Dr. Mario is a puzzle video game developed and published by Nintendo. It was initially released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990, with subsequent releases on various other platforms including the Game Boy, Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and modern consoles through the Nintendo eShop.
The gameplay of Dr. Mario involves matching four or more colored capsules with viruses of the same color. Players control Dr. Mario as he drops capsules into a playing field, aligning them with viruses or other capsules. When four or more tiles of the same color touch, they disappear. The objective is to clear all the viruses on the screen before the stack of capsules reaches the top. There are several difficulty levels, with each level increasing the number of viruses initially present on the screen.
The game features a simple narrative where Mario assumes the role of a doctor to combat a virus outbreak. The viruses, named Fever, Chill, and Weird, come in different colors corresponding to the capsules used to eliminate them. The setting is primarily medical-themed, with the game's soundtrack complementing this theme.
Dr. Mario was developed by Nintendo R&D1, with Gunpei Yokoi as the producer. The game's concept was inspired by the need for a new puzzle game that could also serve as an advertisement for Mario in a different context. It was first released in Japan on July 27, 1990, followed by North America and Europe later that year.
Dr. Mario received positive reviews for its addictive gameplay and was praised for its depth despite its simplicity. Over time, it has been included in various compilations and re-released on newer consoles. Its success led to several sequels and spin-offs, including:
The game has also been referenced in other media and has appeared in Super Smash Bros. as a stage and as part of Mario's moveset.