Dr. Mario (game): Difference between revisions

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{{italic title}}
{{italic title}}
{{about|the game|other uses|[[Dr. Mario (disambiguation)]]}}
{{about|the game|Mario's doctor persona|[[Dr. Mario]]|other uses|[[Dr. Mario (disambiguation)]]}}
{{game infobox
{{game infobox
|image=[[File:DrMarioBox.jpg|250px]]<br>NES box art<br>[[File:DrMarioGBCover.jpg|250px]]<br>Game Boy box art
|image=[[File:DrMarioBox.jpg|250px]]<br>NES box art<br>[[File:DrMarioGBCover.jpg|250px]]<br>Game Boy box art
|developer=[[Nintendo Research & Development 1|Nintendo R&D 1]]
|developer=[[Nintendo Research & Development 1|Nintendo R&D 1]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|publisher=[[Nintendo]]
|release='''Famicom/NES:'''<br>{{release|Japan|July 27, 1990|USA|October 14, 1990|Europe|June 27, 1991|Australia|June 27, 1991}} '''VS. System:'''<br>{{release|USA|1990|Australia|1990|Europe|1990}} '''Nintendo PlayChoice-10:'''<br>{{release|USA|September 1990<ref>[https://archive.org/details/ArcadeGameList1971-2005/page/n129/mode/2up アーケードTVゲームリスト国内•海外編(1971-2005)], page 128.</ref>{{better source}}|Europe|1990|Australia|1990}} '''Game Boy:'''<br>{{release|Japan|July 27, 1990|USA|December 1, 1990<ref>''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' [[smashwiki:Masterpieces|Masterpieces]]</ref>|Europe|April 30, 1991}} '''Satellaview:'''<br>{{release|Japan|March 30, 1997}} '''Super Famicom ([[Nintendo Power (cartridge)|NP]]):'''<br>{{release|Japan|June 1, 1998<ref>[http://themushroomkingdom.net/games/drm-np Date info of ''Dr. Mario'' (NP) from TMK], retrieved 11/26/2012</ref>}} '''Game Boy (NP):'''<br>{{release|Japan|March 1, 2000}} '''Game Boy Advance:'''<br>{{release|Japan|May 21, 2004|USA|October 25, 2004|Europe|January 7, 2005}} '''[[Virtual Console#Nintendo 3DS|Virtual Console (3DS)]]:'''<br>{{release|Japan|July 27, 2011|Europe|March 22, 2012|Australia|March 22, 2012|USA|October 4, 2012|South Korea|May 18, 2016}} '''[[Virtual Console#Wii U|Virtual Console (Wii U)]]:'''<br>{{release|Europe|February 13, 2014|Australia|February 14, 2014|Japan|February 26, 2014|USA|March 27, 2014}} '''NES Classic Edition/Famicom Mini:'''<br>{{release|Japan|November 10, 2016|Australia|November 10, 2016|USA|November 11, 2016|Europe|November 11, 2016}} '''Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online:'''<br>{{release|USA|September 18, 2018|Japan|September 19, 2018|Europe|September 19, 2018|Australia|September 19, 2018|HK|April 23, 2019|South Korea|April 23, 2019}} '''''The UFO cover-up.'':'''<br>{{release|USA|December 12, 2018|Japan|December 12, 2018|Europe|December 12, 2018|Australia|December 12, 2018}}
|release='''Famicom/NES:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|July 27, 1990<ref>{{Cite|url=https://www.nintendo.com/jp/famicom/software/hvc-vu/index.html|title=''Dr. Mario'' Japanese webiste (Famicom 40th anniversary)|publisher=Nintendo of Japan}}</ref>|USA|October 14, 1990|Europe|June 27, 1991|Australia|June 27, 1991}} '''VS. System:'''<br>{{flag list|USA|August 1990<ref name="rpmag">"Nintendo Bows VS. Dr. Mario Pak At San Diego Distributor Meeting" (RePlay Magazine Vol. 16 No. 1, August 1990)</ref>|Australia|1990|Europe|1990}} '''Nintendo PlayChoice-10:'''<br>{{flag list|USA|August 1990<ref name="rpmag"/>|Europe|1990|Australia|1990}} '''Game Boy:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|July 27, 1990<ref>{{Cite|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/vua/index.html|title=''Dr. Mario''(Game Boy) website|publisher=Nintendo of Japan}}</ref>|USA|December 1, 1990<ref>''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'' [[smashwiki:Masterpieces|Masterpieces]]</ref>|Europe|April 30, 1991}} '''[[LodgeNet|LodgeNet (Super NES version)]]''':<br>{{flag list|USA|Unknown year, between 1995 and 1999<ref group=note>Exact date unknown due to no known information. Earliest known document (as of July 10, 2024) about it is from August 29, 1999 (https://snescentral.com/1/0/1/1019/pdf/drmario.pdf). No similar documents for any game was dated earlier than August 1999, at which point LodgeNet installations for [[Nintendo 64]] was in process. The LodgeNet-exclusive ''Noughts & Crosses'' had a copyright year of 1998, but the overall Gateway System launched in 1993.</ref>}} '''Satellaview:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|March 30, 1997}} '''[[Player's Choice]] (Game Boy Version):'''<br>{{flag list|USA|September 1, 1997<ref>{{cite|url=https://archive.org/details/nintendo-1997-e-3-press-kit|title=Nintendo E3 1997 Press Kit|publisher=Nintendo of America|language=en|accessdate=November 10, 2024}}</ref>}}'''Super Famicom ([[Nintendo Power (cartridge)|NP]]):'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|June 1, 1998<ref>{{cite|url=themushroomkingdom.net/games/drm-np|title=''Dr. Mario'' (NP)|publisher=The Mushroom Kingdom|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}{{better source}}</ref>}} '''Game Boy (NP):'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|March 1, 2000}} '''Game Boy Advance (NES version):'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|May 21, 2004|USA|October 25, 2004|Europe|January 7, 2005}} '''[[Virtual Console#Nintendo 3DS|Virtual Console (3DS) (Game Boy version)]]:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|July 27, 2011|Europe|March 22, 2012|Australia|March 22, 2012|USA|October 4, 2012|South Korea|May 18, 2016}} '''[[Virtual Console#Wii U|Virtual Console (Wii U) (NES version)]]:'''<br>{{flag list|Europe|February 13, 2014|Australia|February 14, 2014|Japan|February 26, 2014|USA|March 27, 2014}} '''NES Classic Edition/Famicom Mini:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|November 10, 2016|Australia|November 10, 2016|USA|November 11, 2016|Europe|November 11, 2016}} '''Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online:'''<br>{{flag list|USA|September 18, 2018|Japan|September 19, 2018|Europe|September 19, 2018|Australia|September 19, 2018|HK|April 23, 2019|South Korea|April 23, 2019}} '''''The UFO cover-up. (NES version)'':'''<br>{{flag list|USA|December 12, 2018|Japan|December 12, 2018|Europe|December 12, 2018|Australia|December 12, 2018}} '''Game Boy - Nintendo Switch Online:'''<br>{{flag list|USA|March 11, 2024<ref>{{cite|language=en-us|author=@NintendoAmerica|date=March 11, 2024|url=https://x.com/NintendoAmerica/status/1767362397239443881|title="''Oh yeah! Three classic games featuring Mario are now live for #NintendoSwitchOnline members! #GameBoy: ☑️ Dr. Mario Game Boy Color: ☑️ Mario Tennis ☑️ Mario Golf''"|publisher=X|accessdate=July 4, 2024}}</ref>|Japan|March 12, 2024|Europe|March 12, 2024|Australia|March 12, 2024|South Korea|March 12, 2024|HK|March 12, 2024}}
|languages={{languages|en_us=y}}
|languages={{languages|en_us=y}}
|genre=[[Genre#Puzzle|Puzzle]]
|genre=[[Genre#Puzzle games|Puzzle]]
|modes=1-2 players
|modes=1–2 players
|ratings={{ratings|esrb=E|pegi=3|cero=A|acb=G}}
|ratings={{ratings|esrb=E|pegi=3|cero=A|acb=G|usk=0|classind=L|grac=all}}
|platforms=[[Family Computer|Famicom]]/[[Nintendo Entertainment System|NES]], [[Game Boy]], [[Nintendo PlayChoice-10]], [[VS. System]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Satellaview]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]]/Super Famicom, [[Virtual Console]] ([[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Wii U]]), [[Classics#NES Classic Edition|NES Classic Edition]]/[[Classics#Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer|Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online]]
|platforms=[[Family Computer]]/[[Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Game Boy]], [[Nintendo PlayChoice-10|PlayChoice-10]], [[VS. System]], [[Game Boy Advance]], [[Satellaview]], [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|Super Famicom]]/[[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], [[Virtual Console]] ([[Nintendo 3DS]], [[Wii U]]), [[Classics#NES Classic Edition|NES Classic Edition]]/[[Classics#Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer|Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer]], [[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online]], [[Game Boy - Nintendo Switch Online]]
|media={{media|nes=1|gb=1|3dsdl=1|wiiudl=1|gba=1|arcade=1|snes=1|bsx=1|nesclassic=1|switchdl=1}}
|format={{format|fc=1|nes=1|gb=1|3dsdl=1|wiiudl=1|gba=1|arcade=1|snes=1|bsx=1|nesclassic=1|switchdl=1}}
|input={{input|nes=1|gb=1|3ds=1|gba=1|wiiu=1|wiiupro=1|wiiuclassic=1|wiiusideways=1|nesclassic=1|joy-con=1|switchpro=1|switchnes=1}}
|input={{input|fc=1|nes=1|gb=1|3ds=1|gba=1|wiiu=1|wiiupro=1|wiiuclassic=1|wiiusideways=1|nesclassic=1|joy-con=1|joy-con-horizontal=1|switchpro=1|switchfc=1|switchnes=1|switchsnes=1}}
|serials='''Famicom:'''<br>{{flag list|Japan|HVC-VU}}'''Game Boy:'''<br>DMG-VUA<br>'''Game Boy Advance:'''<br>{{flag list|USA|AGB-FDME-USA|Japan|AGB-FDMJ-JPN|Europe|AGB-FDMP-EUR}}
}}
}}
'''''Dr. Mario''''' (stylized as "'''D℞. MARIO'''" on the western logo) is an arcade-style [[Genre#Puzzle|puzzle]] video game created by [[Nintendo]], and was released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] and [[Game Boy]] in 1990. The gameplay is very similar to that of ''[[Tetris]]'', although in ''Dr. Mario'', the object is to line up vitamins to destroy [[virus]]es.
'''''Dr. Mario''''' (stylized as '''''D℞. MARIO''''' on the {{wp|Western world|Western}} logo) is an arcade-style [[Genre#Puzzle games|puzzle]] video game created by [[Nintendo]], and it was released for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] and [[Game Boy]] in 1990. The gameplay is very similar to that of ''[[Tetris]]'', although in ''Dr. Mario'', the object is to line up vitamins to destroy [[virus]]es.
 
==Story==
==Story==
The following text is taken directly from the instruction manual.
The following text is taken directly from the instruction manual.
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===1-Player Game===
===1-Player Game===
[[File:MarioDMNES.png|thumb|left|Single player mode.]]
[[File:MarioDMNES.png|thumb|left|Single player mode.]]
When a 1-Player game is started, the player has three options: Virus Level, Speed, and Music Type. For Virus Level, one of the 21 levels (from 0 to 20) can be chosen. This determines the number of viruses at the beginning is equal to four times the level number plus four, all the way up to level 20. Although the level number can go up to 24 in the NES version, there will always be 84 viruses at the beginning of levels 20 and above<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwp5OoX4jqA&ab_channel=MichaelBirken Dr. Mario AI Defeats Level 24 and Beyond]</ref>. The Speed setting determines the speed of the vitamins as they fall, which are between: Low, Med (medium), or Hi (high). The Music Type is a choice between [[Fever]], Chill, or Off (no music). For the Game Boy version, the music can be previewed by highlighting the option, whereas this feature is not present in the NES version.
When a 1-Player game is started, the player has three options: Virus Level, Speed, and Music Type. For Virus Level, one of the 21 levels (from 0 to 20) can be chosen. This determines the number of viruses at the beginning is equal to four times the level number plus four, all the way up to level 20. Although the level number can go up to 24 in the Family Computer and Nintendo Entertainment System version, there will always be 84 viruses at the beginning of levels 20 and above.<ref>{{cite|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=vwp5OoX4jqA|title=Dr. Mario AI Defeats Level 24 and Beyond|author=Michael Birken|date=June 24, 2017|publisher=YouTube|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref> The Speed setting determines the speed of the vitamins as they fall, which are between: Low, Med (medium), or Hi (high). The Music Type is a choice between [[Fever]], [[Chill]], or Off (no music). For the Game Boy version, the music can be previewed by highlighting the option, whereas this feature is not present in the Family Computer and Nintendo Entertainment System version.


In a 1-Player Game, the score is tracked. In order to earn points, viruses must be eliminated, as just clearing only capsules or forcefully dropping capsules will not contribute to the score. The amount of points earned from eliminating viruses is dependent on the Speed setting, where the base score is 100 for Low, 200 for Med, and 300 for Hi. Additionally, if the player eliminates more than one virus in a single move, the subsequent viruses contribute more points. After clearing all the viruses and finishing the level, the score is carried over to the next level. The basic scoring is as follows:
In a 1-Player Game, the score is tracked. In order to earn points, viruses must be eliminated, as just clearing only capsules or forcefully dropping capsules will not contribute to the score. The amount of points earned from eliminating viruses is dependent on the Speed setting, where the base score is 100 for Low, 200 for Med, and 300 for Hi. Additionally, if the player eliminates more than one virus in a single move, the subsequent viruses contribute more points. After clearing all the viruses and finishing the level, the score is carried over to the next level. The basic scoring is as follows:
{|width=20% style= cellspacing=0 border=2 cellpadding=3 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;background:white"
{|width=20% class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
|-bgcolor="yellow"
!width=4%|Virus #
!width=4%|Virus #
!width=9%|Low
!width=9%|Low
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==Cutscenes==
==Cutscenes==
After completing certain levels at certain speeds, a short cutscene will occur, along with text that consists of a "CONGRATULATIONS!" message and the Virus Level and Speed that the player has beaten. The cutscenes are different between the NES version and the Game Boy version. If the cutscene has something that moves in it, the text on the screen will disappear or appear depending on the version: they appears before the cutscene is played in the NES version, whereas they start to appear after the cutscene is played in the Game Boy version.
After completing certain levels at certain speeds, a short cutscene will occur, along with text that consists of a "CONGRATULATIONS!" message and the Virus Level and Speed that the player has beaten. The cutscenes are different between the NES version and the Game Boy version. If the cutscene has something that moves in it, the text on the screen will disappear or appear depending on the version: they appear before the cutscene is played in the NES version, whereas they start to appear after the cutscene is played in the Game Boy version.


===NES===
===NES===
In most of the cutscenes, they start with the viruses will be sitting on the tree. Graphics for a snowman and a round ball exist that are likely used in a cutscene, but they ended up unused.<ref>https://tcrf.net/Dr._Mario_(NES)#Unused_Sprites</ref>
Most of the cutscenes start with the viruses sitting on a tree. Graphics for a snowman and a round ball exist that are likely used in a cutscene, but they ended up unused.<ref>{{cite|url=tcrf.net/Dr._Mario_(NES)#Unused_Sprites|title=''Dr. Mario''|publisher=The Cutting Room Floor|accessdate=June 1, 2024|language=en}}</ref>
{|width=60% style=cellspacing=0 border=2 cellpadding=3 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;background:white"
{|width=60% class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
|-style="background:silver;
!width=4%|Level to beat
!width=4%|Level to beat
!width=1%|Screenshot  
!width=1%|Screenshot  
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|Level 20 (Hi)
|Level 20 (Hi)
||[[File:Dr Mario NES Cutscene Level 20 Hi.png|150px]]
||[[File:Dr Mario NES Cutscene Level 20 Hi.png|150px]]
||The sky gradually changes from bright to dark, after which a UFO floats down to beam the three viruses into it, and then it flied away. While the UFO is present, the music pauses until it goes away, after which the music continues.  
||The sky gradually changes from bright to dark, after which a UFO floats down to beam the three viruses into it, and then it flies away. While the UFO is present, the music pauses until it goes away, after which the music continues.  


After the UFO is gone, the sky flashed before bright and flashing stars appear and fall from the sky.
After the UFO is gone, the sky flashes bright before flashing stars appear and fall from the sky.
|}
|}


===Game Boy===
===Game Boy===
In every cutscene, they start with the viruses sitting at the sea floor.
Every cutscene starts with the viruses sitting at the sea floor.
{|width=60% style= cellspacing=0 border=2 cellpadding=3 style="text-align:center;border-collapse:collapse;background:white"
{|width=60% class=wikitable style="text-align:center"
|-style="background:silver;
!width=4%|Level to beat
!width=4%|Level to beat
!width=1%|Screenshot  
!width=1%|Screenshot  
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|Level 10 (Hi)
|Level 10 (Hi)
||[[File:Dr Mario GB Lv10 Hi Cutscene.png|150px]]
||[[File:Dr Mario GB Lv10 Hi Cutscene.png|150px]]
||An crab quickly scuttles along the sea floor from right to left.
||A crab quickly scuttles along the sea floor from right to left.
|-
|-
|Level 15 (Hi)
|Level 15 (Hi)
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==Reception==
==Reception==
The Game Boy version of the game was placed 45th in the 100th issue of Nintendo Power's "100 best Nintendo games of all time" in 1997.<ref>http://www.gamekult.com/communaute/forum/voirmessage.html?foid=13000909, retrieved 5-31-2009</ref>
The Game Boy version of the game was placed 45th in the 100th issue of Nintendo Power's "100 best Nintendo games of all time" in 1997.<ref>{{cite|title=''Nintendo Power'' Volume 100}}{{page needed}}</ref>
The NES version placed 69th in the 200th Issue of GameInformer's "Top 200 Games of All Times". The game placed 51st in IGN's Top 100 NES Games list.<ref>[http://au.ign.com/top-100-nes-games/51.html]</ref>
The NES version placed 69th in the 200th Issue of GameInformer's "Top 200 Games of All Times". The game placed 51st in IGN's Top 100 NES Games list.<ref>{{cite|url=www.ign.com/top-100-nes-games/51.html|title=51: ''Dr. Mario''|publisher=IGN|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref>


Reviews for the game were generally positive, although there has been some criticism from parents about the medicine in a children's game. {{wp|ACE (games magazine)|ACE}} in particular was more negative, giving the Game Boy version 510/1000, criticizing the repetitive gameplay and uninspired graphics. They also stated that the game "reeks of plagarism", stating that it was worse than the original games it was modeled after.<ref>[https://ia800604.us.archive.org/view_archive.php?archive=/1/items/World_of_Spectrum_June_2017_Mirror/World%20of%20Spectrum%20June%202017%20Mirror.zip&file=World%20of%20Spectrum%20June%202017%20Mirror/sinclair/magazines/ACE/Issue38/Pages/ACE3800091.jpg]</ref> {{wp|GameRankings}} gave the game 69.25%, while review aggregator {{wp|Metacritic}} gave it a 66 out of 100 based on 10 reviews.
Reviews for the game were generally positive, although there has been some criticism from parents about the medicine in a children's game. {{wp|ACE (games magazine)|ACE}} in particular was more negative, giving the Game Boy version 510/1000, criticizing the repetitive gameplay and uninspired graphics. They also stated that the game "reeks of plagarism", stating that it was worse than the original games it was modeled after.<ref>[https://ia800604.us.archive.org/view_archive.php?archive=/1/items/World_of_Spectrum_June_2017_Mirror/World%20of%20Spectrum%20June%202017%20Mirror.zip&file=World%20of%20Spectrum%20June%202017%20Mirror/sinclair/magazines/ACE/Issue38/Pages/ACE3800091.jpg]</ref> {{wp|GameRankings}} gave the game 69.25%, while review aggregator {{wp|Metacritic}} gave it a 66 out of 100 based on 10 reviews.
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==Remakes and ports==
==Remakes and ports==
===''VS. Dr. Mario''===
===''VS. Dr. Mario''===
[[File:VS. Dr. Mario gameplay.png|thumb|left|''VS. Dr. Mario'']]
[[File:Vs Dr Mario Title.png|Title screen|thumb|left]]
[[File:VS. Dr. Mario gameplay.png|thumb|left|Gameplay]]
[[File:Dr. Mario VS cabinet.jpg|thumb|Arcade cabinet]]
[[File:Dr. Mario VS cabinet.jpg|thumb|Arcade cabinet]]
The game was later released on the [[VS. System]] under the name '''''VS. Dr. Mario'''''. Players can spend only 20 seconds on the settings menu. This version drops the Low speed and renames the Med speed to Norm (normal). Normal speed has a grey background while High is now purple. There is no option to turn off the music.
The game was released on the [[VS. System]] under the name '''''VS. Dr. Mario'''''. This version was first shown at Nintendo's Seventh Annual Distributor Meeting in San Diego, and was released simultaneously with the PlayChoice-10 version in August 1990.<ref name="rpmag"/> Players can spend only 20 seconds on the settings menu. This version drops the Low speed and renames the Med speed to Norm (normal). Normal speed has a grey background while High is now purple. There is no option to turn off the music.


The scoring system is also less generous. In the NES version, the first virus killed by a vitamin capsule yields 200 points (on Medium speed), the second 400, the third 800, the fourth 1600, so each virus is worth twice as much as the last. In the VS. version, the first virus is worth 200, then 400, then 600, then 800, so a virus is worth only 200 points more, and not twice as many points, as the previous virus.
The scoring system is also less generous. In the NES version, the first virus killed by a vitamin capsule yields 200 points (on Medium speed), the second 400, the third 800, the fourth 1600, so each virus is worth twice as much as the last. In the VS. version, the first virus is worth 200, then 400, then 600, then 800, so a virus is worth only 200 points more, and not twice as many points, as the previous virus.
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===Satellaview===
===Satellaview===
A slightly altered version of ''Dr. Mario'' known as '''''Dr. Mario BS Version''''' 「Dr.マリオBS版」 was broadcast for the [[Satellaview]] system between March 1997 and June 2000. It has the same graphics and music that was used in the remake from ''[[Tetris & Dr. Mario]]'' which was not released in Japan. It should also be mentioned that the complete game is still in the ROM, just locked out.<ref>[http://tcrf.net/Tetris_%26_Dr._Mario#BS_and_NP_Dr._Mario TCRF - Tetris & Dr. Mario#BS and NP Dr. Mario]</ref>
A slightly altered version of ''Dr. Mario'' known as '''''Dr. Mario BS Ban''''' 「Dr.マリオBS版」 was broadcast for the [[Satellaview]] system between March 1997 and June 2000.<ref>{{cite|url=www.youtube.com/watch?v=C-KAMOmQIrU|title=ドクターマリオBS版 VS.COMをプレイしてみた|author=まさと|date=May 17, 2023|publisher=YouTube|language=ja|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref> It has the same graphics and music that was used in the remake from ''[[Tetris & Dr. Mario]]'' which was not released in Japan. It should also be mentioned that the complete game is still in the ROM, just locked out.<ref>{{cite|url=tcrf.net/Tetris_%26_Dr._Mario#BS_and_NP_Dr._Mario|title=Tetris & Dr. Mario#BS and NP Dr. Mario|language=en|publisher=The Cutting Room Floor|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref>


===List of re-releases and ports===
===List of re-releases and ports===
*''Dr. Mario'' was ported into the [[Nintendo PlayChoice-10]] arcade machines in North America.
*'''1990''': ''Dr. Mario'' was made available for the [[VS. System]] and [[Nintendo PlayChoice-10]] arcade machines in North America.
*In 1994, Nintendo released the remake for [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]], as a part of the ''[[Tetris & Dr. Mario]]'' cartridge.
*'''1994''': Nintendo released the remake for [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System|SNES]], as a part of the ''[[Tetris & Dr. Mario]]'' cartridge.
*In 2004, Nintendo re-released the original NES version for the [[Game Boy Advance]], as part of the [[Classic NES Series]].
*'''2003''': The original Famicom version is ported to [[Game Boy Advance]] through ''[[Nintendo Puzzle Collection]]'', where that version requires a Game Boy Advance.
*In 2005, Nintendo again released ''Dr. Mario'' for Game Boy Advance, but this time as an enhanced remake in ''[[Dr. Mario & Puzzle League]]''.
*'''2004''': Nintendo re-released the original NES version for the [[Game Boy Advance]], as part of the [[Classic NES Series]].
*On March 22, 2012, the Game Boy version was released on the [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[Virtual Console#Nintendo 3DS|Virtual Console]] in PAL regions and it was released in Japan and North America on October 2nd and 3rd respectively later that year.
*'''2005''': Nintendo again released ''Dr. Mario'' for Game Boy Advance, but this time as an enhanced remake in ''[[Dr. Mario & Puzzle League]]''.
*A trial version of the Game Boy game appears as a unlockable [[Masterpiece]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U]]''.
*'''2012''': On March 22, 2012, the Game Boy version was released on the [[Nintendo 3DS]]'s [[Virtual Console#Nintendo 3DS|Virtual Console]] in PAL regions and it was released in Japan and North America on October 2nd and 3rd respectively later that year.
*''Dr. Mario'' is one of the games that appear in ''[[NES Remix 2]]'' and ''[[Ultimate NES Remix]]''. It is the final challenge in Championship Mode.  
*'''2014''':
*A trial version of the NES game appears as a "highlight" in ''[[amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits]]''.
**''Dr. Mario'' is one of the games that appear in ''[[NES Remix 2]]'' and ''[[Ultimate NES Remix]]''. It is the final challenge in Championship Mode.  
*The NES and Famicom version of ''Dr. Mario'' is one of the 30 games included in the [[Nintendo Entertainment System#NES Classic Edition|NES Classic Edition]] and [[Family Computer#Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer|Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer]], respectively.
**A trial version of the Game Boy game appears as an unlockable [[Super Smash Bros. for Wii U#Masterpieces|Masterpiece in ''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'']].
*''Dr. Mario'' was made available as one of the 20 NES titles at [[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online]]'s launch in September 2018, and can be played competitively with other players online.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.com/switch/online-service/nes/ Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online]. ''Nintendo''. Retrieved May 8, 2018.</ref> A special edition titled ''[[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online#Dr. Mario: The UFO cover-up.|Dr. Mario: The UFO cover-up.]]'' that starts the player at level 20 and Hi speed was also added on December 12, 2018.
*'''2015''': A trial version of the NES game appears as a "highlight" in ''[[amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits]]''.
*'''2016''':The NES and Famicom version of ''Dr. Mario'' is one of the 30 games included in the [[Nintendo Entertainment System#NES Classic Edition|NES Classic Edition]] and [[Family Computer#Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer|Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer]], respectively.
*'''2018''': The NES version of ''Dr. Mario'' was made available as one of the 20 NES titles at [[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online]]'s launch in September 2018, and can be played competitively with other players online.<ref>{{cite|url=www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/nintendo-entertainment-system-nintendo-switch-online-switch|title=Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online|publisher=Nintendo of America|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref> A special edition titled ''[[Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online#Dr. Mario: The UFO cover-up.|Dr. Mario: The UFO cover-up.]]'' that starts the player at level 20 and Hi speed was also added on December 12, 2018.
*'''2024''': The Game Boy version of ''Dr. Mario'' was made available for [[Game Boy - Nintendo Switch Online]] on March 11, 2024 in the Americas and March 12 elsewhere, alongside the [[Game Boy Color]] versions of ''[[Mario Tennis (Game Boy Color)|Mario Tennis]]'' and ''[[Mario Golf (Game Boy Color)|Mario Golf]]''.


===Microgames===
===Microgames===
''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]'' featured a [[microgame]] version of ''[[Dr. Mario (WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!)|Dr. Mario]]''. There is also an unlockable mini game version entitled [[Dr. Wario]].
''[[WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!]]'' featured a [[microgame]] version of ''[[Dr. Mario (WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!)|Dr. Mario]]''. There is also an unlockable mini game version entitled [[Dr. Wario]].


[[Dr. Mario (WarioWare Gold)|Another microgame]] based on this game appeared in ''[[WarioWare Gold]]''.
[[Dr. Mario (WarioWare Gold)|Another microgame]] based on this game appeared in ''[[WarioWare Gold]]'', with twist controls instead of ''Mega Microgames$!''{{'}}s button controls.


[[Dr. Mario (WarioWare: Move It!)|Another microgame]] based on this game appeared in ''[[WarioWare: Move It!]]''.
[[Dr. Mario (WarioWare: Move It!)|Another microgame]] based on this game appeared in ''[[WarioWare: Move It!]]''


==Development==
==Development==
''Dr. Mario'' was originally under the title "''Virus''", which had similar gameplay, but the goal was to cure viruses in a sick animal. What appears to be Nurse Toadstool is also visible in the game.<ref>https://twitter.com/VGArtAndTidbits/status/808922353451302912</ref>
''Dr. Mario'' was originally under the title "''Virus''", which had similar gameplay, but the goal was to cure viruses in a sick animal. What appears to be Nurse Toadstool is also visible in the game.<ref>{{cite|url=x.com/VGArtAndTidbits/status/808922353451302912|title=A look at the prototype for Dr. Mario. During development it was called "Virus" and displayed a window of a sick animal you had to cure.|publisher=X|author=VGArtAndTidbits|accessdate=June 1, 2024}}</ref>


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
Line 218: Line 221:


==Media==
==Media==
===NES===
{{Main-media|List of Dr. Mario media}}
{{media table
{{media table
|file1=DM NES Title.oga
|file1=DM NES Title.oga
Line 235: Line 238:
|title5=Chill
|title5=Chill
|length5=0:30
|length5=0:30
|file6=DM NES Chill Clear.oga
|title6=Chill Clear
|length6=0:22
|file7=DM NES Game Over.oga
|title7=Game Over
|length7=0:24
|file8=DM NES VS Game Over.oga
|title8=VS Game Over
|length8=0:30
|file9=DM NES Level 20 Clear.oga
|title9=Level 20 Clear
|length9=0:30
|file10=DM NES Ending.oga
|title10=Ending
|length10=0:30
}}
===Game Boy===
{{media table
|file1=DM GB Select.oga
|title1=Select
|length1=0:30
|file2=DM GB Fever.oga
|title2=Fever
|length2=0:30
|file3=DM GB Chill.oga
|title3=Chill
|length3=0:30
|file4=DM GB Level Clear.oga
|title4=Level Clear
|length4=0:02
|file5=DM GB VS Win.oga
|title5=VS Win
|length5=0:30
|file6=DM GB Ending.oga
|title6=Ending
|length6=0:30
|file7=DM GB 2x Chain & Player 1 Attack.oga
|title7=2x Chain / Player 1 Attack
|length7=0:02
|file8=DM GB 3x Chain & Player 2 Attack.oga
|title8=3x Chain / Player 2 Attack
|length8=0:01
|file9=DM GB 4x Chain.oga
|title9=4x Chain
|length9=0:08
}}
}}


Line 304: Line 261:
|JapR=Dokutā Mario Shiru Hitozo Shiru Yūfō Chokuzen Bājon
|JapR=Dokutā Mario Shiru Hitozo Shiru Yūfō Chokuzen Bājon
|JapM=Dr. MARIO: "Just Before the UFO Known to the Few" Version
|JapM=Dr. MARIO: "Just Before the UFO Known to the Few" Version
|Fre=Dr. Mario: Conspiration extraterrestre
|FreM=Dr. Mario: Extraterrestrial conspiracy
}}
}}
==Notes==
<references group=note/>


==References==
==References==
Line 310: Line 272:


==External links==
==External links==
{{NIWA|SmashWiki=1|StrategyWiki=Dr. Mario}}
{{NIWA|NWiki=Dr. Mario|SmashWiki=1|StrategyWiki=Dr. Mario}}
*[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Game-Boy-Advance/Dr-Mario-266584.html Nintendo UK Game Boy Advance site]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Game-Boy-Advance/Dr-Mario-266584.html Nintendo UK Game Boy Advance site]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/vua/ Japanese website (Game Boy)]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/dmg/vua/ Japanese website (Game Boy)]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/shvc/bdmj/ Japanese website (Super Famicom Nintendo Power)]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/n02/shvc/bdmj/ Japanese website (Super Famicom Nintendo Power)]
*[https://www.nintendo.com/jp/famicom/software/hvc-vu/index.html Japanese website (Famicom 40th Anniversary)]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/ja/pdf/CLV-P-HAAXJ.pdf Japanese Famicom manual]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/ja/pdf/CLV-P-HAAXJ.pdf Japanese Famicom manual]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/en/pdf/CLV-P-NAAXE.pdf North American NES manual]
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/clv/manuals/en/pdf/CLV-P-NAAXE.pdf North American NES manual]
Line 322: Line 285:
{{Arcade}}
{{Arcade}}
{{NES}}
{{NES}}
{{SNES}}
[[Category:Dr. Mario|*]]
[[Category:Dr. Mario|*]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Games]]
[[Category:Family Computer games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Nintendo Entertainment System games]]
[[Category:Game Boy games]]
[[Category:Game Boy games]]
[[Category:Satellaview games]]
[[Category:Puzzle games]]
[[Category:Puzzle games]]
[[Category:1990 games]]
[[Category:1990 games]]
[[Category:2004 games]]
[[Category:1991 games]]
[[Category:1991 games]]
[[Category:Classic NES Series]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Virtual Console games]]
[[Category:Amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits]]
[[Category:Amiibo tap: Nintendo's Greatest Bits]]
[[de:Dr. Mario (Spiel)]]
[[de:Dr. Mario (Spiel)]]
[[it:Dr. Mario (gioco)]]
[[it:Dr. Mario (gioco)]]

Latest revision as of 08:37, December 22, 2024

This article is about the game. For Mario's doctor persona, see Dr. Mario. For other uses, see Dr. Mario (disambiguation).
Dr. Mario
North American box art for Dr. Mario on NES
NES box art
North American box art for Dr. Mario on Game Boy
Game Boy box art
For alternate box art, see the game's gallery.
Developer Nintendo R&D 1
Publisher Nintendo
Platform(s) Family Computer/Nintendo Entertainment System, Game Boy, PlayChoice-10, VS. System, Game Boy Advance, Satellaview, Super Famicom/Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Virtual Console (Nintendo 3DS, Wii U), NES Classic Edition/Nintendo Classic Mini: Family Computer, Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online, Game Boy - Nintendo Switch Online
Release date Famicom/NES:
Japan July 27, 1990[1]
USA October 14, 1990[?]
Europe June 27, 1991[?]
Australia June 27, 1991[?]
VS. System:
USA August 1990[2]
Australia 1990[?]
Europe 1990[?]
Nintendo PlayChoice-10:
USA August 1990[2]
Europe 1990[?]
Australia 1990[?]
Game Boy:
Japan July 27, 1990[3]
USA December 1, 1990[4]
Europe April 30, 1991[?]
LodgeNet (Super NES version):
USA Unknown year, between 1995 and 1999[note 1]
Satellaview:
Japan March 30, 1997[?]
Player's Choice (Game Boy Version):
USA September 1, 1997[5]
Super Famicom (NP):
Japan June 1, 1998[6]
Game Boy (NP):
Japan March 1, 2000[?]
Game Boy Advance (NES version):
Japan May 21, 2004[?]
USA October 25, 2004[?]
Europe January 7, 2005[?]
Virtual Console (3DS) (Game Boy version):
Japan July 27, 2011[?]
Europe March 22, 2012[?]
Australia March 22, 2012[?]
USA October 4, 2012[?]
South Korea May 18, 2016[?]
Virtual Console (Wii U) (NES version):
Europe February 13, 2014[?]
Australia February 14, 2014[?]
Japan February 26, 2014[?]
USA March 27, 2014[?]
NES Classic Edition/Famicom Mini:
Japan November 10, 2016[?]
Australia November 10, 2016[?]
USA November 11, 2016[?]
Europe November 11, 2016[?]
Nintendo Entertainment System - Nintendo Switch Online:
USA September 18, 2018[?]
Japan September 19, 2018[?]
Europe September 19, 2018[?]
Australia September 19, 2018[?]
HK April 23, 2019[?]
South Korea April 23, 2019[?]
The UFO cover-up. (NES version):
USA December 12, 2018[?]
Japan December 12, 2018[?]
Europe December 12, 2018[?]
Australia December 12, 2018[?]
Game Boy - Nintendo Switch Online:
USA March 11, 2024[7]
Japan March 12, 2024[?]
Europe March 12, 2024[?]
Australia March 12, 2024[?]
South Korea March 12, 2024[?]
HK March 12, 2024[?]
Language(s) English (United States)
Genre Puzzle
Rating(s)
ESRB:E - Everyone
PEGI:3 - Three years and older
CERO:A - All ages
ACB:G - General
USK:0 - All ages
ClassInd:L - General audience
GRAC:All - All ages
Mode(s) 1–2 players
Format
Arcade:
Built-in
Famicom:
Cartridge
NES:
Game Pak
Super NES:
Game Pak
Satellaview soundlink
Wii U:
Digital download
Nintendo Switch:
Digital download
Game Boy:
Game Pak
Game Boy Advance:
Game Pak
Nintendo 3DS:
Digital download
NES Classic Edition:
Built-in
Input
Famicom:
NES:
Wii U:
Wii Remote (horizontal)
Nintendo Switch:
Joy-Con (horizontal)
Game Boy:
Game Boy Advance:
Nintendo 3DS:
NES Classic Edition:
Serial code(s) Famicom:
Japan HVC-VU
Game Boy:
DMG-VUA
Game Boy Advance:
USA AGB-FDME-USA
Japan AGB-FDMJ-JPN
Europe AGB-FDMP-EUR

Dr. Mario (stylized as D℞. MARIO on the Western logo) is an arcade-style puzzle video game created by Nintendo, and it was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System and Game Boy in 1990. The gameplay is very similar to that of Tetris, although in Dr. Mario, the object is to line up vitamins to destroy viruses.

Story[edit]

The following text is taken directly from the instruction manual.

Hi everybody! I'm Mario. How's it going? Over the last few years, I've been involved in some pretty wild adventures. Now, believe it or not, I work in the virus research lab at the Mushroom Kingdom Hospital. Today I'm about to begin my research as usual.

"Dr. Mario, something terrible has happened!"
"What's wrong, nurse Toadstool?" "One of the experiments has gone out of control. The viruses are spreading quickly!"
"Oh No! We've got to do something! I have just developed a new vitamin that should be able to take care of it. I sure hope this stuff works!"

Dr. Mario works in a virus research lab at the Mushroom Kingdom Hospital, alongside Nurse Toadstool. When one of the experiments goes wrong, the hospital is flooded with tri-color viruses. Armed with vitamin capsules–a medicine of his own invention–Dr. Mario sets out to neutralize the outbreak.

Gameplay[edit]

Title Screen
Title screen on the Game Boy version

In this game, the interface is presented with a giant bottle, which features a grid that is 8 tiles long and 16 tiles tall. When the stage starts, viruses will populate the bottle, and they come in three varieties: Chill (blue), Fever (red), and Weird (yellow).

The main objective of the game is to clear the viruses in the bottle. This objective can be fulfilled with the help of multi-colored capsules called vitamin capsules. The vitamins have two segments, where each half can come in three colors, and both halves can even have the same color. To eliminate a virus with them, they must be lined up with at least one like-colored virus in a column or row so that the line consists of at least four in a row or column. When that happens, both the viruses and vitamins in that line disappear. These vitamins can also be cleared if four or more of the same colored pieces are arranged in a line, even if there are no viruses within them. The viruses remaining is represented by the three viruses under the magnifying glass around the bottom-left, where they slowly revolve along the glass. If at least one virus is eliminated, the corresponding virus color will flinch and the viruses will stop moving. If all viruses of that color are gone from the bottle, that corresponding virus under the glass will also disappear after flinching. After a number of vitamins are brought to the bottle, a five-note chime will be played which will signify that the speed of the capsule drops increased.

If vitamins are stacked so that one of the two middle spots at the top of the bottle is occupied, the player receives a Game Over.

Characters[edit]

Game modes[edit]

1-Player Game[edit]

Single player mode.

When a 1-Player game is started, the player has three options: Virus Level, Speed, and Music Type. For Virus Level, one of the 21 levels (from 0 to 20) can be chosen. This determines the number of viruses at the beginning is equal to four times the level number plus four, all the way up to level 20. Although the level number can go up to 24 in the Family Computer and Nintendo Entertainment System version, there will always be 84 viruses at the beginning of levels 20 and above.[8] The Speed setting determines the speed of the vitamins as they fall, which are between: Low, Med (medium), or Hi (high). The Music Type is a choice between Fever, Chill, or Off (no music). For the Game Boy version, the music can be previewed by highlighting the option, whereas this feature is not present in the Family Computer and Nintendo Entertainment System version.

In a 1-Player Game, the score is tracked. In order to earn points, viruses must be eliminated, as just clearing only capsules or forcefully dropping capsules will not contribute to the score. The amount of points earned from eliminating viruses is dependent on the Speed setting, where the base score is 100 for Low, 200 for Med, and 300 for Hi. Additionally, if the player eliminates more than one virus in a single move, the subsequent viruses contribute more points. After clearing all the viruses and finishing the level, the score is carried over to the next level. The basic scoring is as follows:

Virus # Low Med Hi
1 100 200 300
2 200 400 600
3 400 800 1200
4 800 1600 2400
5 1600 3200 4800
6+ 3200 6400 9600

In the NES version, a fanfare will not sound after clearing more than one line in a single move. However in the Game Boy version, a fanfare will be played depending on the amount of lines made, and a special fanfare is played after clearing four or more lines in a single move, something that is not present in other versions.

2-Player Game[edit]

2 player mode
2-Player mode in action.

A 2-Player Vs. game mode is also available for selection. In this mode, two players battle to either clear their grid first, or cause their opponent to get a Game Over through causing an object to reach the middle of the topmost row. The game ends after one of the players wins three rounds. The Level and Speed options are chosen independently by each player before the game begins. For the Game Boy version, a Game Link cable is required to play the 2-player Vs. game mode. On the 3DS Virtual Console version, 2-player mode is not supported.

During a two-player head-on-head game, whenever a vitamin resulted in a chain or combo with more than one line cleared, a corresponding number of garbage, basically single vitamin pieces of colors based on the colors cleared by a player, will drop into their opponent's bottle at a slow pace, similar to the speed of a capsule falling normally in the Hi speed. The number of garbage that drops depends on the amount of lines cleared, so for example, clearing two lines in a move will cause two pieces to fall. The dropped pieces will simultaneously be either in the odd-numbered columns or even-numbered columns. If two pieces drop, both of them are always four columns apart, and if three pieces drop, they will all be two columns apart of each other and won't be two pieces that will be four columns apart.

Controls[edit]

  • +Control Pad / +Control Pad: Move cursor on the menu screen
  • +Control Pad / +Control Pad (left/right): Move vitamin capsule
  • +Control Pad / +Control Pad (down): Drop vitamin capsule
  • A Button / A Button: Rotate vitamin capsule clockwise
  • B Button / B Button: Rotate vitamin capsule counterclockwise
  • Start Button / Start Button: Start the game; Pause or unpause game during gameplay,
  • Select Button / Select Button: Move cursor on the title screen

Cutscenes[edit]

After completing certain levels at certain speeds, a short cutscene will occur, along with text that consists of a "CONGRATULATIONS!" message and the Virus Level and Speed that the player has beaten. The cutscenes are different between the NES version and the Game Boy version. If the cutscene has something that moves in it, the text on the screen will disappear or appear depending on the version: they appear before the cutscene is played in the NES version, whereas they start to appear after the cutscene is played in the Game Boy version.

NES[edit]

Most of the cutscenes start with the viruses sitting on a tree. Graphics for a snowman and a round ball exist that are likely used in a cutscene, but they ended up unused.[9]

Level to beat Screenshot Description Level to beat Screenshot Description
Level 20 (Low) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 20, Low speed Only the "Congratulations!" message will be displayed, as the background is black otherwise. The music played in this cutscene is a shorter, slower, and higher-pitched version of the normal ending theme. Level 5 (Med) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 5, Med speed A book flaps its covers from left to right.
Level 10 (Med) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 10, Med speed A rooster slowly flies from right to left. Level 15 (Med) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 15, Med speed An upside-down aerosol is sprayed, quickly propelling from right to left.
Level 20 (Med) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 20, Med speed A dinosaur in an egg slowly paddles from left to right. Level 5 (Hi) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 5, Hi speed A tortoise slowly swims in the air from left to right.
Level 10 (Hi) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 10, Hi speed A pig uses its tail to propel in the air from right to left. Level 15 (Hi) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 15, Hi speed A witch rides her broom to fly from left to right.
Level 20 (Hi) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 20, Hi speed The sky gradually changes from bright to dark, after which a UFO floats down to beam the three viruses into it, and then it flies away. While the UFO is present, the music pauses until it goes away, after which the music continues.

After the UFO is gone, the sky flashes bright before flashing stars appear and fall from the sky.

Game Boy[edit]

Every cutscene starts with the viruses sitting at the sea floor.

Level to beat Screenshot Description Level to beat Screenshot Description
Level 20 (Low) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 20, Low speed Nothing else happens beyond the viruses sitting at the sea floor. Level 20 (Med) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 20, Med speed A nautilus slowly swims from right to left.
Level 5 (Hi) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 5, Hi speed A puffed-up pufferfish slowly swims from right to left. Level 10 (Hi) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 10, Hi speed A crab quickly scuttles along the sea floor from right to left.
Level 15 (Hi) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 15, Hi speed A flying fish flies above the sea from right to left. Level 20 (Hi) Dr. Mario (GB) cutscene - Virus Level 20, Hi speed A UFO flies from the right to the middle, beaming the viruses. While in the middle of being beamed, a coelacanth quickly swims across the viruses to eat them. After the coelacanth swims away, the UFO flees the scene to the right.

Reception[edit]

The Game Boy version of the game was placed 45th in the 100th issue of Nintendo Power's "100 best Nintendo games of all time" in 1997.[10] The NES version placed 69th in the 200th Issue of GameInformer's "Top 200 Games of All Times". The game placed 51st in IGN's Top 100 NES Games list.[11]

Reviews for the game were generally positive, although there has been some criticism from parents about the medicine in a children's game. ACE in particular was more negative, giving the Game Boy version 510/1000, criticizing the repetitive gameplay and uninspired graphics. They also stated that the game "reeks of plagarism", stating that it was worse than the original games it was modeled after.[12] GameRankings gave the game 69.25%, while review aggregator Metacritic gave it a 66 out of 100 based on 10 reviews.

Remakes and ports[edit]

VS. Dr. Mario[edit]

The title screen for Vs. Dr. Mario.
Title screen
VS. Dr. Mario
Gameplay
VS. System arcade cabinet of Dr. Mario
Arcade cabinet

The game was released on the VS. System under the name VS. Dr. Mario. This version was first shown at Nintendo's Seventh Annual Distributor Meeting in San Diego, and was released simultaneously with the PlayChoice-10 version in August 1990.[2] Players can spend only 20 seconds on the settings menu. This version drops the Low speed and renames the Med speed to Norm (normal). Normal speed has a grey background while High is now purple. There is no option to turn off the music.

The scoring system is also less generous. In the NES version, the first virus killed by a vitamin capsule yields 200 points (on Medium speed), the second 400, the third 800, the fourth 1600, so each virus is worth twice as much as the last. In the VS. version, the first virus is worth 200, then 400, then 600, then 800, so a virus is worth only 200 points more, and not twice as many points, as the previous virus.

Satellaview[edit]

A slightly altered version of Dr. Mario known as Dr. Mario BS Ban 「Dr.マリオBS版」 was broadcast for the Satellaview system between March 1997 and June 2000.[13] It has the same graphics and music that was used in the remake from Tetris & Dr. Mario which was not released in Japan. It should also be mentioned that the complete game is still in the ROM, just locked out.[14]

List of re-releases and ports[edit]

Microgames[edit]

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! featured a microgame version of Dr. Mario. There is also an unlockable mini game version entitled Dr. Wario.

Another microgame based on this game appeared in WarioWare Gold, with twist controls instead of Mega Microgames$!'s button controls.

Another microgame based on this game appeared in WarioWare: Move It!

Development[edit]

Dr. Mario was originally under the title "Virus", which had similar gameplay, but the goal was to cure viruses in a sick animal. What appears to be Nurse Toadstool is also visible in the game.[16]

Gallery[edit]

For this subject's image gallery, see Gallery:Dr. Mario (game).

Media[edit]

For a complete list of media for this subject, see List of Dr. Mario media.
Help:MediaHaving trouble playing?

Staff[edit]

Main article: List of Dr. Mario staff

Names in other languages[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ドクターマリオ[?]
Dokutā Mario
Dr. MARIO
Chinese (simplified) 马力欧医生[?]
Mǎlì'ōu Yīshēng
Dr. Mario
Chinese (traditional) 瑪利歐醫生[?]
Mǎlì'ōu Yīshēng
Dr. Mario

Dr. Mario: The UFO cover-up.[edit]

Language Name Meaning Notes
Japanese ドクターマリオ 知る人ぞ知るUFO直前バージョン[?]
Dokutā Mario Shiru Hitozo Shiru Yūfō Chokuzen Bājon
Dr. MARIO: "Just Before the UFO Known to the Few" Version
French Dr. Mario: Conspiration extraterrestre[?] Dr. Mario: Extraterrestrial conspiracy

Notes[edit]

  1. ^ Exact date unknown due to no known information. Earliest known document (as of July 10, 2024) about it is from August 29, 1999 (https://snescentral.com/1/0/1/1019/pdf/drmario.pdf). No similar documents for any game was dated earlier than August 1999, at which point LodgeNet installations for Nintendo 64 was in process. The LodgeNet-exclusive Noughts & Crosses had a copyright year of 1998, but the overall Gateway System launched in 1993.

References[edit]

  1. ^ Dr. Mario Japanese webiste (Famicom 40th anniversary). Nintendo of Japan.
  2. ^ a b c "Nintendo Bows VS. Dr. Mario Pak At San Diego Distributor Meeting" (RePlay Magazine Vol. 16 No. 1, August 1990)
  3. ^ Dr. Mario(Game Boy) website. Nintendo of Japan.
  4. ^ Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Masterpieces
  5. ^ Nintendo E3 1997 Press Kit. Nintendo of America (English). Retrieved November 10, 2024.
  6. ^ Dr. Mario (NP). The Mushroom Kingdom. Retrieved June 1, 2024.[better source needed]
  7. ^ @NintendoAmerica (March 11, 2024). "Oh yeah! Three classic games featuring Mario are now live for #NintendoSwitchOnline members! #GameBoy: ☑️ Dr. Mario Game Boy Color: ☑️ Mario Tennis ☑️ Mario Golf". X (American English). Retrieved July 4, 2024.
  8. ^ Michael Birken (June 24, 2017). Dr. Mario AI Defeats Level 24 and Beyond. YouTube. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  9. ^ Dr. Mario. The Cutting Room Floor (English). Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  10. ^ Nintendo Power Volume 100.[page number needed]
  11. ^ 51: Dr. Mario. IGN. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  12. ^ [1]
  13. ^ まさと (May 17, 2023). ドクターマリオBS版 VS.COMをプレイしてみた. YouTube (Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  14. ^ Tetris & Dr. Mario#BS and NP Dr. Mario. The Cutting Room Floor (English). Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  15. ^ Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online. Nintendo of America. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  16. ^ VGArtAndTidbits. A look at the prototype for Dr. Mario. During development it was called "Virus" and displayed a window of a sick animal you had to cure.. X. Retrieved June 1, 2024.

External links[edit]