Super Mario is one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time. Since the release of the original Super Mario Bros. in 1985, Mario has become an iconic character in gaming culture, and his adventures have captured the hearts and imaginations of players around the world. In this blog, we’ll take a look at the history of the Super Mario franchise, its most popular games, and the impact that Mario has had on the gaming industry.
Super Mario 64
Super Mario 64 was released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, and it marked a major shift in the Mario franchise. The game was the first 3D platformer to feature Mario, and it was a huge success. The game’s innovative gameplay, expansive worlds, and creative puzzles helped to establish 3D platformers as a viable genre, and it set the standard for future Mario games.
Super Mario World
Super Mario World was released in 1990 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest 2D platformers of all time. The game introduced a number of new gameplay mechanics, including Yoshi, the friendly dinosaur who would go on to become a staple of the Mario franchise. The game’s colorful graphics, memorable music, and tight controls helped to make it an instant classic.
Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey was released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch, and it is one of the most recent entries in the Super Mario franchise. The game features a wide range of new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to capture and control various creatures and objects using Mario’s hat. The game’s creative worlds, stunning visuals, and catchy music helped to make it one of the most popular games of 2017, and it continues to be a fan favorite today.
Impact of Super Mario on Gaming
The impact of Super Mario on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. The franchise has been a major player in the industry for over 35 years, and it has helped to shape the way that we think about video games. Here are just a few ways that has influenced the gaming industry:
Popularizing the Platforming Genre
Super Mario Bros. is widely regarded as the game that popularized the platforming genre. The game’s simple but addictive gameplay, colorful graphics, and memorable music helped to establish platformers as one of the most popular genres in gaming. Today, platformers continue to be one of the most popular genres, and many of the most successful games in recent years (such as Celeste, Hollow Knight, and Ori and the Blind Forest) owe a debt of gratitude to the original Super Mario Bros.
Pushing Technological Boundaries
Throughout the history of the franchise, Nintendo has pushed the boundaries of what is possible with video game technology. Super Mario Bros. was one of the first games to feature scrolling backgrounds, which was a major technical achievement at the time. Super Mario 64 was the first 3D platformer, and it set the standard for future 3D platformers. And Super Mario Odyssey features some of the most impressive graphics and physics in any game to date. The Super Mario franchise has always been at the forefront of gaming technology, and it continues to push the boundaries of what is possible with each new release.
Creating a Memorable and Beloved Character
Mario is one of the most beloved characters in all of gaming. His infectious personality, charming design, and heroic adventures have captured the hearts of players around the world. Mario has become an icon in gaming culture, and he has appeared in countless other forms of media (such as movies, TV shows, and merchandise). The popularity of Mario has helped to establish video games as a mainstream form of entertainment, and it has helped to bring gaming to a wider audience.
Establishing Nintendo as a Major Player in the Gaming Industry
Nintendo has been a major player in the gaming industry for over 40 years, and much of that success can be attributed to the Super Mario franchise. The success of the original Bros. helped to establish the NES as a dominant force in the gaming market, and subsequent Mario games have helped to establish Nintendo as one of the most innovative and successful companies in the industry. Today, Nintendo continues to be a major player in the gaming industry, and the Super Mario franchise remains one of its most important and beloved properties.
Conclusion
The Super Mario franchise is a true gaming icon. Over the course of its 35-year history, the franchise has helped to shape the gaming industry in countless ways. From popularizing the platforming genre to pushing technological boundaries to creating a beloved and iconic character, the impact of Super Mario on the gaming industry cannot be overstated. With each new release, the franchise continues to innovate and surprise players, and it remains as relevant and beloved today as it was in 1985.
