samsonlonghair wrote:As far as I know, there's no way to truly "beat" the original Mario Bros arcade game (as is the case with most arcade games of the era) but why throw it out? This is an important evolution in Mario's development. If you play Donkey Kong 3, then play Mario Bros you will see a significant change in Mario. This is where Mario becomes the star, not the "jumpman" who plays second fiddle to Donkey Kong. This is also the first time Mario jumps on a turtle, and the first appearance of Luigi. The OP asked for "mainline Mario Bros games". What's more mainline Mario Bros. than Mario Bros?
I've been excluding it for that very reason, the unbeatability. But you're right: The original Mario Bros is legit. It's actually a fantastic game that I wish would get some kind of sequel or remake.