Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up

About

Super Mario Bros. & Friends: When I Grow Up is a DOS platform game that breaks from traditional gameplay. Released in 1992, it functions more like an interactive coloring book with themed pages based on everyday jobs such as firefighter, pilot, and chef. Players color static illustrations by Rick Incrocci, with occasional animated clips showing Mario and friends in action. The cast includes familiar faces like Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool, and Bowser, who appears in both his classic game design and animated TV series look. Link also pops up briefly on select career-themed pages. The game’s oddball concept sets it apart. While it lacks traditional levels or mechanics, its mix of Mario’s world with mundane professions creates a quirky charm. Bowser’s dual designs and the inclusion of non-Mario characters like Link add minor surprises. Though not a critical favorite, it remains a niche curiosity for retro fans. Its DOS-era simplicity and playful approach to career exploration make it a standout for collectors of offbeat Mario titles.