Mario Brothers

Mario Bros - the 1987 single screen platformer for Commodore 64 from
Ocean Software.

Clear each phase by flipping enemies from below, then kicking them off
platforms before they recover. Time the POW block, dodge fireballs, and
use the side wrap to reposition under pressure.

Core loop
- knock Shellcreepers - Sidesteppers - Fighter Flies from below
- kick flipped foes before they right themselves
- clear all enemies to advance to the next phase

Systems and items
- POW block - flips every enemy on screen - limited uses per phase
- fireballs - roaming hazards that punish stalling
- freezers - coat platforms in ice and change footing
- coin bonus phase - grab all coins for extra points

Level design and feel
Fixed screen action with escalating speed and tougher enemy mixes.
Two player simultaneous co op is the sweet spot, with snappy jumps and
tight collision that reward clean timing.

Why it is notable
- Ocean handled the C64 release in 1987 - programmer Allan Shortt -
graphics Jane Lowe - music Fred Gray
- faithful to the arcade structure with local two player retained
- earlier Atarisoft C64 release is referenced in databases, but the
Ocean version is the commonly seen commercial release

Tips
- save the POW for Sidesteppers or when the screen fills up
- use side wraps to land behind enemies for safe kicks
- after a flip, chase immediately - recovery windows shrink each loop

At a glance
Year - 1987
Developer - Ocean Software
Design and programming - Allan Shortt
Graphics - Jane Lowe
Music - Fred Gray
Publisher - Ocean Software
Genre - Platformer (single screen)
Players - 1 or 2 simultaneous
Controls - Joystick in port 2 - second stick in port 1 for 2P