Super Mario Bros. was, for many of my generation, not just the first game they played, but also the first one they beat. Some even conquered it before they mastered long division. My pal Stan toppled Bowser by age four. Damn showoff.

I too began with Nintendo’s timeless gem, though my journey to and through World 8-4 took a bit longer than most.

Super Mario World, Donkey Kong 64, God of War, and Batman: Arkham Asylum. I finished all of those games before Super Mario Bros. So, we’re looking at a 15-year span, give a year or two. I haven’t spent my every waking hour in pursuit of the Princess mind you, but still, considering the game’s length, that’s a considerable gap. Bowser must have fed her dirt and straw toward the end.

Chalk it up to a lack of motivation, rather than an absence of skill.

Save for recently, I can’t remember a time when I sat down determined to rescue the captive damsel. Really, it never seemed that important. As long as I was having fun, that was all that mattered.

I still feel the same about many of my NES cartridges. I have a raging chubby for Castlevania, but don’t care if I ever see its conclusion. Same for Dragon Spirit, Monster Party and Snake Rattle N Roll.

That sentiment starkly contrasts my attitude toward new releases. Whenever I buy a PlayStation 3 or Wii game, I have to beat it, oftentimes in a day or two. With some games – BioShock, Dead Space, Arkham Asylum – the experience is so enthralling that I don’t want to walk away. In general though, I just hate unfinished business. It’s one of my biggest pet peeves.

Perhaps the lack of a save system explains the conflict. I can pour three hours into inFAMOUS, safe in the knowledge that progress will remain on my hard drive. Barring some terrible, soul-crushing file corruption of course. Conversely, fail to save the Princess, and I have to start from scratch next time.

Super Mario Bros. isn’t difficult by any stretch of the imagination. You jump over pits, collect coins and navigate midair platforms. Simple enough. However, it is rather easy to die, whether by hammer, rotating flame baton or bottomless abyss. It can be an incredible test of patience, to say the least.

I guess what I’m trying to say is: If it happens it happens, but it’s not worth beating my head against a wall.

Of course, try explaining that to a pampered dame who has been imprisoned for approximately 15 years. Not too easy.

Tweet This Post