Was Mario Supposed to be Evil?
Mario, the iconic character created by Shigeru Miyamoto, has been a beloved figure in the world of gaming for decades. However, did you know that Mario was not always the heroic plumber we know today? In fact, Mario was originally designed to be a carpenter, and his early adventures were quite different from the ones we’re familiar with.
The Early Years
Mario’s first appearance was in the 1981 arcade game Donkey Kong, where he was known as Jumpman. At the time, Mario was a carpenter who had to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from the clutches of Donkey Kong. Jumpman was not yet the Mario we know today, but he was already showing signs of his future heroic persona.
The Evolution of Mario
Fast forward to the late 1980s, when Mario first appeared in the Super Mario Bros. series. By this time, Mario had evolved into a plumber, and his adventures took place in the Mushroom Kingdom. Super Mario Bros. was a massive hit, and Mario became a household name.
Was Mario Supposed to be Evil?
So, was Mario always meant to be a heroic character? According to Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario, the answer is no. In an interview with NPR, Miyamoto revealed that Mario was originally designed to be a villainous character. Miyamoto explained that he wanted to create a character that was the opposite of the traditional hero, someone who was more relatable and flawed.
The Darker Side of Mario
This darker side of Mario can be seen in some of his early adventures, such as Super Paper Mario, where he is depicted as a more aggressive and vengeful character. Super Paper Mario is a unique game that combines 2D and 3D gameplay, and it features a more mature storyline than some of Mario’s other adventures.
The Brainwashing of Luigi
In Super Paper Mario, Mario’s brother Luigi is brainwashed by the villainous Count Bleck, and he becomes a darker version of himself, known as Mr. L. Mr. L is a more aggressive and menacing character than Luigi, and he serves as a foil to Mario’s heroic persona.
The Death Stare
Another aspect of Mario’s darker side is the infamous "Death Stare", which has been the subject of much speculation and debate among fans. The Death Stare is a unique animation that Mario uses to intimidate his enemies, and it has been interpreted as a sign of his darker nature.
The Evolution of Luigi
Luigi, Mario’s trusty brother, has also undergone significant changes over the years. Luigi was originally depicted as a timid and cowardly character, but in recent years, he has become a more confident and heroic figure. Luigi has even starred in his own games, such as New Super Luigi U, which showcases his skills as a hero in his own right.
The Love Life of Mario
Mario’s love life has also been the subject of much speculation and debate. Daisy, the princess of Sarasaland, has been a long-time love interest of Mario’s, and the two have even starred together in their own games, such as Mario Tennis. Daisy is a strong and independent character who is not afraid to stand up for herself, and she is a great match for Mario’s heroic persona.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mario was not always the heroic character we know today. Miyamoto‘s original vision for Mario was a darker and more villainous character, and some of his early adventures reflect this. The Death Stare, Luigi‘s brainwashing, and Super Paper Mario are all examples of Mario’s darker side, and they add depth and complexity to his character.