The Super Mario Bros are one of the most recognizable pairs of video game characters ever created by Nintendo. When the first Nintendo came out in the mid 1980’s it was of course a huge success, but not right away. The very first Nintendo games didn’t immediately stand out from other games on the market for the already successful systems like the Atari 2600. It wasn’t until they released the game ‘Super Mario Bros’ that the full potential and capability of Nintendo’s first console system was realized, and only then did it become an icon of 1980s entertainment.
Realizing what a huge success the first Super Mario Bros game was, Nintendo soon began including the game as part of the package when you bought the system. When I first got my Nintendo Entertainment System, it came with the Super Mario Bros game and I was in video game heaven. Having been an avid fan of the Atari, I was dumbfounded by the graphical and audio improvements seen in the Nintendo. More than the better graphics and sounds, the sheer size and scope of the Super Mario Bros game was what really made the Nintendo stand out. Atari games had all been extremely short with very little depth, but the Super Mario Bros game just kept going and going.
Super Mario Bros games are still coming out today for the more current Nintendo systems, like the ‘Gamecube’ and the ‘N64’. Indeed, the Super Mario Bros are symbols for Nintendo systems, and have probably done more to bring in business for the Japan based company than any other advertising campaign they’ve ever come up with. Just putting the Super Mario Bros into a game somehow is almost a guaranteed way to make sure the game sells well. It’s no surprise then that there are so many variants of Mario Bros games out there now.
One of my favorite more recent Super Mario Bros games is the Mario Kart series. These games are fun because they are designed to be played against other players at the same time. You could play the original Super Mario Brothers games with more than one player, but not simultaneously, so you were always waiting for your friend to die so you could have your turn. The Mario Kart games are fun because you can play with several players and compete in a away that isn’t too serious, which keeps the mood friendly.
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System really blew me away when if first came out back in the early 1990s. The first Nintendo Entertainment System was amazing and groundbreaking in itself, but when the SNES came out it was really the dawn of the modern era of video games for me. The Sega Genesis and the Turbo Grafix 16 were already out, so the SNES was a fairly late arrival to the third generation of video game consoles, but it was worth the wait. Of the third generation consoles, the SNES was my favorite and I owned all of them. The SNES is the only one of the three I still sometimes play today.
One of the more memorable aspects of the system was the Super Nintendo controller. The Super Nintendo controller was also groundbreaking in a lot of ways. Not only did it have twice as many buttons on the face as the original NES controller, the Super Nintendo controllers had twin shoulder buttons as well. Looking at controllers for the current generations of video game consoles, its clear that the Super Nintendo controller set the stage for the future.
The style of the Super Nintendo controller brought options to the SNES games that would otherwise not be possible. One game I recall this making a particularly strong effect on was Street Fighter II. Arguably one of the most popular SNES games made, and probably one of the most popular console games ever, Street Fighter II wouldn’t have been the same on a controller with a different set up. Every button was not only used but necessary, and the very arrangement of the Super Nintendo controller was vital to the game play. The folks at Sega realized this perhaps a little too late, and came out with their own wannabe version of Super Nintendo controller for their Genesis, but it lacked shoulder buttons, and wasn’t nearly as comfortable to use.
Looking at current game controllers, they really haven’t changed all that much. Today they have newer grips that allow for trigger buttons as well as should buttons, but the actually face of the controllers look very much like the original Super Nintendo controllers. Some of them, like Microsoft’s Xbox controller, even have a similar kind of color scheme to the buttons that was on the old SNES controller. I guess it makes sense, I mean if it isn’t broken, why fix it? The Super Nintendo controller is a tried and true formula, and will probably continue to influence game controllers for generations to come.
Caribbean cruises are ideal for entire families. In fact, the kids are as apt to enjoy the cruise as much as their parents, if not more. Taking little ones along on a cruise isn't an imposition on anyone and it can be a great learning and enjoying experience for the little ones, as well.
The Caribbean islands are owners of deep and rich histories. Each has its own story to tell. Plus, there's lots for people of all ages to see and do while on a Caribbean cruise. So, if keeping the kids at home is being considered for fear they'll have nothing to do, think again!
The list of options for youngsters goes on and on, but let's look at a few. Depending on the cruise line, while on the ship, kids can take part in:
* Clubs geared specifically for their ages. Cruise lines want each and every passenger to have the time of their lives - this means the kids, too. To help ensure younger guests get the most out of their trips, cruises offer an array of activities for them, generally geared to age. Some cruise lines even have clubs meant to dazzle and entertain the children while the parents enjoy activities more suited to them.
* Entertainment. Cruise ships are famous for entertaining their guests, and this means guests of all ages. While parents may enjoy soft piano music, there's generally live performances more geared to the younger set throughout a cruise.
* Games/contests. Getting everyone involved in activities is the job of the cruise director. He or she would be remiss to skip over the little ones.
* Family events. Cruises also offer lots of family activities, from games and contests to movies and more, there's lots for families to do together as they cruise from one port of call to another.
Off board:
Most Caribbean destinations offer more than enough family activities to keep cruise passengers very busy during scheduled visits. From tours and fishing trips to shopping and museum excursions, the islands are ideal for visitors of all ages. If parents aren't comfortable taking the children along while they visit the shore, the cruise ships generally offer a service to ensure the kids are entertained onboard while mom and dad explore the shores.
Cruises are ideal for people of all ages. When it comes to Caribbean cruises, the options for families are amazing.
Think of it as a floating paradise with an exotic, tropical destination being the icing on the cake and the idea of what a Caribbean cruise is all about begins to become almost as crystal clear as the turquoise waters that will lap at the ship's side while sailing toward a port of call. Half the fun of a cruise is on that ship itself.
Those who think cruising is about sitting around the doing nothing, half bored out of their minds, have never really checked out a cruise. There's so much to do and see onboard a typical Caribbean cruise liner, passengers sometimes find it hard to pry themselves away to check out their destinations.
When it comes to entertainment, cruise ships leave very few stones unturned. With a whole crew of people employed to do nothing but entertain, it's very difficult to get bored while on a cruise vacation. But, and this is where it gets even better, if just kicking back and relaxing is what you have in mind, that can be achieved as well.
For those who like to really pack in the fun, however, a typical cruise ship offers the following onboard activities for the trip to the Caribbean port of call on your agenda:
* Live entertainment. From comedy shows to musical performances and even live plays, cruise ships are known for hiring some of the best to entertain guests during dinners and at special shows scheduled throughout the journey.
* Swimming. Most major cruise ships have at least one onboard pool, if not more. Plus, some even have their own onboard version of a water park, complete with slides, whirlpools and more.
* Golf. Golf on board a cruise ship? You bet! Some cruises even offer golf lessons with an actual pro to help their passengers improve their swing before they hit one of the Caribbean's famous golf courses.
* Spa packages. Many ships have onboard spas so guests can pamper themselves while they take in the oceanic sights.
* Contests, games and more. There's always something going on from ping-pong and shuffleboard to cards and more.
* Casino action. Many cruises have their own casinos that offer some serious action on the tables.
* Children's entertainment. Kids are not forgotten on cruises. With clubs just for teens and programs for the smaller passengers, there's something appropriate and fun for all ages.
* Dancing. If you like to cut a rug, most cruises ships can more than accommodate.
When it comes to having fun, it's hard not to achieve that on a cruise. Offering just about anything a traveler could want to do while passing the time on their way to the Caribbean, cruise ships are meant to be floating vacation paradises with their destinations just providing the icing on the cake.
The Caribbean is a favorite vacation destination for people of all ages. But when it comes to cruising the Caribbean many may think it's not an ideal trip for children. Nothing could be further than the truth.
Cruise ships specialize in giving their passengers the time of their lives. This means all passengers, regardless of age. The cruise ship experience is spectacular for people with young children. In fact, many cruises pride themselves on making sure their charges of any age have lots to do while on board and even once they reach ports of call.
For families, there are a number of benefits to cursing the Caribbean rather than simply flying and booking a hotel room. The advantages of this type of vacation versus another, include:
* Generally quite affordable. By putting everything from travel to food and entertainment under a single price, families often find the cruise ship experience is quite affordable. Since there are no real hidden charges beyond mementoes and any extras families choose to buy while on board or off, budgeting for a trip is much easier. The food factor alone is enough to make the price of the trip more than worth it.
* Planned activities. Cruise ships offer planned activities throughout the trip, both onboard and off, to ensure that guests of all ages have plenty to see and do. On board, youngsters will find games, physical activities such as swimming, movies, crafts and more. Plus, there are even baby-sitting services so mom and dad can enjoy a little alone time on the trip, too. There are even activities planned for the entire family to take part in, as well.
* Security. Keeping an eye on the kids while on vacation can be a little tough, but with the semi-enclosed environment on a ship, the task is that much easier.
* Lots to do off board. The Caribbean is perfect for families in that its many islands offer lots to see and do. From cruising the shops in St. Kitts to hitting the beaches of Nevis, there's really no shortage of family friendly activities while visiting ports of call.
* More together time. Since details like meals and itinerary have been planned out, families can just enjoy spending time together rather than sweating the small stuff while on their vacation.
Caribbean cruises bring together the best of two very different worlds and are the perfect way for families to enjoy vacations together. By offering something for passengers of all ages, the cruise ship environment is a favorite for families. The children have lots to see and do and so do the parents, providing a perfect mix of family time and alone time for each member of the clan.