Mario Clipart
Mario is one of the most iconic and recognizable video game characters in history. The Italian plumber with a red hat and blue overalls has starred in Nintendo games for over 30 years. The Super Mario franchise includes dozens of titles across various Nintendo consoles that have sold hundreds of millions of copies worldwide. Mario games continue to be bestsellers and are often considered among the greatest video games ever made.
History of Mario
Mario first appeared in 1981 as “Jumpman” in the Donkey Kong arcade game. Jumpman, a carpenter, had to rescue his girlfriend Pauline from the giant ape Donkey Kong. After Nintendo obtained rights to the game, Jumpman became “Mario” named after their landlord Mario Segale.
The first standalone Mario game came in 1983 – Mario Bros – which introduced Mario’s brother Luigi. Then in 1985, Super Mario Bros for the Nintendo Entertainment System launched Mario into stardom. This side scrolling 2D platformer defined the genre and was bundled with NES consoles.
As Nintendo released new systems like Super NES and Nintendo 64, groundbreaking Mario games like Super Mario World and Super Mario 64 showcased each hardware’s capabilities. Mario transitioned into 3D with the 1996 game bringing analog control and fully 3D environments.
Mario Gameplay Basics
The core Mario gameplay centers on 2D sidescrolling or 3D platforming action. Mario runs, jumps, battles enemies, collects powerups, and traverses platforms and obstacles over themed levels. Mario must reach the end of levels, defeating bosses to progress. Basic moves include jumping, attacking (stomping, punching, kicking), crouching and climbing.
Controls are simple, usually just directional movements, one or two action buttons, and occasionally camera control in 3D games. This accessible design allows the games to be enjoyed by novice and skilled gamers alike.
Main Mario Games
Key Mario franchise games over the years include:
- Super Mario Bros
- Super Mario Bros 3
- Super Mario World
- Super Mario 64
- Super Mario Sunshine
- New Super Mario Bros
- Super Mario Galaxy
- Super Mario Odyssey
These core titles introduced new powerups, areas, gameplay innovations and evolved Mario into one of gaming’s most versatile and enduring characters. Remakes and re-releases have also ensured classic Mario games get updated for new generations of systems.
Mario Characters
Mario is joined by a rich cast of characters in his adventures. Luigi, Mario’s brother, first appeared in Mario Bros and later becomes a playable character in many games. Princess Peach is the damsel in distress that Mario constantly rescues from Bowser. Bowser (King Koopa) is Mario’s big reptilian nemesis who serves as the main villain and boss.
Other memorable characters include Toad, Yoshi, Wario, Waluigi, Donkey Kong, Daisy, Rosalina and more. Friends, rivals, villains – the Mario world feels fully populated with personalities.
Mario Power-ups and Items
Power ups grant Mario special abilities and are key to game play. The Super Mushroom makes Mario grow bigger. The iconic Fire Flower lets Mario shoot fireballs. The Super Star provides temporary invincibility.
Other notable power ups allow Mario to fly, turn invisible, walk on water, freeze enemies in ice, and more. Mario also uses helpful items like the Super Leaf tail for flying, the block-breaking Hammer Bros Suit, and Yoshi eggs that defeat foes.
Mario Clipart and Pixel Art
Mario’s distinct look has made him perfect for clipart, emoji, memes and pixel art. His mustached face, red cap, blue overalls and gloves are instantly recognizable. Mario clipart can be found across school supplies, apparel, ads, decorations and much more.
Artists create pixel art renditions of Mario characters and scenes using the retro 8-bit graphics style. Mario gif animations are prevalent online. The simplistic charm of Mario’s design translates extremely well into a variety of media and art forms.
Mario in Other Media
Beyond games, Mario has appeared in TV shows, movies, comics, and loads of merchandising. The Super Mario Bros Super Show! in 1989 featured a live-action Mario in sketches. An animated series ran from 1991-1992 on Saturday mornings.
The terrible 1993 live-action Super Mario Bros movie adapted Mario into a bizarre alternate universe. Mario has cameoed in films like Wreck-it Ralph. Nintendo Comics System and manga featured Mario for years. Mario toys, clothes, and collectibles help fuel a lucrative merchandising effort.
Mario’s Influence and Legacy
Mario was singularly key in rebuilding the video game market after the crash of 1983 and defined Nintendo as the industry leader. Super Mario Bros allowed NES to overtake Atari and Sega through the 80s. Mario was the mascot that made Nintendo a household name.
As a pop culture icon, Mario has inspired generations of game designers. Core game play concepts pioneered in Mario titles spawned entire genres of platformers, puzzle games and more. Mario demonstrates quality game design transcending technological shifts.
The Future of Mario
Mario shows no signs of slowing down. New mainline 3D entries like Super Mario Odyssey continue to innovate and sell millions on Nintendo Switch. Remasters and remakes ensure classic Mario games get played by younger audiences. The Mario Kart and Mario Party spinoff series also enjoy enduring success.
As long as Nintendo remains in the hardware business, Mario should have a home. Potential futures may see virtual reality Mario games, augmented reality experiences using mobile devices, or even a Super Mario Metaverse. However he manifests next, Mario has clearly earned his place among the most beloved fictional characters ever created.
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