Summary
- Release Year: 1990
- Genres: Puzzle, Strategy
- Platforms: Arcade, Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System, Wii U
- Developers: Nintendo
- Publishers: Nintendo, Playtronic
Dr. Mario: A Timeless Puzzle Classic
Released in 1990 for the NES, Dr. Mario is a falling block tile-matching video game that has stood the test of time as one of the most beloved puzzle games ever created. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, charming characters, and catchy music have captivated players for decades.
Gameplay
Dr. Mario is played on a 8×14 grid representing a medicine bottle. The player controls Mario, who drops two-colored medical capsules into the bottle from the top of the screen. The capsules can be moved left or right and rotated before they drop.
The objective of the game is to eliminate all of the viruses from the bottle by matching four or more capsules or viruses of the same color in either a horizontal or vertical line. When a match is made, the matching capsules and viruses disappear, and any capsules above them fall down to fill the empty space.
The game becomes increasingly difficult as the levels progress. The viruses start out slow and easy to match, but they gradually become faster and more erratic, making it more challenging to line up matches. The player must also be careful not to let the capsules fill up the bottle, as this will cause the game to end.
Characters
Dr. Mario is the main character of the game, and he is assisted by his trusty sidekick, Dr. Luigi. The viruses come in three different colors: red, yellow, and blue.
Development
Dr. Mario was developed by Nintendo Research & Development 1, the same team that created the original Super Mario Bros. game. The game was originally conceived as a Tetris clone, but the developers eventually decided to create a more unique and challenging experience.
Dr. Mario was a critical and commercial success upon its release. The game was praised for its addictive gameplay, charming characters, and catchy music. It has since been ported to numerous other platforms, including the Game Boy, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and Nintendo Switch.
Legacy
Dr. Mario has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay has been imitated by numerous other puzzle games, and its characters have become iconic symbols of Nintendo.
In 2008, Dr. Mario was inducted into the World Video Game Hall of Fame. The game is still enjoyed by millions of people around the world today, and it remains one of the most popular puzzle games of all time.
Tips for Playing Dr. Mario
- Plan your moves ahead. Don’t just drop capsules randomly. Take the time to look at the board and plan your next move so that you can line up matches and clear viruses efficiently.
- Use the walls to your advantage. The walls of the bottle can be used to bounce capsules off of and set up matches.
- Don’t be afraid to rotate capsules. Rotating capsules can help you to line up matches and clear viruses more easily.
- Be patient. Dr. Mario is a game that requires patience and skill. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t clear a level right away. Just keep practicing and you’ll eventually get the hang of it.
Conclusion
Dr. Mario is a timeless puzzle classic that has entertained generations of gamers. The game’s simple yet addictive gameplay, charming characters, and catchy music have made it one of the most beloved puzzle games of all time. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the game, Dr. Mario is sure to provide hours of fun and challenge.
Review Score
8/10
Art
Cover Art
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