Where do I begin with this game? I figured since I just launched my new website, I should review a game that is not only important to gaming history, but also to myself. This was the first video game I ever played. At the age of 3, I remember picking up the square shaped controller and giving it a try. I of course had no idea what I was doing, but I remember being mesmerized by the colors. I also remember watching my older brother play it, and just remember staring at the screen as he collected coins and squashed goombas. Ever since that day this game has been a staple in my life one way or another, existing in the background as the game that ignited my interest in video games. However, there has been one thing about this game that I have always thought about.
I had never beaten it before.
I know, I know. The absolute blasphemy. How can I call myself a seasoned gamer if I have never beaten this quintessential piece of gaming history. Half-kidding aside, this has always been something that has bugged me. Prior to this review I had never seen the end of the game. Since I decided to create a website and document my journey of reviewing retro games, I figured this was the perfect time to beat this game.
I have two copies of this game on the NES. They are both combo carts. The first one (left) is the cart from my childhood. This was the original cartridge my dad got with his NES Action Set back in 1986. This cartridge has absolutely been through the wringer and is in rough shape, but it means a lot to me and it still works, so that is what matters. The other cartridge is a combo cart I picked up a few years ago with Mario Bros, Duck Hunt, and World Class Track Meet. I ended up playing on my newer cartridge, for no particular reason.
Everyone knows how Super Mario Bros. starts. The game immediately thrusts you into its perfectly pixelated world with that iconic music everyone and their grandmother knows by heart at this point. This game is simple, to the point, and I absolutely love that. I really love games like this, where it’s simple and you’re thrown into the action. That is definitely one of the reasons I love retro games so much. you can pop them in, and get going immediately, with no lengthy tutorials or lengthy exposition. You learn what to do by playing, and trying again if you fail.
This game is relatively easy compared to a lot of NES games, which makes it really accessible as an introduction to platformers in general. The later stages do put up a decent challenge, but it’s not incredibly difficult especially if you practice. I really enjoyed the simplicity of this game, and it brought me back to when I was a child playing this game for the first time. I just remember it being fun, even if I died, I would try again and learn from my mistakes. Even if I never beat the game, I still had fun. I had fun then, and I had fun years later. This game stands the test of time and is a must play for anyone who ever is interested in playing video games.
The last world was a bit tough, but after some trial and error, I finally made it to the end. For years I always was greeted with Toads who told me the princess is in another castle. This time, I finally made it, even if the journey took me over 20 years. I guess the take away from this, is that this game is amazing and you should play it, and it doesn’t matter if you beat a game or not. you can still have tons of fun and consider a game one of your favorites, even if you have never beaten it. Games aren’t about the destination. They’re about the journey.
Retro Fortress 