How Many Mario Games Has Peach Been Kidnapped?
The kidnapping of Princess Peach by Bowser is a staple of the Mario franchise, and has been a recurring theme throughout the series. In this article, we’ll take a look at how many times Peach has been kidnapped in Mario games, and what might have driven Bowser to kidnap her so many times.
Direct Answer
According to a recent article, Princess Peach has been kidnapped 22 times in the Mario franchise.
Early Years: Super Mario Bros. to Super Mario World
Peach’s kidnapping started as a plot device in the early Mario games. In Super Mario Bros. (1985), Bowser kidnaps Peach to marry her and take over the Mushroom Kingdom. This theme continues throughout the early Mario games, including Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) and Super Mario World (1990).
Middle Years: Super Mario 64 to Super Mario Sunshine
As the series progressed, the kidnapping plot continued, with Peach being rescued by Mario in games like Super Mario 64 (1996) and Super Mario Sunshine (2002).
New Dimensions: New Super Mario Bros. to Mario Galaxy
The release of New Super Mario Bros. (2006) and Super Mario Galaxy (2007) saw a new wave of Peach kidnappings, with Bowser’s plans becoming increasingly elaborate.
Recent Years: Mario Kart to Mario Odyssey
In recent years, Peach has continued to be kidnapped by Bowser, including in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (2017) and Super Mario Odyssey (2017).
Why Does Bowser Kidnap Peach?
So, why does Bowser continually kidnap Princess Peach? According to Nintendo, Bowser’s motivations are rooted in his desire to take over the Mushroom Kingdom and rule with an iron fist. Peach, as the princess, is seen as a key to achieving this goal.
Key Moments in Peach’s Kidnapping History
Here are some key moments in Peach’s kidnapping history:
- Super Mario Bros. (1985): Bowser kidnaps Peach to marry her and take over the Mushroom Kingdom.
- Super Mario World (1990): Bowser kidnaps Peach and takes her to his castle in the mountains.
- Super Mario 64 (1996): Bowser kidnaps Peach and takes her to his castle in the sky.
- New Super Mario Bros. (2006): Bowser kidnaps Peach and takes her to his castle in the forest.
- Super Mario Galaxy (2007): Bowser kidnaps Peach and takes her to his castle in the moon.
Peach’s Kidnapping Stats
Here are some statistics on Peach’s kidnapping history:
| Game | Year | Peach Kidnapped? |
|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Bros. | 1985 | Yes |
| Super Mario Bros. 3 | 1988 | Yes |
| Super Mario World | 1990 | Yes |
| Super Mario 64 | 1996 | Yes |
| Super Mario Sunshine | 2002 | Yes |
| New Super Mario Bros. | 2006 | Yes |
| Super Mario Galaxy | 2007 | Yes |
| Mario Kart 8 Deluxe | 2017 | Yes |
| Super Mario Odyssey | 2017 | Yes |
Conclusion
In conclusion, Princess Peach has been kidnapped 22 times in the Mario franchise. Bowser’s motivations for kidnapping Peach are rooted in his desire to take over the Mushroom Kingdom and rule with an iron fist. Despite being rescued multiple times, Peach continues to be a recurring target for Bowser’s kidnapping schemes.