There is no character more widely known in video game history than Nintendo’s flagship character Mario. While that statement could be debated, the fact remains that Mario games have been sold more than all other video game mascots or franchises in the world today.
Mario games have crossed decades, from the adorable red and blue plumber’s first show in Donkey Kong where he was known as “Jumpman”, to the hugely anticipated and critically acclaimed Super Mario Galaxy. Mario has had numerous games in which he was the main character, as well as countless cameos and supporting roles.
Shigeru Miyamoto’s lovable creation has certainly made its indelible mark in pop culture across the continents. Mario has had his own cartoon, cereal, movie, live-action show, and his likeness has been utilized to sell almost any type of product you could possibly think of. But it all leads back to Mario games.
Mario Bros. was published after Donkey Kong hit the arcades in 1981 to critical acclaim and a few years later an everlasting niche was etched with the launching of the Nintendo Home Entertainment System. Most Nintendo Entertainment Systems were boxed with a game that would change the landscape of video play irrevocably. Of all Mario games, Super Mario Bros. put out in North America in 1985, may be the most well known video game of all time.
Many people have logged countless hours striving to save the princess only to read the now famous text on their TV screens: “Thank you Mario! But our Princess is in another castle!” There is now a legion of gamers that celebrate the dwellers of the Mushroom Kingdom. From the frog and raccoon outfits of Super Mario Bros. 3 to the wildly addictive New Super Mario Bros.
Mario games have even crossed over to take on competing mascots from other companies such as the game Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games, where finally, everyone’s beloved plumber goes head to head with the feisty and spiky avatar Sonic the Hedgehog. Fans of both characters eventually get to duke it out for the gold ribbon.
Mario games have ventured into the sporting realm with entries that include everything from soccer to kart racing. And with the inception of the extremely popular Super Smash Bros. series, Mario can be found fighting hand- to-hand with many of Sony and Nintendo’s most known characters.
To this day, the Mario franchise is still going strong. Mario is sure to carry an even larger legacy into the future. It will come as no surprise if grandparents partake in a Mario game with their young grandchildren and reminisce about their first memories of that garishly dressed plumber and his grand worlds.
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