Luigi's Heroic Debut!
Technical analysis
Although still imperfect in emulating the core Super Mario mechanics, this game goes further than most other attempts. The use of a plunger interestingly compensates for Game-Maker's deficiencies in implementing stomp-when-jumping effects, and question blocks are effectively rendered, most likely through a clever combination of a partly-blocking background tile over which the question-mark monster is laid, that transforms into a bonus when hit. As a result, you can only hit the question mark and obtain the bonus from below.
Springs appear to be implemented through a similar technique to the one seen in Calimero II, reacting on hit by giving a collection of keys that temporarily turn air into reverse-gravity tiles. Although unrealistic, it does the trick.
Story
For years now, Luigi, that skinny, high-jumping plumber from Brooklyn, stood quietly in the shadow of his plumper brother, Mario. As Mario rescued Princess Toadstool from the clutches of the evil Bowser time after time, Luigi kept dreaming of a day when he would rise up and face off against King Koopa and his army. And with his victory would come a thank-you kiss from the beautiful Princess, praise from all of the Mushroom people, his face on Nintendo merchandise, and the respect of his brother.
One day, Toad, the loyal Mushroom retainer, rushed into Luigi's bedroom, frantically trying to wake him up.
"Luigi! Wake up! We have a crisis on our hands!"
"The Princess was captured, right?", said Luigi, slowly sitting up.
Toad seemed surprised. "Yeah, how'd you know?"
"It's not so shocking when you hear it for the fourth time. Don't worry, I'm sure Mario's kicking Koopa's butt by now."
"But that's just it! Mario's been captured too!!"
It was then that Luigi realized what was going on. With Mario gone, he was the only one who could rescue him and Princess Toadstool. This was the moment he had always dreamed of. His big chance to be the hero. And he wasn't about to miss out on it.
With that, Luigi rushed out the door, grabbed his plunger, and headed towards Bowser's castle. This is Luigi's heroic debut!!!
Instructions
If you've played other Super Mario Bros. games (who hasn't?), you'll notice quite a few differences:
1) Don't try to stomp anything! Instead, whack 'em with your retractable plunger.
2) Don't waste your time trying to go down pipes. You can't.
3) Your health status is not determined by Super Mushrooms. Instead, your hit points determine how close you are to losing a life.
Other than these three differences, the game should feel familiar except for the controls. Enemies, items, scenery, and characters should all bring back memories.
As for controlling Luigi, use the numerical keypad:
[7] [8] [9]
jump left/jump up/jump right
[4] [5] [6]
run left run right
[1] [2] [3]
duck
To attack:
- z - shoot left
- x - shoot right
- When you get to Bowser, press Spacebar and see what happens!!
Find the goal to finish each stage. Toad will be waiting for you there. After 3 levels you'll fight a boss and rescue a princess lookalike. Then it's off to another world.
That's about it. Have fun! And get those coins!
Credits
Blocks, levels, maps, etc.:
Music, sound, game engine:
GIF pictures made with:
Luigi's Heroic Debut! is based on Nintendo's Super Mario Bros. series.
Links
