CONTENTS An Intro To Super Mario History And Progression Super Mario Characters The Main Mario Games The Other Mario Games The Many Faces Of Super Mario Enemies And Bosses Powerups And Collectables Obscure Games Mario Is Everywhere The Future Of Super Mario
AN INTRO TO Who is Super Mario? As one of the most, perhaps the most, iconic characters from video gaming history, Mario is still something of an enigma. A portly, middle aged, Italian plumber fresh from a Japanese imagination, he somehow represents the ordinary guy. Yet his world and adventures are very far from ordinary. Unlike Mickey Mouse who can speak to his audience and charm them that way, Mario (along with most other Nintendo “heroes�) is limited to squeaks, yahoos and the odd single catchphrase in comedy Italian-English. It would appear that his very comical ordinariness has enabled children, the first and basic participants in the Mario worlds, to identify with him. He is no super hero but can by skill and hard work acquire certain powers, in this way he exemplifies the idea that hard work and the acquisition of skills are a good way for any young person to progress in life. Of course his selfless lovability has endeared him to many. The smoothness of the game play and the responsiveness of the controls has sealed that appeal, propelling Mario to a place above all others in popularity. From his early days in arcades to the present day Super Mario has remained the most constant of Nintendo characters, been featured in games on every console, has been a character in many other types of games, featuring in tv shows and movies as well as being the centre of a huge merchandising operation through countless toys and costumes.
SUPER MARIO
HISTORY AND In 1980, Nintendo of America (NOA) released Radar Scope, an arcade game they hoped would kickstart a long reign of success. It flopped, leaving Nintendo stuck with 2,000 unsold Radar Scope units. To stay afloat, NOA desperately needed a smash hit game and fast. Hiroshi Yamauchi, the president and CEO of Nintendo at the time, asked staff artist Shigeru Miyamoto to design a new game based on his own ideas. The result was a game entitled Donkey Kong, starring "Jumpman," a portly carpenter clad in red and blue. At first, Miyamoto called him "Mr. Video" because he planned to include the character in every game he made. "Jumpman" did not have his name for very long however. NOA had to prepare the game for the American release, which included naming the characters. They were still deciding over what to name Jumpman when the landlord, Mario Segale, arrived at the warehouse, demanding the overdue rent payment. When he left, the staff had a new name for Jumpman: "Mario."
Donkey Kong arcade cabinet
PROGRESSION
2007
2002
1996
1991
1985 Super Mario has come a very long way over the years.
Super Mario As Nintendo’s mascot, Mario is arguably the most famous and recognisable character in video game history, and his image is commonly associated with video games.
Luigi He is Mario’s younger brother and is often portrayed as quite timid and sometimes even cowardly, especially in the presence of ghosts. Mario has to rescues him from time to time.
Yoshi He initially appeared as a steed upon which Mario could ride, though he would arise in more prominent roles with the release of such games as Yoshi’s Island.
Toad Toad is one of Princess Peach’s most loyal servants and he is constantly working on her behalf. He usually seen as a non-playable character.
Princess Peach Mario has to rescue Peach on every single main title so far.
Wario A rival to Mario first appeared in the 1985 game Wrecking Crew in the form of Spike though he would not receive his true debut game until 1992.
Possibly the single most important computer game ever created. It introduced scrolling images, which made the game feel enormous by the day’s standards. Coupled with tight, responsive controls and vibrant, colourful and detailed visuals the likes of which had never been seen, it resulted in it even today being among the best selling games of all time. It also bought the entire gaming industry back from recession. Due to the huge populatity of Super Mario Bros. Nintendo produced a sequal within just one year. However, after its release in Japan, many people compained firstly that it was visually too similar and secondly that it was too difficult. Nintendo decided to scrap the USA and Europe release. Also known as Doki Doki Panik in Japan (a similar Nintendo project), they decided to change it into a Mario game for the Amercan release by simply changing the charaters. It met with lukewarm reactions due to its somewhat differnt gameplay. This title went back to the gameplay of the original Mario bros and improved on it in almost every way. Much bigger worlds, and far superior graphics and audio. A fan favorite.
A new game for a new era. Super Mario World really showed off what the new Super Nintendo could do. It allowed for much bigger games with more impressive graphical capabilities and a huge colour pallet compared to the original Nintendo system. It allowed the 2D Mario formula to be perfected and is still favoured by many.
This was all four Super Mario games from the original Nintendo in one game, which meant that now everyone could play the Japanese Super Mario Bros 2 which was renamed to Mario The Lost Levels for the collection. The visuals and music of games were also much enhanced and the ability to game save was added. Another version was released a few years later that included Super Mario World aswell.
Unlike the title name suggests, Yoshi’s Island was actually a prequel. Featuring Mario as a baby on an adventure with Yoshi (first seen in Super Mario World). The gameplay took a very differnt turn as Yoshi was the star of the game and primary control was given to him. The game featured beautiful hand-drawn graphics that really pushed the SNES to its limits including a very memorable soundtrack.
Mario’s jump into the third dimention was certainly a bold one and had perhaps the biggest changes to the Mario formula so far. The story and characters remained. However this time, Super Mario was thrown into an open world adventure and in doing so reinvented video games once again and set a standard in 3D games. The powerful Nintendo 64 hardware allowed for fully realised 3D environments, which at the time was a massive deal. However instead of simply getting from start to finish of a level and moving on to the next and obtaining power-ups (used as health) the user must complete various missions within the level and collect stars for completing them. One needed to collect a certain amount to unlock a new level. Eventually the user could choose what direction to proceed. This formula has been used on all 3D Mario games since. A sequel to Super Mario 64 was planned for the Nintendo 64 but sadly never came to pass, meaning there was only one Mario Platformer on the system.
Partly because of the scrapped sequal to Super Mario 64 and partly because the development time for 3D games took much longer the wait for Mario’s next adventure was a long one. It was his first and only platform game on the Nintendo Gamecube and followed the story of Mario and friends as they go on holiday to the sunny Isle of Delphino. The visuals that could be achived on the Gamecube were very impressive and Mario Sunshine was no exception, featuring rich and colourful tropical evironments as well as massive levels. That fact that the Gamecube used disks instead of cartridges meant that games could be much larger and feature way more levels as well as CD quality auido.
If Super Mario World perfected the 2D Super Mario formula than with its enhanced gameplay mechanics, precision controlls that seem almost faultless and increadable level design, it seems that Super Mario Galaxy has perfected the 3D one. New Wii hardware and a much larger capacity for games than on the Gamecube meant that Nintendo could create a visualy stunning world on a scale, previously unheard of on a Mario game. Coupled with more powerups and enemies, Galaxy made for a truly epic adventure! Just when everyone had believed that Nintendo had given up on having the old 2D style of Mario game on home consoles, it made its return on the Wii with gameplay that highly resembled that of the early Mario games but with much updated visuals. With it came a whole new trend for modern retro games, most of which have been very successful but none more so that New Super Mario Bros which as of early 2011 has sold over 25 million copies! Mario Galaxy 2 seamlessly combines 2D and 3D gameplay in a way never seen before with many references to the early Mario games seen in the levels and music score. Yoshi also makes a return and there are many fun and interesting gameplay tweaks to accommodate him.
For the first time ever people could play Super Mario on the move. It was the perfect companion for the Gameboy which was brand new at the time and after Tetris it was Nintendo’s best selling point for the system at launch. It had a very simplistic visual style that worked very on a small, monochrome screen but still retained the addictive gameplay of the home console versions. It introduced some interesting concepts including Mario flying in a spaceship and shooting enemies. One of the more unique Super Mario games. It has some powerups that have not been seen on any other Mario game, before or since such as the bunny suit and the space suit. The visual upgrade from the first game was massive, with a level of detail almost comparable to Super Mario World and yet it still worked well on the Gameboy. Super Mario Land 2 also introduced Mario’s rival, Wario who then went on to have his own series of games.
The hardware of the Gameboy Colour was slightly more powerful than the original Nintendo Entertainment System and alot of games were ported over which was a first in Nintendo handhelds. None were more prominent than Super Mario Bros Deluxe. It was both the original Mario Bros and the Japanese Mario Bros 2 (lost levels) in one game. Both games were given visual enhancements as well as some additional content such as in-game collectables, mini games and a very useful save function. It also introduced a new generation of gamers to classic Mario.
This was the nickname some people gave the Gameboy Advance as it had very similar graphical capabilities and there were more game ported from Super Nintendo to Gameboy Advance than any other two systems so far. This included every Super Mario platformer released on the Super Nintendo. Like before this allowed a younger audience to play some Mario games they may have missed out on.
A benchmark in handheld gaming. 3D Super Mario on the move. On the surface it seemed to be a direct port of Super Mario 64 however it was much more than that, Firstly it had smoother graphics, the option to play as Mario, Luigi, Yoshi or Wario instead of just Mario, tons of mini games that used touch screen controls, an in-game touch screen control option and even some brand new levels to explore as well as many tweaks to existing ones. Not only is this game the first original handheld Mario platform game in 14 years but is also the first new 2D Mario platform game in 11 years! It is a forerunner to the Wii version and possesses many similarities. The game had a very warm reception with sales in the reigon of 20 million copies sold.
The most successful of the Mario spinoff games. This series of racing games allowed people of all skills to pick it up and play with their friends or even with computer players of varying difficulty to suit beginners and pros alike. Since its debut on the Super Nintendo in 1992 it has been the first choice for Nintendo multiplayer gameplay and has been featured on almost every Nintendo system since. The multiplayer experience has greatly expanded over the years. The original only supported two players simultaneously, four player support was introduced with the Nintendo 64 version in 1996/1997 and more recently online support with up to twelve players! Nintendo Power listed it as being one of the greatest multi-player experiences.
This series of fighting games features many characters from Nintendo’s most popular games. The gameplay differs from traditional fighters for focusing on knocking opponents out of the stage instead of depleting life bars. The original Super Smash Bros., released in 1999 on the Nintendo 64, had a small budget and was originally a Japan-only release, but its domestic success led to a worldwide release. The series achieved even greater success with Super Smash Bros. Melee, released in late 2001 for the Nintendo GameCube, quickly becoming the best selling game on that system. The choice of characters has hugely increased over the years starting out with just twelve on the Nintendo 64, players can now choose from up to thirty-six characters on the most recent installment on the Wii.
The Mario Party series is a virtual board game in which the player may choose from a cast of prominent Mario characters. The series is intended for four players, but computer controlled players may be selected as well. All of the games share similar gameplay in which the primary objective requires the player to move his or her character across the selected stage to gather a Star. With 10 Mario Party games already out in the series since its debut on the Nintendo 64 in 1998, popularity has somewhat diminished.
Mario has his own game for nearly every major sport around. Some of the more popular ones were: Mario Golf series - N64 (1999 onward) Mario Tennis series - N64 (2000 onward) Super Mario Strikers (football/soccer) - Gamecube (2005) Mario Superstar Bassball - Gamecube (2005) Mario Hoops (basketball) - Nintendo DS (2006) Mario Sports Mix - Wii (2010)
It all started in 1996 when Nintendo teamed up with top tier role playing game developers Squaresoft (now called Square Enix), and combined the worlds of Super Mario and Final Fantasy to create Super Mario RPG. It was also Super Mario’s first 3D adventure with a top view isometric view that looked very impressive on the Super Nintendo. Nintendo then went on to make the comical Paper Mario in 2000 on Nintendo 64. The Mario and Luigi series came to Nintendo handhelds a few years later with a style more like the original Mario RPG.
Mario takes on this form when he is small and he finds a super mushroom. The first time it appeared was on the original Mario Bros on the NES. (1985)
One of the more unique Marios. Originally from a role playing game where Mario goes on an adventure in a flat, 2D wolrd. Paper Mario Nintendo 64. (2000)
Mario appears to have develped the abillity to breath in space in recent years but back in the 80s he needed a space suit. Mario Land on Gamboy (1989)
This mushroom puts a huge spring in Mario’s step. However it is very hard to control. Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Wii
With the bee mushroom Mario can float up for short periods and he is also lightened. He also sticks to certain walls. Super Mario Galaxy (2007)
Mario meets F.L.U.D.D. (the water pump) on holiday on Isle Delphino. They team up to clean up the mess on the island. Mario Sunshine on Nintendo Gamecube
He becomes this when he finds a fire flower. Enableing him to shoot fireballs out of his hand. Also first appeared in the original Mario Bros on the NES
This suit lets Mario throw hammers at his enemies. Mimicking the “hammer bros”. Appeared in Super Mario Bros 3 on the NES. (1988)
So far this suit is still unique to Super Mario Bros 3. Allows Mario to hop much further than normal and he can also swim faster.
This allows Mario to break through many obstacles otherwise impassable. He can also roll along at very high speeds. Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Wii
The statue form of the Tanooki Suit from Super Mario Bros 3. Mario could not fight enemies in this form, but could not be hurt either.
He was first featured on a Tetris style, Mario themed puzzle game released on the NES and Gameboy in 1990
He becomes this when he finds an ice flower. Same effect as the fire flower, but with ice balls. First seen in New Super Mario Bros on the Wii. (2009)
The Mario Kart Series has become very popular over the years since its debut on the Super Nintendo in 1992.
This powerup makes Mario very light and lets him make cloud platfoms to jump on and reach many secrets. Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Wii (2010)
This iconic powerup was also featured in Super Mario Bros 3. It lets Mario fly for short periods as well as kill enemies with his tail.
Another very iconic form. Used in Mario 64 (Mario’s first full 3D adventure in late 1996). This special hat lets Mario take to the skies!
Similar to the flying raccoon powerup but Mario can fly for longer and his spin attack is more powerfull. Super Mario World (1990/1991)
When Mario finds the Penguin Suit, just like before he is able to shoot ice balls. But also lets Mario slide on ice and swim faster. Also from New Super Mario Bros on the Wii.
From the prequel to Paper Mario. It was called Mario RPG and was released on the Super Nintendo in early 1996. Mario’s first 3-D adventure.
With this suit, Mario can jump extreamly high and glide down. Making it a must have on tough levels. New Super Mario Bros - Wii
A special version of the raccoon Mario. Plays very similar but also allows Mario to turn into a statue and trick some enemies. Super Mario Bros 3 - NES
1995’s Yoshi’s Island on the Super Nintendo let us take a look at Mario’s past and shows us how he first met his friend Yoshi as a baby.
The star in one of the first popular Nintendo sports games. Nintendo 64 (2000)
This mushroom gives Mario an extra hit and makes him twice the size but more importantly it makes him Super Mario!
For this to appear, Mario must have already obtained a Super Mushroom. It lets Mario shoot fireballs out of his hand.
These are relatively hard to find objects and they make Super Mario completely invencible for a short period. On all the 3D games they are collectable rewards.
These mushrooms are usually very well hidden and gives the player an extra life.
Gold coins, the most commen objects on any Mario game. Collect 100 for an extra life. On the 3D games they provide health and if Mario gets 100, he gets a star.
This could contain anything from a single Coin to a 1-UP or even a Star.
OBSCURE There have been many Super Mario games over the years that used the name brand but were drastically differnt from the standard Super Mario formula. A lot of them were educational games but some were just strange. Some of them were not even made by Nintendo at all. Here are some examples.
Wrecking Crew - NES (1985)
In this game, the player controls Mario working on a demolition site. The goal is to break down all of the stone walls on each stage. The game also features a custom level maker, where players can make their own Wrecking Crew levels. An arcade version was released under the name Vs. Wrecking Crew.
Mario Teaches Typing - PC (1991)
PC developer Interplay contacted Nintendo and obtained the rights to make a typing game starring Mario. There are four typing games in total, and you can choose between Mario, Luigi and Peach as your tutor. When you finally complete the game you get to print out a certificate proving you can type.
GAMES Mario Is Missing - NES and SNES (1993)
In each level, Luigi must retrieve several artifacts which were stolen by the Koopa Troopas within the city and return them to their rightful places. Luigi must jump on the Koopa Troopas to defeat them and reclaim the artifacts, which he then takes back to the landmarks they were stolen from. He must answer trivia questions about the landmarks before they can be returned.
Hotel Mario - Philips CDi (1994)
A puzzle game developed by Fantasy Factory and published by Philips Interactive Media and Nintendo for the CD-i. The primary character of the game is Mario, who must find Princess Toadstool by going through seven Koopa hotels in the Mushroom Kingdom. Every hotel is divided into multiple stages, and the objective is to close all doors on each stage. Defeating a Koopaling on the building’s final stage takes the player to the following building. The game was given very little time to be developed and not much funding. It was very widely criticized, and is considered one of the worst mario games.
MARIO IS
Mitsugu Kikai from Tokyo, Japan, makes it into the Guinness World Records 2011 Gamer’s Edition with his collection of Super Mario memorabilia, 5,400 items strong.
In general, Mario toys have become very popular and widespread since the 80s with some of the more rare plush toys fetching ridiculous prices on the internet.
EVERYWHERE
The Super Mario Bros. Super Show! is an American cartoon series based upon Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 2 video games. It was originally broadcast via first-run syndication to mostly independent or Fox television stations from September 4th, 1989, to December 1st, 1989, and NBC television stations from Autumn 1991, to Summer 1992, whereupon repeating episodes and Club Mario re-edited episodes were broadcast until September 6th, 1991. The Family Channel commenced broadcast of the series in the United States from September 23rd, 1991, to August 26th, 1994.
This is a 1993 live-action film based on the Super Mario franchise. The film features Bob Hoskins, John Leguizamo, and Dennis Hopper. The film tells the story of the Mario Brothers, Mario and Luigi, as they find a dystopia, where King Koopa is a dictator. Mario and Luigi have to rescue Princess Daisy and stop Koopa from attempting to merge the dimensions so that he could become a dictator of both worlds. It was a critical and commercial failure upon its release in the United States. Harsh criticism was aimed at the film’s darker atmosphere and its deviations from the game franchise. Despite this, the film was nominated for two Saturn Awards (one for Best Costume, the other for Best Make-up).
THE FUTURE OF Nintendo usually keeps future projects completely under wraps. However it has been announced that there is a new game in the works for their latest handheld console the 3DS. The 3DS uses 3D technology which gives the image more depth and also gives the user an impression that things are comming out of the screen at them. Nintendo have disscussed that they feel there is a separate market for 2D and 3D Super Mario games and hope to bring together many elements from both to try and appeal to a wider audience. Doing this could potentially revolutionize the playing style of Mario Games, which has remained unchanged for many years now.
Nintendo claims that we will all be able to play Super Mario on 3DS before the end of 2011. This could of course change as we have seen many times before in the gaming industry, usually because development time is longer than expected. A 3DS version of both Super Mario Kart and Paper Mario have also been announced, but not dated.
SUPER MARIO