The Princess has been kidnapped by the evil Bowser, and it is up to Mario and brother Luigi to save the day.

The first ever platform adventure for the Mario Brothers has you exploring level after level, with Bowser to contend with as the end of level boss. Powerups include the Mushroom, which increase your size and power, the fire flower, allowing you to shoot fireballs at enemies, and the ever important star for a short burst of invincibility.

Each level includes a bonus section filled with coins plus a shortcut through the level, plenty of bad guys and obstacles to get past, and an end of level flag, in which the higher you grab it, the more points are awarded to you. Certain levels also include warp points.