How Nintendo Conquered America with Super Mario: The Rise of a Gaming Icon
If you’re a gamer, there’s a high chance that you know who Super Mario is. The character has become a pop-culture icon and is a household name amongst gamers and non-gamers alike. But have you ever wondered about the history behind the character? Where did he come from, and how did he become so popular? In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the evolution of Super Mario and how it became a cultural phenomenon.
The Early Days: Nintendo and Arcade Games
Before we get into the birth of Super Mario, we need to start from the beginning. Nintendo started as a company that produced Hanafuda cards, a traditional Japanese card game, in 1889. After World War II, Nintendo moved towards the production of plastic toys and eventually became involved in the video game industry in the ’70s.
In the early ’80s, Nintendo released its first arcade game, Donkey Kong, which featured a character named “Jumpman.” It would later become the base for the famous plumber we know and love today.
Super Mario: The Creation and Evolution
The first Super Mario game, titled “Super Mario Bros.,” was released in 1985 and changed the gaming industry forever. The game starred two characters: Mario and Luigi, and players had to navigate them through a mushroom-filled world to save Princess Peach from the infamous Bowser.
The game was a massive success and is credited with reviving the gaming industry and making Nintendo a dominant player in the market. Over the years, Super Mario has evolved, with different iterations appearing on different platforms like Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo 64, Gameboy, Wii, and Switch.
From the original 8-bit version to the modern 3D graphics, Super Mario has undergone significant transformations while still retaining its charm and essence.
The Legacy of Super Mario: Pop-culture Phenomenon
Super Mario’s success can be attributed to its innovative level design, controls, and its charming characters. The game’s popularity led to the creation of various franchises like Super Mario Kart, Super Mario Party, and Paper Mario.
The franchise has become so influential that you can find references to Super Mario across pop culture, from movies to TV shows to merchandise. The character is a cultural icon and has become a common reference point, even for non-gamers.
Frequent Asked Questions
How did Mario get his name?
Mario was originally known as “Jumpman” in the Donkey Kong arcade game. Nintendo of America’s office manager, Mario Segale, then asked for a rent payment from the company, and the character was renamed to Mario to honor him.
Who created Super Mario?
The creator of Super Mario is Shigeru Miyamoto, a Japanese game designer, and producer who has been with Nintendo since its early days.
What makes Super Mario games so popular?
Super Mario games are popular because of their innovative level design, precise and responsive controls, and lovable characters.
Conclusion
Super Mario is an icon in the gaming industry and has stood the test of time. The franchise has continually reinvented itself while staying true to its roots, winning new generations of fans in the process. The charming characters and innovative gameplay have made the Super Mario franchise one of the most beloved in gaming history.