Super Mario Bros. Special

Super Mario Bros. Special
File:Smbspecial.gif Title screen
Developer(s)	Hudson Soft
Publisher(s)	Hudson Soft
Platform(s)	NEC PC-8801, Sharp X1
Release	1986
Genre(s)	Platform game
Mode(s)	Single-player

Super Mario Bros. Special is a video game released by Hudson Soft in Japan in spring 1986 for the NEC PC-8801 and the Sharp X1. It is a follow-up to the original Super Mario Bros. developed by Hudson Soft. Nintendo had no part in its development. There is an effort to unofficially port this unique game to the NES.

Super Mario Bros. Special (right) compared to the original Super Mario Bros.

Gameplay

Though very similar in gameplay terms to the NES original, Super Mario Bros. Special has new level layouts, and several other differences. In the PC-8801 version, it has a flip-screen change between screens, as opposed to the side-scrolling of the original. The game also has a modified, smaller color palette and faster speed, with the timer draining faster and jumping handling differently. In the Sharp X1 version, however, there is side scrolling, although it only scrolls when Mario reaches the end of the screen, and only then it scrolls fifteen blocks ahead. The gameplay speed is more similar to the NES original, and a higher color palette is supported. Both versions do not include Luigi or a multiplayer mode. New enemies and obstacles include rolling barrels and fireballs from Donkey Kong; falling icicles, Fighter Flies, and Side Steppers from Mario Bros.; and the Hachisuke (Hudson Soft Honeybee) in the first level, which enables continues. There is also a new hammer weapon.