Super Boy I

Super Boy I
Super Boy I's title screen
Publisher:	Zemina
Possible creators:	Zemina
Console:	MSX, Sega SG-1000
Copyright:	1989
Engine:	Super Boy Engine
Sound:	Zemina

Super Boy I is a pirated clone of Super Mario Bros. made by Zemina, and released in 1989 for the MSX2 computer system and later on that year for the Sega Master System. The game is notable for its poor physics and randomized items.

Overview

As noted before, Super Boy is a Super Mario Bros. clone. The gameplay is designed very similarly to the original game. The physics, however, are poorly programmed in comparison, and the items in the '?' blocks are never the same, leaving it to believe that Zemina thought the '?' Blocks are really random at first. Because it runs on the MSX, the scrolling is different to the original game. The fireballs travel differently as compared with the ones from SMB, and the Koopas also die in one hit which means that you can't kick their shells afterwards. Most of the time the area with the HUD can't be accessed, apart from the end of each level when you jump on the flag. Also notable is that this game has only four worlds, half that of Super Mario Bros. The timer also reduces throughout the game, with the first two worlds having 280 seconds for each level, the third having 260 and the final world having 200. The ending omits Princess Peach and instead replaces her with the message "To be continued," indicating that a sequel would be made.

The graphics could be considered accurate given the limitations of the MSX, with most of the graphics ripped from Super Mario Bros. and downgraded somewhat. A couple of exceptions being the title screen which is a remake and the Lakitu that has been replaced with a ghost. The music is also interpreted from the original game, although the songs are off key in this game. The sound effects are crude when compared with the original game.

Trivia

• The Master System port of Super Boy is actually a Sega SG-1000 game. However, since the Master System is backwards compatible with the Sega SG-1000, it's been believed to be a Master System game. There are also those who dispute whether it's a Master System or SG-1000 title as a result of this.
• The "Mario" in the HUD of Super Mario Bros. was replaced with "Score" to avoid copyright issues.

=Super Boy II =

Super Boy II's Title Screen

Much like Super Mario Bros 2, (Japanese version) Super Boy 2 is a rehash of the original game with different (and more difficult) levels. The graphics and sounds are identical to the original game, with the exception of the title screen. It also has a different ending, replacing the "To be continued" text with "End."