"Mario Bros Save Princess" is a very common phrase that encapsulates the core objective of most of the Super Mario platforming games. It's not the official title of any single game, but rather a succinct description of Mario's most frequent heroic quest.
The fundamental plot of almost every main-series Super Mario game revolves around:
- Mario (and often Luigi): The heroic plumber(s).
- Saving: The primary goal.
- Princess Peach (formerly Princess Toadstool): The damsel in distress, ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom.
- From Bowser: The King of the Koopas and Mario's archenemy, who consistently kidnaps Peach.
This narrative was first established in the groundbreaking Super Mario Bros. game in 1985 and has been reinterpreted countless times across various installments.
Games where "Mario Bros Save Princess" is the core objective:
- Super Mario Bros. (1985, NES): The origin of the plot. Mario must traverse eight worlds to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser.
- Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988, NES): While Peach is playable here, the overall goal is still to defeat Wart and free the dream world, indirectly "saving" its inhabitants.
- Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988, NES): Mario and Luigi must save the rulers of the Mushroom World's kingdoms and eventually Princess Peach from Bowser and his Koopalings.
- Super Mario World (1990, SNES): Mario and Luigi are on vacation in Dinosaur Land when Peach is kidnapped by Bowser.
- Super Mario 64 (1996, N64): Mario enters Peach's Castle only to find Bowser has taken over and trapped Peach (and the Toads) inside.
- Super Mario Sunshine (2002, GCN): Mario is framed, Peach is kidnapped, and he must clean Isle Delfino and defeat Bowser Jr. and Bowser.
- New Super Mario Bros. (2006, DS) & subsequent "New" titles: All follow the classic "Bowser kidnaps Peach" formula in 2.5D side-scrolling.
- Super Mario Galaxy (2007, Wii) & Super Mario Galaxy 2 (2010, Wii): Bowser kidnaps Peach by taking her entire castle into space.
- Super Mario 3D Land (2011, 3DS): Peach is kidnapped, and Mario must track her down.
- Super Mario Odyssey (2017, Switch): Bowser attempts to force Peach into marriage, leading Mario on a global chase to rescue her and stop the wedding.
- Super Mario Bros. Wonder (2023, Switch): While the story is primarily about saving the Flower Kingdom from Bowser (who has merged with a Wonder Flower), Peach is also one of the playable characters who helps save the day, reinforcing the heroic role of the "Bros" (and friends).
Even in games where Peach is playable (like Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario 3D World, or Super Mario Bros. Wonder), the overarching narrative still often involves thwarting Bowser and restoring peace, which implicitly "saves" the kingdom or specific characters.
Why this plot endures:
- Simplicity: It's an easy-to-understand goal that doesn't require complex narrative exposition.
- Motivation: It provides a clear, compelling reason for the player to embark on the adventure.
- Hero Archetype: It fits the classic hero's journey, making Mario a relatable champion.
- Familiarity: It has become a beloved trope within the franchise, providing a comforting consistency for fans.
- Focus on Gameplay: By keeping the story simple, the games can put all their emphasis on innovative level design, platforming mechanics, and exploration.
So, while you won't find a game specifically titled "Mario Bros Save Princess," it is the enduring premise that defines the heroic adventures of the Mario brothers and their friends in the Mushroom Kingdom.
FAQs about "Mario Bros Save Princess"
Q1: Is "Mario Bros Save Princess" the title of a specific game?
A1: No, it is not the official title of any single Super Mario game. It's a common phrase describing the main objective found in most of the series' platforming adventures.
Q2: Which was the first game where Mario had to save the princess?
A2: The first game where Mario had to save Princess Peach (then Princess Toadstool) from Bowser was Super Mario Bros., released in 1985 for the NES.
Q3: Does Princess Peach ever get to save herself or help Mario?
A3: Yes! While she's often the damsel in distress, Peach is a playable character in several Super Mario games (e.g., Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario 3D World, Super Mario Bros. Wonder) and has also been a protagonist in her own spin-off game (Super Princess Peach). In games like Super Mario Odyssey, she even makes her own choices at the end.
Q4: Is Bowser always the villain who kidnaps the princess?
A4: Almost always. Bowser is the recurring main antagonist responsible for kidnapping Peach in the vast majority of main-series Super Mario games. There are rare exceptions, like Wart in Super Mario Bros. 2 or other villains in spin-off titles.
Q5: Why is the "save the princess" plot so common in Super Mario games?
A5: It's a simple, classic, and effective motivator that provides a clear goal for the player. By keeping the narrative straightforward, Nintendo can focus on innovating and perfecting the core gameplay, level design, and mechanics.
