I started to play Mario games back in the late 80’s. When Mario video games were first released there were thousands upon thousands of people up all night trying to get to the “last level” in the original Mario. The talk around the water cooler was all about the Mario video games and where, or what “world” you had made it to. Everybody in the family would rush home from work to play Mario games and would lose countless hours of sleep. All Mario games had become the craze just like the yo-yo and the hula-hoop, but worse. The release of Mario video games was the beginning of an addiction that has been around now for over 20 years. There is no end in sight, as it appears we will play Mario games for the next 20 years as well. But what is it that makes all Mario games so popular? Well for one thing all Mario games have the following things in common.
Mario is simply a very charming character. He is an ordinary guy that is pitted against unlikely foes and evil villains as he relentlessly tries to gain the freedom of an innocent princess. Mario is not just a plumber when he begins to power up.
Mario has quite a wardrobe that no matter what he is wearing it always seems to help him out in a time of need. Whether it is a frog suit or a bee’s suit, the abilities that come with them always seem to help.
All Mario games rocked when viewed in 2D. But now with games available in 3D there are vividly detailed graphics, exploratory levels all of which have become instant fan favorites.
We all know about Bowser. His goal is to just make Mario’s life difficult. Armed with a spiked turtle shell, flame breath and a bad attitude, he is a villain that likes to be difficult. He likes to kidnap the princess every chance he gets and the most memorable moment are in the Super Mario 64 when he battled Mario on a swiveling platform.
Anybody can play Mario games. Even if you have never picked up a controller, you will find Mario games easy to play. The innocent charm of all Mario games makes them an instant winner with all age groups.
We cannot leave out all the friends in Mario’s posse. Toad has a mushroom hat and an annoying voice but provides tips to Mario. Let us not forget the addition of Yoshi in Super Mario World with his joyful attitude and humongous appetite.
All Mario games come with a unique gimmick from riding a teeter-tottering board to a terminator 2-style metal suit, each game has something new that all fans notice immediately. There are always new game play modifications that are always addictive. These additions never ever seem to get old; in fact these additions are now expected in every release of a new Mario Bros. game.
All Mario games no matter how old or worn out they appear to be, are still entertaining and enjoyable to play, even if it is only for a few minutes. I still dust off the original Mario Bros. And try to reach that last level. We play Mario games in our house almost weekly because Mario video games just never ever seem to grow old.