Mario: Difference between revisions

|image=[[File:MvDK NS Mario.png|130px]]<br>Artwork used for ''[[Mario vs. Donkey Kong (Nintendo Switch)|Mario vs. Donkey Kong]]'' on the [[Nintendo Switch]]

|full_name=Mario Mario

|first_appearance=''[[Donkey Kong (game)|Donkey Kong]]'' ([[1981]])

|latest_appearance=''[[Mario & Luigi: Brothership]]'' ([[2024]])

Mario was created out of necessity by [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] after Nintendo lost the license to create a video game based on the [[wikipedia:Popeye|Popeye]] universe. The designers kept the gameplay, but created a new cast of characters. Mario assumed Popeye's role, and the game was released as the arcade version of ''[[Donkey Kong (arcade)|Donkey Kong]]''. In this game, he was originally referred to as "Jumpman." Jumpman was renamed "Mario" when an employee at Nintendo of America's office in [[New York City]] pointed out the similar physical appearances of Jumpman and Nintendo's Italian landlord, Mario Segale.<ref>Thiel, Art (2003). ''Out of Left Field: How the Mariners Made Baseball Fly in Seattle''. Sasquatch Books. Pages 44 and 45.</ref>

==History==

[[File:Vine Scene DKJR arcade.png|thumb|Mario has Donkey Kong imprisoned throughout ''Donkey Kong Jr.'']]

''[[Donkey Kong Jr.]]'' served as a sequel to ''Donkey Kong'', and was also released on arcade the same year, 1983. In this game, Mario is the antagonist, and captures Donkey Kong and encloses him inside a cage. Donkey's son, Donkey Kong Jr., is then given the task to save his father from Mario. The game was similar in essense to ''Donkey Kong'', as Jr. has to also reach the top of the stage in each level. Each time he does, however, Mario then flees to a different level and locks up the ape once more. The game is unusual for having Mario as the antagonist and an objective to defeat him.

===''Mario Bros.'' series===

====''Mario Bros.'' (Game & Watch)====

[[File:Mario Bros arcade multiplayer.png|thumb|left|150px|Mario and Luigi in ''Mario Bros.'']]

A different ''[[Mario Bros. (arcade game)|Mario Bros.]]'' game was released for the [[arcade]]s later in 1983, a few months after the Game & Watch title. Here, Luigi was depicted as a [[palette swap]] of Mario with light-green clothes instead of red like Mario's. The game takes place underground inside a sewage system in [[New York]], and Mario and Luigi are [[plumber]]s. In the sewers, various enemies start crawling out of the pipes at the top of the screen, and work their way down until they enter one of the pipes at the bottom. Some enemies include [[Shellcreeper]]s, [[Spiny|Spinies]], [[Sidestepper]]s, [[Fighter Fly|Fighter Flies]], and [[Freezie]]s. The objective is to knock out each enemy by punching the ground below them, which can be done by jumping up when directly below the platform the enemy is on. Mario or Luigi must then kick the enemy while they are down, or else they revive and start walking again. Each phase increases in difficulty, with occasional Bonus Rounds in which Mario and Luigi can retrieve coins for bonus points.

====''Mario Clash''====

[[File:ClashShot.png|thumb|Mario in ''Mario Clash'']]

Mario and Luigi met with their toughest challenges yet. Bowser had prepared an expansive, modern military, complete with tanks, airships, and ships capable of withstanding the lava that flowed throughout the world. The brothers were never safe: three [[Hand Trap]]s were prepared to pull them into dangerous areas where they faced multitudes of enemies and hazards. Finally, they reached Bowser's Castle and cornered Bowser. The king attacked by creating holes in the floor and sending out fireballs. The brothers could defeat him by using [[Hammer]]s or fireballs if they had the appropriate power-ups. However, Bowser eventually defeated himself by falling into one of his own pits. Mario and Luigi rescued Princess Peach, who joshed them, saying, "Thank you. But our princess is in another castle!... Just kidding. Ha ha ha! Bye bye!"

====''Super Mario World''====

Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach took a vacation to the strange [[Dinosaur Land]] during the events of ''[[Super Mario World]]''. As soon as they arrived, they realized nobody was there. Luigi noticed a mysterious [[Cape Feather|feather]]. After he and Mario touched it, he donned a cape and was able to fly. The brothers experimented with this new ability, but once they returned, Peach was missing. Mario and Luigi went to [[Yoshi]]'s house and read a letter saying that he and his friends had been kidnapped by Bowser, who also made off with the Princess. The heroic plumbers immediately set out to save them, faced many strange new enemies along with their old foes, including the Koopalings (each of them were guarding a captured [[Yoshi Egg]]).

Using the help of the Yoshis and their long enemy-swallowing tongues, Mario finally liberates Dinosaur Land and all those who had been taken captive by Bowser. Mario, Peach, Luigi, and Yoshi celebrated the rest of the vacation at Yoshi's House, watching the seven Yoshi Eggs hatch.

====''Super Mario 64''====

====''Super Mario Sunshine''====

====''Super Mario 64 DS''====

Using their unique abilities, they rescued many Power Stars and defeated Bowser's minions. After they collected enough Power Stars, only Mario could face Bowser for the third last time. Princess Peach kisses Mario and decides give Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, and Wario the cake she had promised them.

====''New Super Mario Bros.''====

Mario had his classic battle with Bowser at the end of the first world, dropping him into the lava . The reluctant Bowser Jr., took Princess Peach through eight different worlds. Mario finally confronted the undead King Koopa who had become [[Dry Bowser]], who was then defeated again. Bowser Jr. later tossed his father's skeletal remains into a cauldron and revived Bowser to his natural self and they both battled Mario together. Mario emerged victorious and received a kiss from Princess Peach.

====''Super Mario Galaxy''====

During the night of the Star Festival, Mario receives a letter from Princess Peach telling him that she is waiting for him at the castle and wants to give him something. Suddenly, Bowser invades, turning the festival into chaos. He captures Princess Peach by ripping the castle from it's foundation, lifting it into space. Mario makes to the castle in time as it is lifted up trying to protect Peach. Mario then is blasted off the castle by Magikoopa, and wakes up on the "Gate to the Starry Sky." He meets [[Princess Rosalina]], who lends him [[Luma (character)|a white Luma]], who gives him the ability to spin. This was the same Luma Peach was holding at the star festival.

====''New Super Mario Bros. Wii''====

Mario returns to his side-scrolling roots once again in the Wii title, ''[[New Super Mario Bros. Wii]]''. The story starts with Mario and his friends [[Luigi]], [[Yellow Toad]], and [[Blue Toad]] celebrating Princess Peach's Birthday until a giant [[cake]] appears beside them. As the group investigates it, [[Bowser Jr]] and the [[Koopalings]] immediately emerges and throws the giant cake on top of Princess Peach, trapping her. Soon the villains load the cake containing Peach onto their air ship and as they escape Mario, Luigi and the two Toads quickly follow on foot. With the help of [[Toad]] (who uses a cannon to blast some new power suits), the group (including Mario) are able to access the new suits for their adventure to rescue Princess Peach.

After a dangerous trek through all the worlds, Mario and his friends defeat Bowser. When Mario goes outside, escorting Peach, Luigi comes down in a hijacked balloon and offers it to the two. The two takes the balloon, leaving Luigi behind (who hitches a ride with the Toads). During the balloon ride, Peach starts talking to Mario.

====''Super Mario Galaxy 2====

Mario appears in the sequel of ''Super Mario Galaxy'', ''[[Super Mario Galaxy 2]]''. In the game, he receive a letter of Princess Peach and go to the castle. In his way, he found [[Luma (character)|Luma]], who will help him in his way. When he goes into the castle, Bowser is gigantic with the princess in his hand. Mario goes after him and ends in [[Starship Mario]], where he meets [[Lubba]] and other characters. To defeat Bowser and rescue Princess Peach, Mario needs to collect 70 [[Power Stars]] so [[Starship Mario]] can advance to [[Bowser's Galaxy Generator]].

===''Game & Watch'' series===

Mario appeared once again in ''[[Wrecking Crew]]''. Mario and Luigi worked on a demolition site. The goal was to break as many stone walls as possible. Defeating enemies in this game was not easy, as Mario and Luigi's regular hammer dealt them no damage. However, it could make [[Foreman Spike]] fall down if one of the Mario Bros. could hit him with it. If an enemy wandered underneath a drum, Mario could trap them by causing the drum to fall.

===''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!''===  

Mario and Luigi had a variety of mainly benign adventures. For example, in "[[Texas Tea]]" the brothers became rich from an [[oil]] well in their tomato garden. However, they were endangered on several occasions, such as in "[[Slime Busters]]" when the brothers were attacked by [[Slime Ghost]]s. Despite their adventures, Mario confided to Luigi in "[[Baby Mario Love]]" that he was dissatisfied with his current life, complaining it lacked glitz and glamor.  

Two conflicting stories of how the Mario Bros. returned to Mushroom World exist. The first originates from ''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!'' introduction and later expanded on in "[[Toddler Terrors of Time Travel]]." Mario and Luigi were performing a house call for a slightly daft lady who hired them to fix her bathtub drain. Unknown to them, the drain was a [[Warp Zone]] connected to the Mushroom World. After Luigi cleared it, Mario and Luigi were sucked towards the drain. Mario grabbed onto the shower curtain bar, but Luigi was already in the drain's suction. Grabbing unto Mario, Luigi ended up pulling both of them down. Later, Mario and Luigi were forced to relive this event due to [[Ludwig von Koopa|Kooky von Koopa]]'s [[Time Travel Tube]]. The events were slightly altered. Instead of struggling against the drain, Mario and Luigi openly jump through the pipe. The two were warped from the past Earth to the present Mushroom World, ending the process of overwriting past events.  

The second was invented for "[[The Legend]]." While Mario ate lunch one day in Mario Brothers Plumbing, the brothers heard a cry for help through a very small pipe. Springing into action, they grabbed their plungers and followed the voice, which they later learned belonged to Princess Toadstool.

===''Mario Teaches Typing''===

[[File:Mariotyping.jpg|left|thumb|110px|Mario on the box cover for ''Mario Teaches Typing''.]]

In games such as ''[[Mario Teaches Typing]]'' and the ''Mario's Early Years!'' series, Mario taught children how to use skills they would normally learn in school such as typing and learning the alphabet. These games had Mario portrayed so children would be more eager to learn and had various Mario elements in them.

===''Mario Paint''===

Mario starred in a game called ''[[Mario Paint]]''. In this game, players could draw, compose music, make stamps, or make animations. The [[SNES Mouse]] is compatible in this game. In the Music Mode, Mario needed to jump in the notes to make sound.

Mario has even started his own [[Mario Kart (series)|series]] of racing tournaments, starting with ''[[Super Mario Kart]]''. Mario is an average weighted driver, making him very versatile and usable in many situations. Mario's stats are very similar to his brother, Luigi. His [[kart]]s are usually based on his red color and have average stats resembling him. In ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'', Mario had a new look to his kart. He raced with a couple other key Mario Kart characters, plus [[Pac-Man]] series characters. In ''[[Mario Kart: Double Dash!!]]'', Mario was a middleweight, allowing him the option of both middleweight and heavy karts. His partner was Luigi and his item was the [[Red Fireball]]. His Kart was called [[Red Fire]].  

In ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP]]'', Mario appears in the first Mario Kart for the arcade as a all-around type playable racer. He along with Luigi both share the same special character items. Mario's racing courses in were the [[Mario Highway]] and the [[Mario Beach]]. Mario appears once again as an all-around racer in the sequel, ''[[Mario Kart Arcade GP 2]]'', where he was the same as he was in ''Mario Kart Arcade GP'' as well as his racing courses.

Mario was the one needing rescue during the events of ''[[Mario is Missing!]]'', which strangely takes place in the [[Real World]]. Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi went to stop all his Koopalings from stealing valuable landmark artifacts from famous Earth cities, which Bowser needed to fund his plan: he wanted the to buy hair dryers to melt Antarctica and flood the world. The [[Hafta Havit Mail-Order]] was his source of hair dryers.  

===''Hotel Mario''===

Both Mario and Luigi received an invitation from Princess Peach for a picnic during the events of ''[[Hotel Mario]]''. Both went to the Mushroom Kingdom, only to find a note written by Bowser stating that he and the Koopalings had turned the Kingdom into their own personal resorts and retained Peach as a "permanent guest" in one of his seven Koopa Hotels. After destroying most of the Koopaling hotels, Mario fought Bowser in his [[Bowser's Seizure Palace|own hotel]] and defeated him. He then received a kiss from Princess Peach, then congratulated the player as 'The best ever'.

===''Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars''===

Mario discovered that the [[Star Piece (Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars)|Star Pieces]] that grants dreams had been stolen by a group called the [[Smithy Gang]] run by [[Smithy]]. These criminals had not only stolen the Star Shards, they had caused much trouble to the Mushroom Kingdom. On this quest Mario was joined by [[Mallow]], [[Geno]], [[Peach]], and even [[Bowser]]. They traveled through much of the Mushroom Kingdom in search of the Star Shards protected by the Smithy Gang's strongest members. After all Star Shards were collected, Mario had to go to Smithy's dimension and fight him once and for all. Mario of course had to reach it through Bowser's Keep which was inaccessible when Exor destroyed the bridge. With the help of Mallow's parents, [[King Nimbus|King]] and [[Queen Nimbus]], Mario had passage through a special cloud bus. When they finally got there, Mario defeated Exor and went to Smithy's dimension via Exor's mouth.

Mario's journey wasn't over as Smithy had even more minions at his disposal. After many grueling battles Mario faced Smithy, who was inevitably defeated and once again the Mushroom Kingdom was saved by Mario.

Mario is always represented by his trademark red color. The mini-games test Mario's luck, skill, and endurance and reward him with coins. In the first three Mario Party games, Mario aimed to become the superstar. Though Mario doesn't have many distinguishable abilities from the other Mario Party characters, the most notable difference is Mario's ability to use the [[Fireball Orb]] in ''[[Mario Party 7]]''. Whenever Mario used an [[Orb]] on a space, the space would have Mario's "M" insignia. As revealed in the official artwork of ''[[Mario Party 4]]'', Mario's item of choice is the [[Mega Mushroom]]. Mario's Duel Mode partner is the defensive [[Koopa Troopa]] in ''[[Mario Party 3]]'', and the booklet says that his favorite item is the [[Golden Mushroom]]. He also challenged the player for the Courage [[Star Stamp]] if he was not selected. Throughout the series, Mario's famed jumping ability is also evened out with the other characters, leveling the playing field. This also shows Mario's chemistry between other player when they team up.

===''Luigi's Mansion''===

[[File:LM MarioTrapped.jpg|thumb|Mario trapped in the portrait.]]

After getting the keys, Bowser stole them. Bowser went to his castle and Mario followed him with the S.S. Brass. Mario did the "Final Dance Off" with him and got the Music Keys back. They then were all returned to the Truffle Tower.

[[File:MSB Mario.jpg|150px|left|thumb|Mario hitting a slammer.]]

The multi-talented plumber has also played baseball in ''[[Mario Superstar Baseball]]'' and ''[[Mario Super Sluggers]].'' Again, Mario is a balanced character although Mario is a bit of a slow runner in the first game. Mario's special ball is the classic [[Fireball]], which dazzles other players with smoky speed. Mario's abilities are very similar to Luigi's. Mario's default team is the Mario Sunshines in ''Mario Superstar Baseball'' which mostly consists of the non-playable characters from ''Super Mario Sunshine''. In ''Mario Super Sluggers'', his team is called the Mario Fireballs, which consists of the Mario Bros., the Baby Mario Bros., Piantas, Nokis, and a Blooper.

===''Super Princess Peach''===

[[File:ArmyHammerBro.jpg|thumb|Mario held captive by a [[Hammer Bros.]].]]

===''Mario Hoops 3 on 3''===

[[File:MH3on3_Mario.jpg|thumb|150px|Mario, as seen in ''[[Mario Hoops 3 on 3]]''.]]

In ''[[Mario Hoops 3 on 3]]'', Mario is seen playing a sport that was not part of the series until then; basketball. His [[Special Shot]] was the [[Fire Shot]], which involved Mario dribbling the ball around him in the shape of an ''M'', and then either alley-oop or dunk a flaming red basketball into the hoop. To execute this move, the player must tap the touchscreen in the shape of the letter ''M''. Like the other sports games Mario has appeared in, he is classified as a balanced character.

===''Yoshi'' series===

[[File:Mario_Pit_Link.jpg|thumb|200px|right|[[Pit]] and Mario catch their breath after defeating [[Link]] and [[Yoshi]].]]

If Zelda is rescued, Mario and Pit end up facing a [[False Zelda]], with Pit destroying her [[Dark Cannon]] that she was about to fire at Link and Yoshi. Link sees the Zelda trophy dissolve, and he and Yoshi attack Mario and Pit. Mario and Pit defeat them, but Mario sees the Peach trophy in the Cargo before Dedede takes Yoshi and Link. When Kirby saves them, Link is the one that blows out the engine.

=====Pursuing Dedede=====

Regardless, Mario and his team chase Dedede through a cave and into his castle, only to find his throne room a mess and himself and the trophies he had nowhere to be found. They go through a secret passage and see [[Bowser]] trying to get away. Mario attacks, only to find that he has the princess not rescued from Petey Piranha. Pit fires an arrow, but Bowser dodges, and the badge that the princess was wearing falls. Bowser gets away, and Kirby eats the badge.

The move originates from the ''[[Super Mario Bros. (series)|Super Mario Bros.]]'' games, whereas if Mario or Luigi grab a [[Fire Flower]], they gain the ability to chuck fireballs from their hands.

=====Cape=====

The move originated from ''[[Super Mario World]]'', when Mario grabs a [[Cape Feather]], he will get a cape and can attack enemies just by swinging it.

=====Super Jump Punch=====

[[File:Super_Jump_Punch_Mario_Brawl.jpg|thumb|200px|right|'''Super Jump Punch''']]

This move originated from ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'', where if Mario jumps under certain blocks, coins will appear from the blocks. Plus, Mario, when using the move, would always be in the pose when he jumps in ''Super Mario Bros''.

=====Mario Tornado=====

[[File:MarioTornado.jpg|200px|left|thumb|'''Mario Tornado''']]

It is possible that this move originated from ''[[Super Mario World]]'', where it's called the [[Spin Jump]].

=====F.L.U.D.D.=====

[[File:mario finalsmash3.jpg|200px|left|thumb|'''Mario Finale''']]

The Mario Finale is Mario's [[Final Smash]] in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and is also the first Final Smash ever shown. As with any Final Smash, Mario must first collect a [[Smash Ball]]. Mario unleashes a giant wave of flames, which expands vertically before him. This bursts across the stage in front of him devastating any opponents in front of him by causing damage and pushing them off the screen along with the wave. This is best used on the sides of a stage. This way, enemies will be unable to stand behind Mario and be safe from the blast. This move was the first Final Smash shown in the 2006 E3 trailer. The move is an original one, not based on any specific power in the Mario series other than the traditional [[Fire Mario]].

Mario attempted to chase his old rival down and saved the Mini Mario Toys. After saving all of his toys and putting them in the [[Toy Chest]]s, Mario taught Donkey Kong a lesson (but out of pity, gave him a Mini Mario of his own). The Mario Toy Company was then saved by the founder himself, Mario.

====''Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis''====

After all the trouble. Mario once again opens the door and sees Donkey Kong, Pauline and two Mini Mario's, confused by this, Mario then sees Pauline with a clipboard,showing that the Mini Mario model passed the test. Mario shrugs, and then celebrates with Donkey Kong, Pauline, and the rest of his minis.

[[File:MarioOlympic.jpg|thumb|100px|Mario in ''Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games''.]]

Mario also appears in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games]]'', where he is classified as an "All Around" character, and is well rounded in any event. He participates in a variety of Olympic events, such as swimming, track & field, and archery. He makes a return in ''[[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Winter Games]]'' as once again a all around type. During the Adventure Tour of the DS version, he joins forces with [[Sonic]] to save the Snow Spirits from Bowser and Dr. Eggman after they capture them to melt all the snow so they can make their own Winter Games. Some events in which Mario participates in ''Winter Games'' include Speed Skating, Alpine Skiing, and Snowboarding.

[[File:MarioSSS.png|thumb|140px|Mario seen in his traditional trademark outfit.]]

Mario's distinctive look is due to technology restrictions in the mid-'80s: with a limited number of pixels and colors, the programmers could not animate Mario's movement without making his arms "disappear" if his shirt was a solid color; they did not have the space to give him a mouth; and they could not animate hair, so Mario got overalls, a [[mustache]], and a cap to bypass these problems. Mario's creator Shigeru Miyamoto has also stated when interviewed that Mario wears a cap because he finds it difficult to draw hair, the same reason Mario and Luigi have mustaches.

When Mario was first conceived, he looked, more or less, as he does today: a short, plump man with the trademark hat, brown hair, black mustache and overalls. He normally wears blue overalls on top of a red shirt, but such was not always the case. Originally, he wore red overalls on top of a blue shirt &ndash; almost exactly the opposite of what he wears now. The Famicom version of [[Mario Bros. (game)|Mario Bros.]] was the first game to depict Mario with blue overalls and a red undershirt (Although on the boxart he was depicted entirely in blue); however, it was ''[[Super Mario Bros. 2]]'' that standardized today's blue overalls-on-red shirt outfit. (Incidentally, the original ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' has neither in-game; Mario wears a brown shirt with red overalls). Mario's outfit rarely changes, though he's known to change it on occasion if the situation calls for it. For example, in ''[[Super Mario Sunshine]]'', Mario wore short sleeves instead of his usual long sleeved shirt, and could even forgo this entirely in favor of a more tropical shirt design worn over his normal shirt, which he always wore with sunglasses. When Mario appeared in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' and ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl|Brawl]]'', his clothing was much more realistic than it was in ''[[Super Smash Bros.|Super Smash Bros.]]''

*Mario's first and trademark ability is his [[Jump]], which allows him to leap two stories high, while doing two flips and a twist. He is the second best jumper in the Mushroom Kingdom, only bested by [[Luigi]]. He is also capable of several variations, including the [[Back Flip]] and the [[Spin Jump]].

*Mario is always associated with the element of fire.

===Mario's Various Powerups===

==Characteristics==

Officially, Nintendo producers have stated that Mario's biography is kept simple in order to make the character versatile and reusable in many different games and situations. Mario is indeed one of the most underdeveloped characters in the ''Mario'' series, with characters such as [[Bowser]] and [[Princess Peach]] having more complex, consistent, and unique back stories. In fact, his brother [[Luigi]] has even gained more of a personality in recent games, while Mario has stayed "flat".

|team=Mario Fireballs

|stadium=Mario Stadium

|pitch=6/10

|bat=7/10