Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Return of Mario Bros. retains the classic pick-up-and-play simplicity of the original Atari 2600 release, but with a refreshed arcade feel that makes every run feel both familiar and invigorating. You’ll still bump platforms from underneath to flip enemies onto their backs, jump on them for that satisfying kick off-screen, and collect coins for bonus points. This tried-and-true formula is as addictive as ever, encouraging you to master enemy patterns and perfect your timing.

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One of the most welcome callbacks is the POW! button mechanic: you get three uses to clear the screen of critters in a pinch. Strategically saving your POW! hits can be the difference between reaching a new personal best or watching Mario lose a life to a sneaky fireball. Despite the simple controls, the game’s difficulty curve remains sharp, challenging newcomers and veterans alike to hone their platforming reflexes.

Periodic bonus rounds break up the relentless enemy waves, tasking you with running across the platforms to grab every coin before time runs out. These bonus levels offer a frantic change of pace—no enemies, just a race against the clock. They serve as both a welcome score boost and a refresher for your platforming skills before the next onslaught of Goombas and Shellcreepers.

Graphics

What immediately stands out about Return of Mario Bros. is its visual overhaul. Gone are the blocky sprites of the original Atari release; in their place are richer, more detailed characters and backgrounds that echo the look of the arcade classic. Mario and Luigi boast brighter color palettes, and enemy sprites are more recognizable, making it easier to anticipate their movements.

The stage platforms themselves have been spruced up with subtle shading and a more textured appearance, lending depth to what was once a flat playfield. Coins now gleam with a golden shine, and the bonus-level backgrounds feature animated clouds drifting by—tiny flourishes that breathe new life into this vintage design.

Even the HUD has received a facelift: score digits are bolder, icons for remaining lives have been modernized, and the POW! meter flashes when you’re down to your last use. All of these enhancements come together without compromising the game’s original performance, ensuring the action remains smooth and responsive on authentic Atari hardware or faithful emulators.

Story

Return of Mario Bros. doesn’t reinvent the wheel when it comes to narrative—its focus is squarely on platforming prowess rather than elaborate cutscenes. The premise is as straightforward as it gets: Mario and Luigi are back in the sewers, battling a horde of critters to reclaim the Mushroom Kingdom’s underground pipes. Every level completed brings them one step closer to clearing the sewers of these pesky invaders.

Though the story is minimal, the game’s presentation hints at a broader plumber-versus-creature war hidden beneath the arcade-style veneer. Enemy types become more varied and aggressive as you progress, suggesting that Bowser’s minions are growing desperate to halt your progress. This emergent narrative adds tension and context without the need for text boxes or lengthy exposition.

Bonus levels serve as mini-celebrations of your success: no enemies stand in your way, just rows of coins beckoning you to collect them all. Each bonus round feels like a brief interlude in an epic quest—an opportunity for Mario and Luigi to catch their breath before diving back into the fray. While Return of Mario Bros. may not spin an intricate tale, it delivers a satisfying gameplay loop that feels heroic in its own right.

Overall Experience

Return of Mario Bros. strikes a sweet balance between nostalgia and modernization. Fans of the Atari original will appreciate the gameplay they know and love, while newcomers will be drawn in by the vibrant graphics and polished presentation. The core mechanics remain as engaging as ever, and the added visual flair only amplifies the charm of this classic platformer.

Difficulty ramps up at a steady pace, making it accessible for casual play sessions yet challenging enough for speedrunners and score chasers. The inclusion of the POW! button and bonus rounds injects strategic depth, encouraging players to think two steps ahead. Each life lost feels like a learning opportunity rather than a punishment.

Whether you’re dusting off an old Atari 2600 or firing up an emulator, Return of Mario Bros. delivers a compact, action-packed experience that honors its arcade roots. It’s a delightful blend of retro gameplay and visual updates that will keep you hopping back into the sewer beneath the Mushroom Kingdom for hours on end. Highly recommended for anyone seeking a faithful yet refreshed take on a beloved classic.

Retro Replay Score

null/10