Eps 5: playing super Mario bros ripoffs
The podcast discusses various ripoff versions of the classic game Super Mario Bros. The hosts talk about the differences and similarities between these knock-off games and the original. They highlight how some cloned versions try to mimic the gameplay, graphics, and music of the original Super Mario Bros, while others introduce new elements or features. Some are poorly executed with significant glitches, making them frustrating to play, whereas others add a unique twist that makes them almost enjoyable in their own right. The hosts also touch on the legal and ethical aspects of creating and distributing these rip-off games. Overall, it’s a mix of humorous critique and genuine appreciation for creative reinterpretations of a beloved classic.
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Host
Gertrude Boyd
Podcast Content
Another genuinely interesting take is "Mr. Nutz," with its visually rich environments and nut-collecting gameplay that gives you that familiar yet fresh vibe. And let's not overlook "Mole Kart," a Mario Kart ripoff featuring moles and some questionable physics, proving that even Mario’s racing escapades can be mimicked with mixed results. In "Sonic the Hedgehog," while not a direct ripoff, you can’t help but notice Sega's cheeky nod to Mario's level designs and platforming mechanics.
The market even has its fair share of blatant cash grabs, like "Super Boy" for mobile, which shamelessly copies levels, mechanics, and even the music of the original Mario games. On the flip side, "Adventure Island" took the basic Mario formula and added its own twist with skateboards and a tropical setting, cementing its legacy as more homage than ripoff. For something truly bizarre, there's "Cheetahmen II," part of the infamous "Action 52" collection – it’s glitchy and rough around the edges, but undeniably part of this strange subgenre.
Exploring these ripoffs makes you appreciate the genius of the original game but also gives you a sense of how deeply it has influenced global gaming culture. Of course, it's important to acknowledge the legality and ethical ramifications of these games, yet there's a sort of underground appreciation for how they've dared to tread on the toes of a giant. Each of these games, in their own way, pays a not-so-subtle tribute to the adventure-filled, mushroom-stomping universe of Mario, reminding us why the plumber from the Mushroom Kingdom continues to be a timeless figure in gaming history.