Mario is one of the most iconic video game characters in history. From his days as Jumpman in the original Donkey Kong to his role as the protagonist of the entire Mario series, he has been a beloved part of gaming culture for decades.
Super Mario, on the other hand, is a specific game released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). This game marked a major turning point in the series, introducing many of the iconic mechanics and characters that are still recognizable today.
The most obvious difference between Mario and Super Mario is the setting. In Super Mario, players control Mario as he travels through the Mushroom Kingdom, fighting enemies and rescuing Princess Peach. This is a stark contrast to the original Mario, which featured a series of various mazes and platforms. Super Mario’s level design is much more focused on exploration and discovery, while Mario is mainly focused on puzzles and reflex-based gameplay.
The gameplay between Mario and Super Mario also differs. While Mario was mainly focused on running, jumping, and avoiding enemies, Super Mario introduces the new concepts of collecting coins and power-ups. In Super Mario, players can collect mushrooms to grow Mario, flowers to give him fire-breathing powers, and stars to make him temporarily invincible. These additions give Super Mario significantly more depth than its predecessor.
The enemies in Mario and Super Mario also play an important role in distinguishing between the two. While Mario featured mostly static enemies, Super Mario introduced moving and more interesting enemies, such as Goombas, Koopa Troopas, and Hammer Bros. These enemies must be avoided or defeated in order to progress in the game.
Finally, the graphics and audio in Super Mario are significantly more advanced than Mario. The iconic 8-bit, cartoon-like art style of the original game has been replaced with more sophisticated characters and environments. The soundtracks have also been enhanced, featuring memorable and catchy tunes that many gamers still remember today.
In short, Mario and Super Mario are two different games with distinct differences. While both feature the same character and some similar gameplay elements, Super Mario offers a much more immersive and rewarding experience. With its expansive worlds, exciting power-ups, and memorable characters, Super Mario is an iconic game that pioneered many of the core aspects of the Mario franchise.