The other day, I was thinking about Mario. After doing some research, I just realized that Oct. 10 of this year will mark 30 years that Mario has been in our lives, since the first time he was introduced in the arcade game “Donkey Kong” back 1981.
Even though I am addicted to Final Fantasy and Sonic the Hedgehog, there was a time in my life when I jumped onto the Mario bandwagon. This character has not been in my life most of the time, but I always had fun whenever I got the chance to play him. The first time I played him was “Super Mario World” back at my neighbor’s house when I was little kid. I remember being so into this character, I started looking for more games surrounding this character.
It was around the time Sega and Nintendo had a little rivalry going on. Nintendo had Mario and Sega had Sonic. I didn’t know anything about that and I ended up playing both games.
However, my mind was so possessed by fantasy and speed, I didn’t care much about the guy. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t playing Mario at all. I played a Mario game every now and then and kept track with what was going to be his next release.
Once I realized that it has been 30 years since the first time we knew about Mario, it makes me wonder. Does Mario have enough to continue his legacy?
I have been paying attention to his recent releases and couldn’t help but feel a bit disappointed. Even though Super Mario Galaxy 1 and 2 have received positive reviews from across the country, I felt like I was playing the same Mario game I’ve been playing for years. The only difference was it was set in outer space.
Not only that, but I’m kind of growing out of the same story. Princess Peach is captured by Bowser and it is up to Mario to save her.
I really liked how they did “Super Mario Sunshine.” We were given the same characters, but a completely different story. Mario, Peach, and Toadsworth are on vacation. Then all of a sudden the location is being polluted and Mario had to save the place and still have a wonderful vacation.
I feel like Mario needs to have different stories and not have to depend on the same fairytale given to him by Bowser and Princess Peach.
Based on the amount of sales and reviews the recent games continue to receive, it is a huge possibility that Mario can continue his legacy. After all, he is the reason why video games became popular at home. After everything going on with this character, it makes me wonder.
Can Mario still continue his gaming legacy?
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I couldn’t agree more mate.
Plot has never really mattered in the core Mario games (obviously RPG and its spiritual successors are exceptions). I have to disagree with the author in that I was continually amazed at the creativity I saw in Galaxy 1 & 2, and felt that Sunshine’s lame attempt at a story just got in the way. As long as the gameplay remains solid and keeps incorporating new twists in a smart way, Mario will be just fine. Can’t wait for more info on the new 3DS game BTW.
A change of pace every now and then would be nice. But what Mario does in each major release is appeal to all of the up and coming gamers.
Mario isn’t a game, he is an experience. I say keep the formula alive so every generation can experience Mario the way he is ment to be, racing karts and rescuing the princess.
Oddly enough Mario is the one franchise that can stay simple in concept and not become irrelevant.
That’s a good question. I loved mario growing up and I still have a little place somewhere in my heart for the guy. I know his legacy will continue because Mario has a huge following. I do wish Nintendo would switch it up a little because the same ol’ plain jane stuff gets boring IMO.