Release: 1987
Genre: Platform
Developer: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Ocean Software Ltd.
Mario Bros – The arcade classic on the Amstrad CPC
Released in 1987 for the Amstrad CPC, Mario Bros brought the iconic arcade platformer to home computers. Published by Ocean Software (Ocean was later acquired by Infogrames in 1996, the company that has evolved into Bandai Namco Entertainment UK Ltd. today.), this version of the game retained the core mechanics of the arcade original while adapting it for the Amstrad CPC’s hardware.
Players took on the roles of Mario or Luigi (in two-player mode) as they navigated levels, flipping enemies over and sending them off the screen to clear the stage. The game was distributed on cassette, typical for the time, and brought the popular arcade experience into the homes of many Amstrad users.
Classic platforming on the Amstrad
The Amstrad CPC version of Mario Bros kept the familiar gameplay intact, with players working their way through stages filled with pipes, platforms, and enemies. The goal was to knock enemies off the platforms by hitting them from below, then flipping them to clear the screen. While the graphics and sound were simplified due to the Amstrad’s hardware limitations, the fun, action-packed gameplay was preserved. The ability to play in two-player mode added an extra layer of enjoyment, as players could team up to take on the challenging levels together.
A home computer milestone for Mario
The 1987 release of Mario Bros on the Amstrad CPC marked another milestone in Mario’s journey from arcade cabinets to home computers. It introduced a whole new audience to the fun, platforming action that had made Mario famous, expanding his reach beyond the arcades and into the world of home computing. For retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors, this version remains a nostalgic piece of Mario history, showcasing how Super Mario made its mark across various platforms.
See the Ocean Software series:
- Mario Bros (Amstrad) (Double case)
- Mario Bros (Commodore 64 128K) (Double case)
- Mario Bros (Commodore 64 Disk)
- Mario Bros (MSX) (Double case)
- Mario Bros (Sinclair Spectrum 48K, 128K) (Double case)
- Mario Bros (Sinclair Spectrum +2) (Single case)
(Indicates year of first release. Dates may differ between regions.)
Mario Bros. from Nintendo for your home computer! From the arcade original featuring Fireballs, Sidestepper, Shellcreeper, and Fighterfly. Flip those pests and kick ’em off the pipes.
Original cover description
Mario and Luigi, the best plumbers in the world, have a real job on their hands. A host of characters have taken over the sewers, and the brothers must clear them out of the pipes, but don’t lose your footing on those slippery floors. Play as a team, or against each other; either way you’re in for a scream with Mario and Luigi – the MARIO BROS.