pops up down a little to reveal the entire game? A screenshot might help so we can see what you're seeing -Jay]
noopynick: The controls can be customized
This is just great! I'd love to see some more games like this.
I quite enjoy this game, but it's really annoying that nobody can run except for Mario. That DOESN'T match up with the original games. Everyone is SOOOO SLOOOOOOOOW...
Still, except for that, I'm finding it a lot of fun.
Simon is the best. :-P
Each character has a skill that makes them unique-
Mario: Very fast, can be small
Link: Small all the time, variety of weapons
Bill: Destroys creatures, fires in 8 directions
Simon: Hard mode
Megaman: Simple jump/move/attack style
Samus: Aerial control, can move in ballform
@JohnB: While I understand your argument that Nintendo would be upset over the obvious use of their work, I think that there is room here for a fair use argument. This is not just an emulator. This is a completely new mix using their works. So while it does contained ripped sprites and sound tracks, it is transformative in nature (with the exception of the Mario character). I think this would be an interesting copyright case if any of the companies decided to pursue it.
The fact that it uses "Super Mario Bros." in its title is enough grounds for Nintendo to claim trademark infringement. I believe it's just a matter of time.
Let me just say I really like this game. If Bursting Hare decides to give this treatment to another 8-bit classic, like the Mega Man games, I'm all for it.
Now trademark infringement I could see. It will be interesting to see what happens. I wonder if the EFF would comment on this.
Some companies are more protective with their intellectual properties than others. I think we all remember the pain of Square Enix silencing Chrono Resurrection. SMBC is a free browser game, though, so it could be relatively safe. Time will tell.
Know what game would be even more awesome to receive the crossover treatment? Super Mario 3. Think about it.
What's with all the Mario games?!
I love it, except I die all the time!! Have to restart over and over, just like in the original game ;)
At least the warp zone is there...
This game is a masterpiece. All my childhood memories are here!
Ok, now that I've played more, I realize now that Quin is right. Not being able to run not only changes how you play the level, but it also makes the clock your hardest enemy. I've timed out too many times, even when I'm speeding through. And is it just me, or does that clock seem to count down faster than once a second?
anyway to turn off the sound?
I just set [up] as jump. I don't find much use of up anyway.
Samus at her highest level (excuse me if I should know the name if there is one) is god.
Sethum: The clock has always counted down faster than once per second.
AAA: There's a save feature. Pause the game and it's there on the pause menu.
Personally, I LOVE this game. I really, truly can't get enough of it. I grew up with all of these characters, mostly thanks to renting video games with my allowance and trading with friends (with the exception of Bill, with whom I am only passingly acquainted, thanks to a friend who owned Contra but was too stingy to let anyone else play). The chance to see all of these childhood friends make their way through what is traditionally Mario's domain fulfills a number of childhod wishes for me.
First, I finished it by choosing each character at least once and by using warp zones, eventually finishing with Mega Man. Then I played through all 8 worlds with Samus (who, as I always knew, even without missiles or the screw attack, is the FAR superior character - I mean, c'mon, wave beam?). I'm currently making my way through the game with Link, whose squirrelly movement and and wide range of attack types provide a bit more challenge, but still incorporates a decent ranged attack. Replay value? In a free Flash game? Whoa.
As for Mr. Belmont, I have to concur with Zylth that using him is DEFINITELY Hard Mode.
I am truly amazed if this is the guy's first Flash game. He is clearly skilled. Absolutely authentic character control and almost perfectly recreated platform engine. Very well one indeed.
When you get the ability to throw fireballs (or the equivalent), you lose the ability to bust blocks, such as in the second level.
Just nitpicking.
God, I would KILL for a mute button. Other than that though, really good. There's something really satisfying about shooting a goomba in the face.
This is destined to be an instant classic. GREAT game!
Ability to break blocks with your head actually varies depending on character and power-up level: for example, Samus can do it while normal and super, but loses the ability after getting a fire flower because she loses her suit. Mega Man can do it with both Super Mushroom and Fire Flower because he gains a helmet. Simon, naturally, can never do it.
@blakyoshi7: Wow, you have some great conservational skills. I would've never caught something like that.
I agree with all comments about this game's awesomeness! I too grew up with all of these characters, wasting my money on re-re-re-renting the games because I loved them so much back then! I hope this game sticks around (ignored by each of the companies) and has a few successors, though I wonder if there is any world as "friendly" as Mario's that would so easily welcome foreigners. :-)
And how on earth could you want to mute such a game and lose the pleasure of each character's game sounds/music?!! I thought that was a nice touch that while some of the Mario sounds stayed (like the "p'tut" of killing an enemy) while incorporating the chosen character's game sounds.
Again...I just gotta say...total-uber-retro-awesomeness!
I really wish I had a controller I could hook up to the computer. Using my fingers keyboard style just doesn't fit plat formers well.
It's not often you see such a polished tribute to NES games in flash. Well done, ExplodingRabbit.
The only thing that feels really out of place is that you can walk backwards through the levels.
There's a great interview with the creator here, that answers a lot of the questions (such as the addition of back-scrolling).
http://www.gamexplain.com/article-64-1272509580-super-mario-bros-crossover-xplained-an-interview-with-the-creator.html
My comment is this. Who needs to break blocks with their heads when they can shoot them? Why hunt for that one obscure hidden block when covering the screen in a hail of bullets can do the job for you? Bill R.'s ability to aim his gun in any direction as well as his aerial control makes him the easiest character to control in SMBC in my opinion.
Bill R.: Very Easy Mode
Samus: Easy Mode
Mega Man: Medium Mode
Mario: Normal Mode
Link: Hard Mode
Simon Belmont: Very Hard Mode
Well doesn't answer my childhood question, ie: "what would happen if Sonic was in Mario Brothers." But...we're getting there.
I LOVE this game. It is simply amazing, and SO fun to play. I've been trekking through, switching characters as I go, and I love how all the characters truly have strengths and weaknesses... it makes the game very interesting. :D
However, I can't figure out how to load my save... it asks for a "saveData" file type, but when it saves it doesn't give an extension...
@blakyoshi7
Mario can break blocks with mushroom or flower.
Link can never break blocks with jumping.
Bill can never break blocks with jumping.
Simon can never break blocks with jumping.
Mega Man can break blocks with mushroom or flower.
Samus can break blocks without power up, or with mushroom, but not with flower.
You can change all the controls in the menu so if fits better, just like an old controller.. This game is great! Although I find that the jellyfish swim too fast!
Link can break blocks if you hold up while you jump. This allows him to stab up. He can also break blocks by pointing his sword down (press down as you fall).
@Jay
I don't think there are too many cases of Nintendo going after fangames,
I know Roms/rom hacks might seriously get introuble, But I haven't heard from any really big cases involving fan games,
I don't think nintendo cares unless A. they are making a profit on it, or B. if they use a lot of Nintendo stuff, or make it look like nintendo designed it.
If Nintendo was going to throw a fit about it, They would probably take down super mario 63 as well off new-grounds, and some of the more "sketchy" games and toons.
[Fan games are one thing, this one actually uses a Nintendo trademark ("Super Mario Bros."). -Jay]
Don't worry everybody Nintendo "threatens" violaters, but relies on people to do the dirty work (yeah it's stupid). I know a site which has been going on for years, man if Nintendo found out what they are doing they should be so ashamed not finding it, like should they type in the search or what?
this is the best game ever!!!!!! i cant stop playing, its so addictive!!!!!
samus can use bombs to fly if used right.
Sadly, entering the Konami code while playing as Bill does NOT give you 30 lives :(
First warp screen location:
In level 1-2 you can find a warp screen to worlds 2, 3, and 4. By riding the second set of moving platforms up, you must jump to the far right of the screen before you are carried off screen by the platforms. You should land well above the pipe in the ceiling, where you can just barely see yourself. Walk to the right, and you will land in the warp-room. To go to a world, (it will state the worlds numbers above the pipes) jump onto a pipe and press the down key. (Beware if you go to world 4, it contains a lakuta that will toss enemies at you.)
P.S.
Just to help this game is modeled by the gameboy color game: "Super Mario Bros. Deluxe". All hints and cheats (should) work the same.
Another way to get to the first warp screen:
The floor has breakable blocks that, breaking them, and going to the right, will lead you to the warp screen. Use Samus and bomb your way in or, use Link and attack the bricks with your sword. Or use Bill R. and shoot the bricks, OR use Simon's secondary axe throwing attack. (Simon works fastest.) Sadly, this method takes MUCH longer, and you will probably run out of time before you get into one of the warp pipes.
Second and third warp screens:
The second and third warp screens are in level 4-2. If you jump on the fist moving platforms, you can reach a ledge of three blocks. Attack the first one. A vine will sprout. If you climb up this, you will land in a room full of mushroom platforms and coins. At the end of this special bonus room, is a warp screen to worlds 6, 7, and 8. If you start the level over again, you can jump from the earlier mentioned platform of three bricks, into the ceiling! Stay up there the whole time you walk right, and you will reach a warp screen to world 5. Have a good time playing!
@ milton
WRONG link can always break blocks with jumping just not with his head all you do is hold up and viola he slices upward
Don't forget the update he did recently!
Seconded, Gabe. SMC 1.1 seems to not only add Ryu from Ninja GaiDen, but makes Samus' armor powerup progression make more sense, and, I believe, allows Mega Man to use Rush Coil. Hopefully the current version can be linked here...
[I've updated the links in the review above to point to the latest version of the game. -Jay]
Well doesn't answer my childhood question, ie: "what would happen if Sonic was in Mario Brothers." But...we're getting there.
You oughtta play SONIC IN MARIO WORLD.
Megaman`s the easiest/best!
Froghead McBarrelrolls, however, takes some getting used to. I was born after the time of the NES.
And sure, Simon`s a little stiff, but he`s better than Mario AND Link to me. Double-jumping? Ooooooh.
This guy should make a Super Mario World or Super Mario Bros. 3 one next. Maybe give the characters new abilities to match up with SNES if Super Mario World, for example:
Simon would be able to hold his whip and do all of that other awesome stuff in Super Castlevania IV.
Mario could pick up stuff (duh).
Samus could do some more special abilities, like aim down/up, and with mushroom would get charge beam and missiles (Maybe a Spazer Beam too?), and with fireflower a screw attack and ice beam?
Megaman would be able to pull off wall jumps like in the X series, dunno of much else.
I'm not very familiar with the Contra series, and I can't quite remember a LoZ sequel for the SNES, although I know that I should.
So, yeah. Super Crossover World? Maybe.
ryu was released along with lots of more features.
thought you oughta know
IDEA!!!
Make Crossovers with all the characters' games (legend of zelda crossover, metroid crossover, castlevania crossover, you get the idea)
Help is here for 7-4 and 8-4! 7-4: Jump onto these platforms in this order, middle, top. In the second part jump in THIS order, ground, bottom, top. Go right, drop, and then jump up to the right. 8-4: Go through the pipes in this order, 3rd pipe, 4th pipe (the one in the air), 3rd pipe. Then finish the rest of the level!
P.S. I really think he should add the minus world glitch...
In the newer versions of Super Mario Bros for DS and Wii, once you get the go-big mushroom, you can jump and then press the down button to break the brick below you doing a sough of spin power crash. It would be nice to see this added in this game when using Mario.
Sequel needs Sonic. Also, mario should get ground pound.
game has been fixed! i havent played 4 a while and found it fixed! great now! with continue and more characters!
I know how to get to World 8-4 with unlimited lives!
1. Start the game on world 1-1. Save the game and name it something easy to remember.
2. Go to My Computer/My Documents/Downloads/microsoftsecurityessentials/What you named it.
3. Open it and copy and paste this into the notepad:
335,331,11110,82,75618,32,32,32,32,32,32,32,114,116,110,117,115,165,160,157,0,1,2,1,0,0,0,1,1,0,1,0
Notice: put at the start and of the number sequence.
Have fun trying to beat it!
I don't see a lawsuit case being probable in this case.
Yes, he does violate copyrights, especially Nintendo's, but a lot of companies allow parodies to be put up as "advertisement by emulation" or however that one document went... I dunno, it was a long time since i read it....
He does not make any money directly of this, (except possibly advertisement revenue) giving companies even less incentive to crack down.
and lastly, this is basically an unintentional plug for these companies.
"ahhh, nostalgia. this makes me think of the old days, and i want to buy something that reminds me further, possibly from these companies who gave me such good memories!"
All in all, a very great game!
Hi,
I am stuck on world 3-5 on the red mushroom, I am not able to walk over to the castle.
I completed world 3-5 and do not know how to get to world 3-6
Please help asap..
hey guys, the newest version is out
Since you already link to the newest version, an updated review might be in order
I tried the links but the site seems gone, is there an explanation?
[I've updated the links, the game has moved. Thanks for pointing that out. -Jay]
personally, I think it is a great game, but did it have to be so hard? I keep dying!
(especially world 7) :B
The newest version has made me re-evaluate the game as a whole. I did LIKE the game when it initially was shown to me by my older brother. Now, I legitimately say the game's golden.
Super Mario.........
Wow, I must have missed this the first time around. My first impression is just: WOW. Unbelievable. It looks and sounds great, the controls feel completely authentic to what my brain remembers anyway, and it's just an amazing, super polished, nostalgia factory. First programming project? Even more unbelievable.
I suppose it helps that all the graphics and sounds is ripped so those 2 things are already at a professional level, but the polish and attention to detail in everything else is admirable. Yums.
How about redesigning the game with a whole different set of levels that can be played by using the character that will work best for that level. I've played the original SMB too many times and need new levels.
This game sounded amazing, until I read peoples' comments, which aren't very positive. I will have a go regardless because I love this idea of character crossover, specially in Mario!
Update