Super Mario Bros 35: A Glorious Yet Short Lived Multiplayer Experience

Super Mario Bros 35 stood out as one of the most innovative multiplayer games of its time, and for good reason. From its unique twist on the classic Super Mario formula to its thrilling gameplay dynamics, this game captured the hearts of many. However, despite its undeniable charm, it was tragically short-lived, and its delisting left fans longing for more. In this article, we’ll dive into what made Super Mario Bros 35 special, its shortcomings, and why it still holds a place in gamers’ hearts today.

Why Super Mario Bros 35 Was a Game Changer

At its core, Super Mario Bros 35 was a love letter to one of the most iconic games in history, the original Super Mario Bros. But instead of simply rehashing the same old platforming mechanics, this title introduced a competitive multiplayer element that was both exhilarating and unpredictable. It brought together 35 players, all racing to outlast one another in levels pulled straight from the original Mario game.

A New Kind of Multiplayer Chaos

One of the most interesting elements of Super Mario Bros 35 was the way players could influence each other’s games. By defeating enemies, you’d send them to your competitors, adding an extra layer of chaos to an already challenging platforming experience. Imagine navigating through a relatively straightforward level, only to find your screen filled with Goombas, Lakitus, and even Bowser himself all sent by another player. The sheer unpredictability of these moments kept players on their toes and made every match feel fresh.

This dynamic led to some truly chaotic moments. Waves of enemies would pile up, especially as you progressed through the match and more players were eliminated. The pressure to survive became immense, and those who could skilfully manage their resources and timing often found themselves as the last Mario standing.

Strategic Elements That Set It Apart

Super Mario Bros 35 wasn’t just about pure platforming skill; it also demanded strategy. Coins you collected could be spent on an item roulette, offering power-ups like mushrooms, Fire Flowers, and Super Stars. Knowing when to use these power-ups was crucial. Should you save up for the perfect moment, or burn through them quickly to stay ahead? This decision-making added a layer of depth that kept players engaged for hours.

The strategic targeting system allowed players to send enemies specifically to those with the lowest time, the most coins, or those attacking them. It was a fast-paced mind game where every second and every decision could make or break your run.

What Made It So Addictive?

There’s no denying that Super Mario Bros 35 was an addictive experience. The combination of nostalgia, competition, and chaos created a game that many players found hard to put down. Whether you were in it for a quick match or grinding your way to the elusive star rank (which unlocked playable Luigi), there was always something to strive for.

Accessible Yet Challenging

One of the reasons this game resonated with so many players was its accessibility. You didn’t need to be a platforming master to enjoy the game. The original Mario controls were simple, and the game’s difficulty ramped up gradually. Players of all skill levels could jump in, start having fun, and, with enough persistence, even win a few matches. Yet, for those seeking a challenge, there was always the drive to survive longer and outsmart increasingly tougher opponents.

Dopamine Rushes Galore

There’s a reason why games like Super Mario Bros 35 are hard to put down: they trigger a dopamine rush every time you outlast an opponent, clear a particularly tough level, or snag a crucial power-up just in time. The thrill of survival, especially when you’re among the last few players, provided an unmatched sense of accomplishment. It was a game that fed on competition, and every win felt hard-earned.

The Game’s Shortcomings: Why It Wasn’t Perfect

Despite its brilliance, Super Mario Bros 35 wasn’t without flaws. While many of us fondly remember its highs, there were also several areas where the game could have been improved.

Matches That Dragged on Too Long

One of the game’s biggest issues was that matches could sometimes last far too long. While the first few minutes were often frantic and full of action, the final stages of a match could drag on for 15 minutes or more, especially when only two players remained. This slow grind often sucked the momentum out of the game, leaving players frustrated and ready to move on to something else. For a game that thrived on its fast-paced chaos, these slow moments were jarring and often tedious.

Lack of Variety

Another significant criticism of Super Mario Bros 35 was its lack of variety. As a game meant to celebrate Mario’s 35th anniversary, it would’ve been fantastic to see levels and enemies from other Mario games, like Super Mario Bros 3 or Super Mario World. Instead, the game was limited to levels from the original Super Mario Bros, which could get repetitive after extended play. More variety in the levels or a mode where different Mario games were represented could have elevated the experience and kept it fresher for longer.

The Tragedy of Its Limited-Time Nature

Perhaps the most heart breaking aspect of Super Mario Bros 35 was that it was a limited-time release. From the moment the game launched on October 1, 2020, players knew that its days were numbered. By March 31, 2021, the game was gone, with no official way to play it ever again.

This decision left many fans, myself included, frustrated and saddened. Super Mario Bros 35 was a unique experiment, but it felt like it ended far too soon. Unlike other anniversary titles, like Super Mario 3D All-Stars, which could still be played today, Mario 35 was essentially lost to time. Players who didn’t get to experience it during its short run may never get the chance to see what made it so special.

The Hope for a Comeback

As the years go by, many of us still hold onto the hope that Nintendo will one day bring back Super Mario Bros 35. Whether it returns as a full-fledged game or another temporary release, there’s no doubt that it would be met with excitement and enthusiasm from the gaming community.

In the meantime, we can only reminisce about the chaos and fun that Super Mario Bros 35 brought to our lives. There’s something special about a game that sticks with you even after it’s gone, and Mario 35 is a perfect example of this.

A Bittersweet Legacy

Super Mario Bros 35 was far from perfect, but its innovative mechanics, thrilling gameplay, and accessible nature made it a standout title in Nintendo’s rich library of games. While its limited-time nature was a disappointment, it left a lasting impact on those who played it, and many of us still long for its return.

As we move forward, it’s clear that Super Mario Bros 35 will be remembered as a unique and fleeting experience, one that brought both joy and sadness to the players who loved it. And who knows? Maybe one day we’ll get to race through the chaotic levels of Super Mario Bros 35 once more. Until then, we can only hope and reminisce.