There is no character more widely known in video game history than Nintendo’s flagship character Mario. While that statement could be argued, the fact remains that Mario games have outsold 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.
[cbc:+gb:+eu]
 |
New Super Mario Brothers – Wii – from New Super Mario Brothers – DS – from Mario Kart with Wii Wheel – Wii – from Mario Kart DS – DS – from Mario Olympic Winter Games – Wii – from Mario Olympic Winter Games – DS – from Super Mario Galaxy – Wii – from Super Mario Galaxy 2 – Wii – from |
|
[/cbc]
[cbc:+us:+ca]
 |
New Super Mario Brothers – Wii – from New Super Mario Brothers – DS – from Mario Kart with Wii Wheel – Wii – from Mario Kart DS – DS – from Mario Olympic Winter Games – Wii – from Mario Olympic Winter Games – DS – from Super Mario Galaxy – Wii – from Super Mario Galaxy 2 – Wii – from |
|
[/cbc]
Many people have logged countless hours reaching to rescue 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 racoon 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 renowned characters.
Even today, the Mario franchise is still going strong. Mario is for certain 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 exceptional worlds.
To have a true gaming experience, check out – freemariogames.net, a company that provides free arcade games to its visitors. They have a huge collection of latest free mario games and one can visit the website and make huge scores, all free of cost. With this website one can enjoy playing free games anywhere, anytime.
Tags: Computer Games, DS, entertainment, flash games, games, kids games, Mario, mario games, video games, Wii