Best Home Version of Mario Bros.?

[VectorGamer]

I searched the forums to see if this topic has been done already and didn't find any hits.

 

My daughter and I played all the home versions of Mario Bros. that I own last night. My favorite version is the ColecoVision - despite being easier and the pests rendered in one color. The fact that it's easier just lets you enjoy this wonderful game a bit longer!

 

The NES would be my runner-up. My least favorite is the 5200 version - I couldn't wait for my game to end.

 

NES

http://youtu.be/45BZFuZJ3gY

 

ColecoVision (pardon the lackluster video - the CV just doesn't work well with my video capture card)

review: http://www.vectorgamer.com/apps/blog/show/41191386-review-mario-bros-colecovision-

FIVE QUESTIONS WITH COLLECTORVISION FOUNDER JEAN-FRANCOIS DUPUIS

http://youtu.be/kD-aoDtMPQA

 

Atari 7800

review: http://www.vectorgamer.com/apps/blog/show/41191539-review-mario-bros-7800-

http://youtu.be/dfLSpN2WPyM

 

Atari 2600

review: http://www.vectorgamer.com/apps/blog/show/41191091-review-mario-bros-2600-

http://youtu.be/NmlL-zZK9mk

 

Atari 5200

http://youtu.be/XBXnch5d82s

 

Also up for discussion was the correct pronunciation of "Mario." I've always said "Mare-e-o." My kids say "Marr-e-o." What say you?

[TPA5]

I'm definitely a fan of the NES version, although that is most likely due to it being the first version I played.

 

And I pronounce it the correct way, "Marr-e-o"

[famicommander]

NES > 7800 > the rest

 

And anyone who says "Mare-e-o" is a terrorist.

[ZippyRedPlumber]

My most favorite versions happen to be NES, Atari XE & Atari 7800. I've never played ColecoVision Mario Bros., But from what I've seen online, it looks awesome.

 

The 2600 version comes close second.

 

The 5200 version is my least favorite though...

[Rhomaios]

I quite frequently hear "Mare-ee-oh" from people who grew up in Jersey or Long Island. I imagine there's a regional component. I on the other hand grew up hearing "marr-ee-oh".

[+wongojack]

C64 - The only other version I've played more than a single time is the 2600 version which seemed fine to me. I'm not even sure if I have 7800 cart for it and I've never bothered to play from NES or Coleco flash carts or emulation. I usually go to MAME if I want to play this game now.

 

Also from a pure C64 viewpoint, I think Toy Bizarre is the better game.

[fiddlepaddle]

Regarding pronunciation: I think some Nintendo games actually say the word Mario, and it's phonetically "mah-ree-oh", or very similar. Since they own the character and approved the software, I'd say that is a reliable source.

[Manoau2002]

The colecovision version is really good. I played the Nes version as a kid but I don't remember much.

[The Usotsuki]

It's マリオ so mah-ree-oh.

[+Random Terrain]

It's マリオ so mah-ree-oh.

 

I wonder if we could pay Billy Crystal a dollar to say it that way in a YouTube clip.

 

youtube.com/watch?v=oPZSIldrk4w

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPZSIldrk4w

[+SabertoothRetro]

I have a soft spot for the 7800 version. Sure it suffers from the same wonky sound as 7800 DK and DK Jr. But it's very playable and looks good.

 

Does anyone else think that the Mario sprite in the 7800 version looks like the "small" Mario from NES SMB?

Edited December 3, 2014 by atariLBC

[NIAD]

Used to play MB a lot on the NES and was blown away by the ColecoVision version when I first played it. So it's really a toss-up between those two systems and as everyone knows around here, I'm a CV fanatic, so I have to give the nod to the CV version especially since it is a homebrew product.

[+adamchevy]

Used to play MB a lot on the NES and was blown away by the ColecoVision version when I first played it. So it's really a toss-up between those two systems and as everyone knows around here, I'm a CV fanatic, so I have to give the nod to the CV version especially since it is a homebrew product.

The first time I played it on the CV I was blown away. It feels more arcade accurate to me.

[Atariboy]

The 1993 European release for the NES gets my vote.

[7800Lover]

I prefer the Atari 7800 version, that being my favorite system. The 2600 port is nice, though I don't like how those fireballs are indestructible.

[+Austin]

The 1993 European release for the NES gets my vote.

 

What's different between it and the US release?

[Atariboy]

The most obvious changes are the level demonstrations from the arcade (Which the video below is skipping so you only get a brief look).

 

 

But the closer you watch and listen, there are a lot of enhancements that bring it closer. The game goes from almost being quiet except for when you walk, to being alive with sound effects, for instance.

 

Edit: And you can change direction of your jump in mid-air, something that purist might not like. But the redone sprites, audio, and touches like the level introductions elevates it considerably.

 

Edited December 3, 2014 by Atariboy

[high voltage]

I like the NES version and the C64 version. The NES version suffers from joypad control, whereas on C64 you use a proper joystick.

My fave version is 2600 due to the fact that I managed to play the game with my wife in 2-player mode and rolling the score, which was a great achievement.

[George35]

I quite frequently hear "Mare-ee-oh" from people who grew up in Jersey or Long Island. I imagine there's a regional component. I on the other hand grew up hearing "marr-ee-oh".

I grew up on Long Island and pronounce it "Marr-ee-oh". Wasn't until I moved down south I heard the other pronunciation.

[+Random Terrain]

No mares here. Not even a foal:

 

youtube.com/watch?v=HU80R7jGanE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HU80R7jGanE

[Rhomaios]

I grew up on Long Island and pronounce it "Marr-ee-oh". Wasn't until I moved down south I heard the other pronunciation.

 

Strange, I grew up in the south and never heard Mare-ee-oh until I moved to New York!

[The Usotsuki]

the "Mare-ee-oh" pronunciation was typical in Central New York in the 80s.

[Gredler]

I've played it the most on the game boy advance ports that came with the mario advance series really enjoyable link play. My highschool girlfriend and I spent a lot of time playing it. For me it's GBA>NES>2600

[BillyHW]

Ooops, I misvoted on the pronunciation. I guess there's no way to change your vote once it's submitted?

[iesposta]

My vote has to go for other right now.

There is the classic ColecoVision game, and then there is the 2012 CollectorVision Megacart which is currently my favorite...