What was the biggest video game of 1985?
The video game industry was still in its early stages in the 1980s, but 1985 was a significant year for the industry. The year saw the release of several iconic games that would go on to shape the industry into what it is today. In this article, we’ll take a look back at the biggest video game of 1985.
The Rise of Nintendo
In 1985, Nintendo was on a roll. The company had already released the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) in Japan in 1983 and was preparing to release it in North America later that year. The NES was a revolutionary console that introduced the world to iconic characters like Mario and Donkey Kong.
The Best-Selling Game of 1985
The biggest video game of 1985 was Super Mario Bros., which was released in Japan as Super Mario Bros. for the Famicom in September 1985. The game was a massive hit, and it’s estimated that it sold over 58 million copies worldwide.
Gameplay and Features
Super Mario Bros. was a platformer that followed the adventures of Mario, a plumber, as he navigated through the Mushroom Kingdom to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser. The game featured tight controls, colorful graphics, and innovative gameplay mechanics like power-ups and warp pipes.
Impact on the Industry
Super Mario Bros. had a significant impact on the video game industry. It helped establish the NES as a major player in the console market, and it set the standard for platformers. The game’s success also paved the way for future Mario games, including Super Mario World and New Super Mario Bros., which are still popular today.
Other Notable Games of 1985
While Super Mario Bros. was the biggest video game of 1985, there were several other notable games released that year. Some of the most popular games of 1985 include:
- The Legend of Zelda, an action-adventure game that introduced the world to Link and the land of Hyrule.
- DuckTales, a platformer based on the popular cartoon series of the same name.
- Mega Man, a run-and-gun action game that introduced the world to the Blue Bomber, Mega Man.
- Yie Ar Kung-Fu, a side-scrolling fighting game that was popular in Europe.
Conclusion
Super Mario Bros. was the biggest video game of 1985, and it played a significant role in shaping the video game industry into what it is today. The game’s innovative gameplay mechanics, colorful graphics, and iconic characters have made it a beloved classic that continues to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.
Top 10 Best-Selling Games of 1985
Here are the top 10 best-selling games of 1985:
| Rank | Game | Platform | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Super Mario Bros. | NES | 58 million |
| 2 | The Legend of Zelda | NES | 13 million |
| 3 | DuckTales | NES | 7 million |
| 4 | Mega Man | NES | 6 million |
| 5 | Yie Ar Kung-Fu | NES | 5 million |
| 6 | Castlevania | NES | 4 million |
| 7 | Contra | NES | 3 million |
| 8 | Gauntlet | NES | 2 million |
| 9 | Pac-Man | NES | 1.5 million |
| 10 | Donkey Kong | NES | 1.2 million |
Trivia
- Super Mario Bros. was originally supposed to be a game about Mario’s brother, Wario.
- The game’s iconic music was composed by Koji Kondo.
- Super Mario Bros. was the first game to use the now-iconic "mushroom power-up" mechanic.