Is Mario is missing canon?

Is Mario is Missing Canon?

The Mario franchise has been a beloved part of many gamers’ childhoods, with iconic characters like Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach making appearances in numerous games across various platforms. However, one game that has been shrouded in controversy is Mario is Missing, an educational game released in 1992 for MS-DOS. But is Mario is Missing canon? Let’s dive into the details and explore the answer.

Rule 1: Nintendo Published Games are Canon

According to the Mario fandom, a game must be published by Nintendo to be considered canon. This rule is straightforward and has been consistently applied throughout the franchise’s history. Mario is Missing, on the other hand, was developed by The Software Toolworks, a third-party developer, and published by a different company. This raises questions about its canonicity.

The Lack of Nintendo Involvement

Another crucial factor that suggests Mario is Missing may not be canon is the lack of involvement from Nintendo. The company did not participate in the game’s development, design, or publication, which is a significant departure from their usual approach. Typically, Nintendo is heavily involved in the creation and approval of Mario games, ensuring that they align with the franchise’s overall narrative and tone.

Character Descriptions and Storylines

The game’s storyline, characters, and settings differ significantly from the traditional Mario formula. Mario is not the main protagonist, but rather Luigi, who is tasked with rescuing Mario from Bowser. This departure from the usual narrative structure and character roles may indicate that Mario is Missing is not a part of the official Mario canon.

In-Game References and Crossovers

Some fans may argue that Mario is Missing is canon because it features in-game references to other Mario games and characters. However, these references can be attributed to the game’s use of existing Mario assets and trademarks, rather than a direct connection to the franchise’s narrative.

Conclusion: Is Mario is Missing Canon?

Based on the evidence presented, it can be concluded that Mario is Missing is not considered canon by the Mario fandom. The game’s lack of Nintendo involvement, departure from traditional character roles and storylines, and potential use of existing assets for commercial purposes all suggest that it is not an official part of the Mario franchise.

What Does this Mean for Fans?

For fans of the Mario franchise, this conclusion means that Mario is Missing is not a part of the official narrative or canon. While it may still be an enjoyable game to play, its significance and relevance to the larger Mario universe are limited. However, the game can still be appreciated as a unique and interesting entry in the Mario franchise, with its own distinct charm and gameplay mechanics.

Future Developments and Possibilities

As the Mario franchise continues to evolve, it’s possible that future games or media may reference or incorporate elements from Mario is Missing. If this happens, it could potentially recontextualize the game’s canonicity and significance within the franchise. However, until then, Mario is Missing remains an outlier in the Mario canon.

Table: Mario is Missing vs. Traditional Mario Games

By examining the facts and evidence, it becomes clear that Mario is Missing is not part of the official Mario canon. While it may not be a part of the franchise’s main narrative, it still holds significance as a unique and interesting entry in the Mario franchise.