Mario- What do you think is the appeal...

[rainfyre66]

I love Mario and his crazy universe. My daughter is starting to love it too. But really, if you lay it out for what it is- a game where a stereotypical, chubby Italian plumber eats magic mushrooms and battles monstrous turtles...hmm. It sounds like it should just be some cute novelty thing, right? Like, hey, remember that game from the 80's that people used to play all the time, with the plumber who went down pipes and fought turtles and stuff? But Mario has not only managed to come out with well-loved games running 25 years strong (over 25, if you want to include Donkey Kong and original Mario Bros.), but to have maintained his rep as THE gaming mascot for decades now, that's impressive. Sure we have our other famous game heroes and characters, but none as quintessential as Mario. He still has yet to be replaced by someone "cooler" (though Sonic once tried!). So what do you think is the reason for the longevity and appeal of the world of Super Mario Bros.?

[The Green Fox]

The games are extremely playable, and the gameplay usually delivers pretty well. People play the games for the gameplay. Also, the characters are loveable.

BUT....

if you really want to know the true secret, watch this video, it explains everything, including the mass appeal of Mario. 

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQjzFHjaal0

[Mr. Krystal]

How in the world is Mario a stereotypical ANYTHING? He's his own man. He doesn't act like an Italian or a plumber.

[Showtime 1-1]

Mario is like the default video game. It's easy and approachable for first-time players, everything is as straight-forward as it gets: don't die, and get to the princess. No confusing plot and no special anythings to get mixed up in.

That being said, it is a bright, fast-paced situational-awareness based game with enough interesting facets for more experienced gamers to enjoy. The difficulty depends on how you play, and overall it's just plain old entertaining.

[Star Fox Runner]

I honestly don't know why the game is so popular, I mean, though I love the game to death, the concept seems like something that was conceived from a drug trip. lol

I think really that it's just the air of innocence that the game exudes, everyone just wants to get away from violent games and just play something fun, funny, and innocent once in a while.

[Guest DRL]

It´s simplicity and fun will catch up almost everyone, regardless of your favourite game genre, it is still very fun to play.

My mother for example, only knows how to play (LITERALLY) 2 games: Mario Bros., and Zuma.

[Asper Sarnoff]

I honestly don't know why the game is so popular, I mean, though I love the game to death, the concept seems like something that was conceived from a drug trip. lol

I think really that it's just the air of innocence that the game exudes, everyone just wants to get away from violent games and just play something fun, funny, and innocent once in a while.

Second this really. It's the wonderfully innocense and simpicity that all the Mario games have such a healthy dose of. People don't alway want to play realistic or dark games. Perhaps the most appealing concept of games are to escape from reality, be it for only a short amount of time.

[The Green Fox]

I'm telling you, this song explains why people

love Mario.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQjzFHjaal0

[Matt Macdowel]

well Mario is nintendo's aka mascot like micrsfot is halo and sony is erm idk what sony would be but they only reason mario is so famous is because mario games are easy to make unlike other nintendo games.

[DZComposer]

I wouldn't say Mario games are easy to make from either a technical perspective or a design perspective.

Look at SMG, for instance. Coding the physics engine for that game had to have been a real bitch. Multiple objects in the game space, each with it's own gravitational force, and the different means that exist to escape said force. I suspect that SMG2 is using the same engine. Why rewrite code?

Also, since the Mario series practically set the standard for platformers in both 2D and 3D environments, they HAVE to be well-made games. They have to control well, and they have to be entertaining.

Another challenge with Mario games is that Nintnedo has to make a game that anyone can play, while at the same time providing challenges for more experienced players. This isn't easy either.

[EazyIN]

^

This, all the way 100%

[The Green Fox]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQjzFHjaal0

This song on Youtube. Just sayin'

[Sideways]

You've posted that link three times, I think we get it.

[The Green Fox]

You've posted that link three times, I think we get it.

WE GET THE IDEA, green fox, why do you keep posting that link it's SPAM!!!!

Ok, but spam does go good with sandwiches.

WHAT?

Sorry.

Never mind.

[EazyIN]

I sense this topic getting locked soon.

[Sideways]

It will if it continues to stray off topic.

Now, back on topic.

Mario has always been a fun game - addicting and easy to pick up and put down. The storyline's never complicated and there really isn't much to learn to do. Jump, stomp on enemies heads, etc..

[Matt Macdowel]

It will if it continues to stray off topic.

Now, back on topic.

Mario has always been a fun game - addicting and easy to pick up and put down. The storyline's never complicated and there really isn't much to learn to do. Jump, stomp on enemies heads, etc..

agreed but personal i only consider mario like the 2d ones where u jump on the guys head the other marios don't count at all. but Mario could be change around a little.