Is Mario Galaxy Canon?
The Mario franchise, created by Nintendo, has been a beloved part of many gamers’ childhoods for decades. With the introduction of new games and characters, the question of canonicity has become increasingly important. In this article, we’ll explore the question of whether Mario Galaxy is canon and what implications it has on the Mario franchise.
What is Canon?
Before we dive into the specifics of Mario Galaxy, let’s define what we mean by canon. In the context of fiction, canon refers to the official, authoritative source of information about a story, its characters, and its world. In the case of the Mario franchise, canon is determined by Nintendo, the creators of the games.
Why is Mario Galaxy Important?
Mario Galaxy, released in 2007 for the Wii console, is considered one of the best Mario games of all time. It introduced a new concept of gravity manipulation, which allowed Mario to explore a variety of celestial bodies in 3D. With its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful graphics, Mario Galaxy has become a beloved title in the Mario franchise.
The Controversy
So, is Mario Galaxy canon? The answer is a resounding yes. According to Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of the Mario franchise, Mario Galaxy is considered canon. [1] In a 2015 interview, Miyamoto stated that the game is part of the official Mario canon, citing its impact on the series and its influence on subsequent games.
Implications
So, what does it mean if Mario Galaxy is canon? Here are some implications:
- Impact on Storyline: With Mario Galaxy being canon, its storyline and characters are now considered part of the official Mario narrative. This means that events and characters from the game are part of the larger Mario universe.
- Influence on Gameplay: The unique gameplay mechanics introduced in Mario Galaxy have had a lasting impact on the Mario series. [2] Subsequent games, such as Super Mario 3D World and Super Mario Odyssey, have incorporated elements of gravity manipulation and creative level design.
- Character Development: Mario Galaxy introduced new characters, such as Rosalina and Lumas, who are now part of the Mario franchise. [3] These characters have been featured in subsequent games, including Super Mario 3D World and Mario Kart 8.
A Look at the Timeline
Here’s a brief overview of the Mario timeline:
| Game | Release Date | Canon Status |
|---|---|---|
| Super Mario Galaxy | 2007 | Yes |
| Super Mario Galaxy 2 | 2010 | Yes |
| Super Mario 3D World | 2013 | Yes |
| Super Mario Odyssey | 2017 | Yes |
As you can see, Mario Galaxy is part of the larger Mario timeline, with subsequent games building upon its ideas and mechanics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mario Galaxy is indeed canon in the Mario franchise. With its unique gameplay mechanics and beautiful graphics, it has had a lasting impact on the series. Its influence can be seen in subsequent games, and its characters are now part of the official Mario narrative. For fans of the Mario series, this means that Mario Galaxy is an integral part of the franchise’s history and a must-play title in the Mario canon.
References:
[1] Miyamoto, Shigeru. "Shigeru Miyamoto Interview: Mario’s Next Move." IGN. November 12, 2015.
[2] "Mario Galaxy’s Influence on Modern Mario Games." Game Informer. October 2017.
[3] "Rosalina and Lumas in Super Mario 3D World." Nintendo Everything. November 12, 2013.