The debut of Mario

I remember 1981 and seeing this game with a monkey rolling barrels down and thought “that’s just stupid” – $10 in quarters later I was hooked. The first appearance of…

Jim O'Brien

Published Aug 20, 2018 6:00 AM EDT

OTTUMWA, IA – AUGUST 13: Steve Sanders, ‘The Orignal King of Kong,’ plays Donkey Kong at the launch party for the International Video Game Hall of Fame and Museum on August 13, 2009 in Ottumwa, Iowa. Ottumwa was officially proclaimed the Video Game Capital of the World at the launch party and plans are underway to build a full museum in the small Iowa city. (Photo by David Greedy/Getty Images)

I remember 1981 and seeing this game with a monkey rolling barrels down and thought "that's just stupid" - $10 in quarters later I was hooked. The first appearance of Mario in a video game - and remember Princess Pauline? I always thought she just didn't want to get caught. Nothing quite like "Donkey Kong" was there? (remember the knockoff version "Crazy Kong")

Donkey Kong mario

Jim O'BrienEditor

Jim O'Brien is the Host of "Big Jim's House" Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim's relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.

The debut of Mario

I remember 1981 and seeing this game with a monkey rolling barrels down and thought “that’s just stupid” – $10 in quarters later I was hooked. The first appearance of…

Jim O'Brien

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