Who is Mario Based Off Of?
Mario, the iconic video game character created by Shigeru Miyamoto, has been a beloved figure in the gaming world for decades. With his red hat, blue overalls, and mustache, Mario has become synonymous with platforming games. But who is Mario based off of? The answer might surprise you.
Mario’s Inspiration
Mario’s creation story is closely tied to his original appearance in the 1981 arcade game, Donkey Kong. At the time, Miyamoto was working on a game that featured a carpenter who had to rescue a damsel in distress named Pauline from a giant ape named Donkey Kong. The game’s protagonist was initially called "Jumpman" due to his ability to jump and climb ladders.
Miyamoto has revealed that Jumpman was inspired by Mario Segale, an American of Italian descent who was renting a warehouse to Nintendo of America in the 1970s. Segale’s physical appearance, including his mustache and hat, influenced the design of Jumpman, who would later become Mario.
Segale’s Background
Mario Segale was born in 1934 in Ohio and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. After his military service, he moved to Washington state, where he worked as a truck driver and a carpenter. In the 1970s, he rented a warehouse to Nintendo of America, which was expanding its operations in the United States.
Miyamoto has stated that Segale’s friendly and outgoing personality, as well as his physical appearance, made a lasting impression on him. The character of Jumpman, later renamed Mario, was born from these inspirations.
Evolution of Mario’s Design
Over the years, Mario’s design has undergone significant changes, but his core characteristics have remained the same. His red hat and blue overalls, which were introduced in the original Super Mario Bros. game, have become iconic and are instantly recognizable.
Interesting Facts About Mario
- Mario’s full name is Mario Mario, according to an interview with Shigeru Miyamoto.
- Mario’s parents were named "Mama Mia Mario" and "Papa Pia Mario," according to an interview with Miyamoto.
- Mario’s doppelganger is Shadow Mario, who appears in Super Mario Sunshine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Mario’s creation was inspired by Mario Segale, an American of Italian descent who rented a warehouse to Nintendo of America in the 1970s. Segale’s physical appearance and personality influenced the design of Jumpman, who would later become Mario. Over the years, Mario’s design has undergone significant changes, but his core characteristics have remained the same. Today, Mario is one of the most recognizable and beloved video game characters in the world.
References
- "The Mario Brothers" by IGN
- "The Creation of Mario" by Game Informer
- "Mario’s Real-Life Inspiration" by Polygon
- "The Evolution of Mario’s Design" by The Verge
Table: Mario’s Design Evolution
| Game | Mario’s Design |
|---|---|
| Donkey Kong (1981) | Jumpman (initial design) |
| Super Mario Bros. (1985) | Red hat, blue overalls, mustache |
| Super Mario World (1990) | Red hat, blue overalls, mustache, more defined facial features |
| New Super Mario Bros. (2006) | Red hat, blue overalls, mustache, more detailed graphics |
Bullets List: Interesting Facts About Mario
• Mario’s full name is Mario Mario.
• Mario’s parents were named "Mama Mia Mario" and "Papa Pia Mario."
• Mario’s doppelganger is Shadow Mario.
• Mario has appeared in over 200 video games.
• Mario is one of the most recognizable video game characters in the world.