Super Mario Bros Level 1-1

Pros

• Colorful
• Features original NES graphics
• Very lightweight

Cons

• Can't control Mario
• Only includes a single world
• Doesn't feature sound effects

Super Mario Bros Level 1-1 is a Windows screensaver that presents a demo play-through of the infamous first level of the classic NES game.

While countless titles have been released in the Mario series, few have ever reached the fame of the 1985 Nintendo cartridge. It's been ingrained in the minds of gamers everywhere, and is now making a splash as a standard Windows screensaver. Considering the dull look of most screensavers these days, using this to replace any of the pack-in Microsoft products should really be a no-brainer.

It uses the same sprite-based 2D graphics of the original coupled with slightly more modern AI that allows the computer-controlled version of Mario to make it from one end of the level to the flagpole at the other. Along the way, he'll encounter Koopas and Goombas that want to do whatever they can to keep him from the goal.

Since it installs as a regular packaged EXE file, the Super Mario Bros Level 1-1 screensaver can install itself as a global resource. That means you can select it the same way that you select any standard Windows screensaver, depending on how your operating system is configured. It will then automatically start after a predetermined period of inactivity.

That's great news for anyone who's concerned about burned in images on their screen. Those who are running more modern versions of Windows that don't allow third-party screensavers can still start it manually. No matter how it begins, it will continue to loop each time Mario reaches the end of the level and sets off those iconic fireworks.

Unfortunately, the screensaver lacks the sound effects that gamers would expect from this action, but the vibrant 8-bit graphics are more than enough to call these back to mind for any fan of old-school Nintendo games. Don't be surprised if you end up making a few sounds of your own while you watch.

The original Nintendo Entertainment System used an extremely restrictive color pallet of 48 tones, so this screensaver should look just as good on any PC. That being said, it's not actually using any kind of emulation. It's a native Windows app, and therefore runs just as fast as anything else you have installed.

Best of all, Mario will occasionally find mushrooms and flowers to use as power-ups just like he did in the original game. His on-screen sprite will change each time he encounters one of these objects, which makes it feel like you're playing the game right on original hardware. While it won't be quite as fun, it should be an excellent novelty for any gamer who wants to celebrate their heritage.

Since it's built on Microsoft's standard screensaver API, it should work with your computer regardless of what kind of graphics adapter you have. It's free to download and use.

Pros

• Colorful
• Features original NES graphics
• Very lightweight

Cons

• Can't control Mario
• Only includes a single world
• Doesn't feature sound effects