Everyone loves Mario.  The short Italian guy with blue overalls has helped set up the largest video game empire ever.  The consequences of this are that every developer who tries to make a platformer game will have their game compared, at least subconsciously, to Super Mario Brothers.  But what happens when a developer not only acknowledges that influence, but uses it to trick the player?  Cat Mario (also known as Syobon Action).

Cat Mario

Cat Mario

I don’t want to ruin this game by talking about it much.  A while ago I talked about conceptual models in games.  Cat Mario smashes open your expectations with hilarious results.  This game is frustrating to play, but really funny to watch someone else play.  Download it here.