The Great Giana Sisters: A Deep Dive

The Great Giana Sisters: A Deep Dive into a Controversial Classic

The Great Giana Sisters (TGGS) is a 1987 platformer developed by Softbite Software and published by Mindscape. It’s a game steeped in history, not just for its gameplay, but for the controversy surrounding its striking similarities to Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. Here’s a comprehensive look at the game, covering its history, gameplay, reception, and legacy:

History & Controversy: The Mario Clone That Almost Was

• The Inspiration (and Imitation): In the mid-1980s, Super Mario Bros. was a global phenomenon. Softbite, a British software company, wanted to capitalize on this success. They set out to create a platformer that would appeal to the same audience. However, they went very far in mimicking Mario. The similarities were so blatant that Nintendo quickly took legal action.
• The Lawsuit: Nintendo filed a lawsuit against Mindscape (the publisher) alleging copyright infringement. The lawsuit focused on the game’s level design, graphics, music, and overall gameplay mechanics, all of which were remarkably similar to Super Mario Bros.
• The Recall & Re-Release: The initial release of TGGS was halted. Mindscape recalled the game from stores. However, a modified version, The Great Giana Sisters Deluxe, was released later in 1987. This version featured altered graphics, music, and some gameplay changes to distance it from Super Mario Bros. The legal battle continued for years, eventually being settled out of court.
• The Developers’ Perspective: The developers at Softbite weren’t necessarily trying to create a direct clone. They were inspired by Mario, but also wanted to add their own elements. They were working with limited resources and a tight deadline, which likely contributed to the reliance on familiar elements. Chris Stamper, one of the developers, has spoken about the situation, acknowledging the similarities but also defending their creative intent.

Gameplay: A Familiar, Yet Distinct, Experience

Despite the controversy, TGGS is a solid platformer in its own right. Here’s a breakdown of the gameplay:

• Two Playable Sisters: You control either Giana or Maria, two sisters who must rescue their brother, Gianni, from the evil Morpheus. Each sister has slightly different abilities.
  • Giana: Can jump higher but moves slower.
  • Maria: Can run faster but jumps lower.
• Platforming Focus: The game revolves around navigating challenging levels filled with enemies, obstacles, and hidden secrets. Precise jumping and timing are crucial.
• Power-Ups: Like Mario, TGGS features power-ups that grant special abilities:
  • Ball: Turns the sister into a bouncing ball, allowing access to tight spaces.
  • Star: Grants temporary invincibility.
  • Shield: Provides protection from one hit.
• Level Design: The levels are generally more difficult and complex than those in Super Mario Bros. They often feature more hidden areas, challenging jumps, and a greater emphasis on exploration. The original version was particularly close to Mario’s level layouts.
• Scrolling: The game uses a smooth, side-scrolling perspective.
• Music: The original soundtrack, composed by Tim Follin, was heavily inspired by Koji Kondo’s Super Mario Bros. score. The Deluxe version features a significantly different and more original soundtrack.

Platforms & Versions

• Commodore 64 (Original & Deluxe): The primary platform for the game. The original version is the most notorious for its similarities to Mario.
• ZX Spectrum (Original & Deluxe): Another popular platform, with similar versions to the Commodore 64.
• Amstrad CPC (Original & Deluxe): Also received both versions.
• PC (DOS): A later release.
• Modern Re-releases:
  • Steam (2014): A remastered version with updated graphics and sound.
  • Nintendo Switch (2019): A port of the remastered version.
  • Other Modern Platforms: Available on various other platforms as well.

Reception & Legacy

• Initial Reception (Original Version): The original version received mixed reviews, largely due to the controversy. While some praised the challenging gameplay, others criticized the blatant copying of Super Mario Bros.
• Reception (Deluxe Version): The Deluxe version was generally better received, as it had distanced itself enough from Mario to be considered a more original game. It was praised for its challenging levels, unique power-ups, and improved graphics.
• Cult Following: Over the years, TGGS has developed a cult following among retro gaming enthusiasts. It’s often remembered as a fascinating example of copyright law in the video game industry and a testament to the enduring popularity of Super Mario Bros.
• Influence: While directly influenced by Mario, TGGS also contributed to the evolution of the platformer genre. Its challenging level design and unique sister mechanic set it apart from other games of the era.
• Modern Remaster: The 2014 remaster brought the game to a new audience and allowed players to experience a polished version of this controversial classic.

Where to Learn More

• Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Giana_Sisters
• Retro Gamer Magazine: Has featured articles on the game’s history and development.
• YouTube: Search for “The Great Giana Sisters” to find gameplay videos, documentaries, and reviews.

In conclusion, The Great Giana Sisters is more than just a “Mario clone.” It’s a fascinating piece of video game history, a cautionary tale about copyright infringement, and a surprisingly enjoyable platformer in its own right. Its story continues to be discussed and debated by gamers and legal experts alike.