Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo Entertainment System/Famicom

The game that started it all. As a start to what would become a core tradition, the Princess is kidnapped by Bowser as part of his plans to conquer the Mushroom Kingdom, with Mario having to travel his way through 8 different worlds in order to save her. Mario's staple abilities were established by the game, including his ability to run, jump, shoot fireballs, and take damage with the power of the Super Mushroom. Once completed, the game is increased in difficulty for all future playthroughs.

It is Princess Peach's first appearance, and also one of the most successful Mario titles to date.

She needs to be rescued, a role that she would eventually reprise in most games of the series. According to the game's manual, she's the only one that can break Bowser's evil spell.