Mario Bros. Special (3.5″ disk version)

A unique take on a classic

Mario Bros. Special was not a direct port of the original Mario Bros. arcade game but rather a unique reimagining developed by Hudson Soft. Released for Japanese home computers, including the Fujitsu FM-77, this version introduced new level layouts, different enemy patterns, and fresh mechanics not found in the arcade original. While the core gameplay still focused on Mario clearing out enemies in a single-screen environment, the stages had a more linear design, sometimes requiring players to move in different directions rather than just knocking enemies from below.

Different hardware, different experience

The FM-77 version took advantage of the system’s graphical capabilities, offering sharper visuals compared to other home computer versions. However, due to the limitations of the hardware, the game played slightly differently from the arcade counterpart. Controls were a bit stiffer, and movement wasn’t as smooth as on Nintendo’s own consoles. Still, for players who didn’t have access to a Famicom or an arcade, Mario Bros. Special provided an exciting way to experience Mario’s early adventures at home.

A rare piece of Mario history

Since this was a Japan-exclusive release for a niche computer system, physical copies of the 3.5″ disk version are difficult to find today. It stands as a fascinating piece of Mario history, showing how third-party developers like Hudson Soft experimented with Nintendo’s characters before the company became more protective of its IP. While it’s not as well-known as the arcade original, Mario Bros. Special remains an interesting collector’s item for fans of obscure Mario games.

---