The Legacy of  Super Mario: Exploring 35 Years of Innovation and Influence

Super Mario’s legacy began as a video game, with the games being like happy pills, offering doses of joy and comfort even on a stressful day. Super Mario games, with intriguing levels that keep you hooked, are like swallowing a whole bottle of fun. While there are various forms of games to explore, Super Mario games stand out as a legendary platform game challenging players to conquer levels and become superheroes.

Like Mario and his brother Luigi’s strong bond, the Super Mario game builds an irresistible connection that leaves players wanting more. As Roald Dahl famously says, “Life is more fun if you play games.” Nowadays, gambling lovers have various games to choose from and even a list of no deposit bonus casino in Australia, but Mario remains an all-time classic. After the Super Mario games widespread popularity, more features outside gaming were added, leading to the creation of the Super Mario Universe. Let us explore the Super Mario Universe and unravel its everlasting legacy.

The Super Mario Universe  

The Super Mario Universe, popularly known as the “Super Mario franchise,” was created by Japanese game designer “Shigeru Miyamoto” for a video game company, “Nintendo,” which is responsible for its production and publishing. The Super Mario franchise initially started as a video game called The Super Mario Bros in 1985 but has now extended to other forms, which include different forms of media, spin-offs, products and every creation associated with the character Mario even though the gaming aspect still covers a broader part of the Super Mario franchise. The Super Mario franchise is like another world, with thirty-nine years of creativity in 2024. The last major celebration of its legacy was in 2020, which marked 35 years of creativity. Let us dive into the evolution of the Super Mario franchise.

Evolution of the Super Mario Franchise  

The Evolution of the Super Mario franchise began with the origin of the “Super Mario Bros” first installment in the Super Mario games series to the new features incorporated into the franchise. It includes the  Super Mario games series exclusively created by Nintendo games, although some were also released by non-Nintendo platforms. There are several games in these series, such as :

Super Mario Bros

The Mario character was initially introduced in the arcade game Donkey Kong in 1981. The Mario character was referred to as Jump Man and designed by Shigeru Miyamoto; this paved the way for its popularity. In 1985, Nintendo decided to utilise this popularity and start its games series, leading to the creation of Super Mario Bros, The first installment of the series, which Shigeru also designed. This set the standard for jumping platform games. Super Mario is genuinely for the Japanese. 

Several other series, sequels and sub-series were created after, such as Super Mario 64(1996), Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy(2007), and Super Mario Bros. Wonder(2023 ), each with its unique gameplay mechanics and features.  

Spin-Off Series

Super Mario, though introduced as a platform game, over time, was incorporated into other game types, which include role-playing games such as Super Mario RPG with its spin-offs, Puzzle games such as Dr Mario series, party games such as Mario Party DS, sports games such as Mario’s tennis, racing games such as Mario Kart, Educational games such as Mario teaches typing all published by Nintendo. Super Mario evolution was designed to suit all user interests. Super Mario also inspired other game companies’ creations, such as Ubisoft, Philips, EA and several others, which led to the development of the Super Mario non-Nintendo games category.

As the game series evolves, its gameplay mechanics are also improved. The series began as a simple 2D platform (1985- 1986), introducing players to Mario’s jumping and running mechanics. Later, new features such as power-ups, enemies and more vibrant designs were incorporated. With technological advancements, captivating 3D features were introduced in 1996 and are still used. It includes design improvements, more challenging levels, multiplayer features, online features, new power-ups, mini-game character switches, touchscreen interactions, and other mind-blowing features. The spin-off series also introduced new gameplay features such as interactive roles, sports, puzzles, etc. The gameplay also transitioned from Nintendo consoles to availability on smartphones, PCs and playstations, Augmented reality and virtual reality.

Expansion of the Super Mario Franchise

The Super Mario franchise, through collaborations and partnerships, extended beyond games to include the following :

• Media: From the late 1980s to the early 1990s, Comics, manga, children’s cartoons, movies, and TV series based on the Super Mario game were released. Although the comics and manga were quite popular, the TV series and movies were primarily flops, and some were discontinued. The Super Mario Bros Animated Movie(2023) became the game changer, breaking records at the box office.
• Partnership: Super Mario logos and faces appeared on several products such as magazines, lunchboxes, candies, Commercials, Toys, cereals, and even Shampoo bottles! Board games, Lego sets, and a Super Mario-themed pinball machine were also created. Super Mario indeed works like a magical spell.
• Concerts: The Super Mario theme song has also been featured in many concerts, live plays, and orchestras, such as the Columbus Symphony Orchestra’s Live concerts. 
• Tourist Attraction: The Super Mario Nintendo World at Universal Studio Japan provides an exciting Super Mario theme adventure with physical gameplay, thrilling rides, and collectables based on several Nintendo creations. 

The Lasting Legacy of Super Mario 

The legacy of Super Mario is everlasting, with a promising future. It influenced the dynamics of gaming and spans throughout generations. The following are the legacy of The Super Mario Franchise. 

• Creativity and influence: The Super Mario series left an unforgettable imprint in the gaming world, paving the way for other games and developers. Its gameplay mechanics inspired other game developers to borrow its designs, interactive roles and other unique techniques. 
• Cultural impact: Super Mario is one of the most loved characters in gaming history, evident by its widespread incorporation into various products. Its unique appearance and funny catchphrases also made it a remarkable character.
• Pioneer role: Nintendo’s commitment to the Super Mario series over the years, with exceptional quality, diversity, and memorable characters, made it a pioneer in interactive entertainment. 
• Lasting popularity: The Super Mario series, considered one of the greatest video games of all time, is still as popular as ever. Its popularity is widespread, with new releases still capturing the hearts of audiences for over three decades and still counting. 
• Extensive Expansion: Expanding media and products into the Super Mario franchise shows its flexibility, inspiring creativity worldwide. 
• Nostalgia: It helps evoke nostalgic memories for those who grew up with the evolution of the Super Mario franchise and intrigues those new to it.

Super Mario’s legacy represents exceptional creativity, influence, popularity, and product integration. Unsurprisingly, the franchise has sold several and remains one of the greatest and best-selling video game franchises of all time. Regardless of the game genre you prefer or the inspiration you seek for your products, Super Mario consistently evokes a sense of wonder and nostalgia among gamers worldwide. Its enduring appeal ensures that its legacy extends and continues through generations to come.

I hope you liked this. As always, keep gaming 😉