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Final disclaimer, I grew up on the cartoons and genuinely love them still, so don't take this as an attack against them! [[User:Fizzle|Fizzle]] ([[User talk:Fizzle|talk]]) 13:02, 18 January 2014 (EST) | Final disclaimer, I grew up on the cartoons and genuinely love them still, so don't take this as an attack against them! [[User:Fizzle|Fizzle]] ([[User talk:Fizzle|talk]]) 13:02, 18 January 2014 (EST) | ||
:Sections are in chronological order based on release date, not on importance, and the spin-off media ''have'' had impacts on the series as a whole (not to mention the fandom): to use an example once use against me, Bowser's crush on Peach originated in an anime and then appeared in a western comic - years before the games ran with the idea. The wiki makes no judgment calls about the relevancy different types of media because that's subjective and speculative: things contradict, yes, and we document that, but it's not ''our'' place to come out and say which one is the "right" story. We started moving away from our fanon-ridden attempts to link everything into a coherent timeline [[MarioWiki:Proposals/ | :Sections are in chronological order based on release date, not on importance, and the spin-off media ''have'' had impacts on the series as a whole (not to mention the fandom): to use an example once use against me, Bowser's crush on Peach originated in an anime and then appeared in a western comic - years before the games ran with the idea. The wiki makes no judgment calls about the relevancy different types of media because that's subjective and speculative: things contradict, yes, and we document that, but it's not ''our'' place to come out and say which one is the "right" story. We started moving away from our fanon-ridden attempts to link everything into a coherent timeline [[MarioWiki:Proposals/Archive_11#Article_Organization_Standard|in 2008]], and we further revised that to not treat alternate media as second-class sources a couple months later [[MarioWiki:Proposals/Archive_12#Revise_Article_Organization_Standard|in 2009]]. Obviously most people are going to look at the conflicting stories and decide that the video games are the version they're going to prescribe to, maybe even taking a step further and cherry-picking which games they care for, but that's ''their'' choice to make for their own personal headcanons. It is ''not'' our right to choose for them by selecting which sources the wiki as a whole should value more or less: that's skewing the information. Our job is to report the official facts, warts and all, and that's what we've been doing pretty well for years. Using everything we have at our disposal is a much more solid foundation for our articles than dismissing one thing or another and then having to go and defend those choices. The canon debate is a slippery slope, and the smartest thing for the wiki to do is keep its hands clean and not open that kettle of worms back up again; chronology debates on the pages lead to nothing but headaches. - {{User:Walkazo/sig}} 14:37, 18 January 2014 (EST) | ||
::Oh, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree that the continuity arguments are pointless and not at all helpful, at least when discussing games that are not clear sequels (such as the Mario & Luigi games, which each make reference to the previous adventure but don't go much beyond that). And I can sort of see what you mean about the slippery slope in that respect, but I don't think having a two tier canon (ie: Nintendo published games and then everything else) really would detrimentally affect the wiki. As for Bowser's crush, I think, technically, this was hinted at simply by his constant kidnapping of her, I'm not sure the idea that this was mentioned in a manga before it appeared in a game really means they have a real impact on the series. Even with that said, just to use an example from the wiki I spend most my time at, the Zelda mangas have had Link turning into a wolf before it happened in Twilight Princess, for instance, and other things that seem to have possibly influenced the series, but we treat them with a lesser importance. It's not an entirely fair example as the Zelda series does actually have a timeline, but I kind of see the idea of a timeline as a separate issue from canonicity. As previously mentioned, claiming that Bowser's full name is King Bowser Koopa is not exactly true; this applies ONLY to the cartoons. Acting like it applies to everything else seems foolish. This also applies to the existence of a "real world" separate from the "Mushroom World". | ::Oh, I WHOLEHEARTEDLY agree that the continuity arguments are pointless and not at all helpful, at least when discussing games that are not clear sequels (such as the Mario & Luigi games, which each make reference to the previous adventure but don't go much beyond that). And I can sort of see what you mean about the slippery slope in that respect, but I don't think having a two tier canon (ie: Nintendo published games and then everything else) really would detrimentally affect the wiki. As for Bowser's crush, I think, technically, this was hinted at simply by his constant kidnapping of her, I'm not sure the idea that this was mentioned in a manga before it appeared in a game really means they have a real impact on the series. Even with that said, just to use an example from the wiki I spend most my time at, the Zelda mangas have had Link turning into a wolf before it happened in Twilight Princess, for instance, and other things that seem to have possibly influenced the series, but we treat them with a lesser importance. It's not an entirely fair example as the Zelda series does actually have a timeline, but I kind of see the idea of a timeline as a separate issue from canonicity. As previously mentioned, claiming that Bowser's full name is King Bowser Koopa is not exactly true; this applies ONLY to the cartoons. Acting like it applies to everything else seems foolish. This also applies to the existence of a "real world" separate from the "Mushroom World". | ||
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:::Yes it is, Super Mario World was the latest platformer game involving Yoshi chronologically before Super Mario 64, and Nintendo didn't directly state it, only the maker of this article. The games and spinoffs are canon, the cartoons and movie are not, and the remakes are retellings of the original games. So I can confirm that there's indeed a canon. The Yoshi's Island series is further proof of this. [[User:Jackjolt1|Jackjolt1]] ([[User talk:Jackjolt1|talk]]) 10:17, January 15, 2024 (EST) | :::Yes it is, Super Mario World was the latest platformer game involving Yoshi chronologically before Super Mario 64, and Nintendo didn't directly state it, only the maker of this article. The games and spinoffs are canon, the cartoons and movie are not, and the remakes are retellings of the original games. So I can confirm that there's indeed a canon. The Yoshi's Island series is further proof of this. [[User:Jackjolt1|Jackjolt1]] ([[User talk:Jackjolt1|talk]]) 10:17, January 15, 2024 (EST) | ||
::::<small>If only I could wipe out my 2008 eyesore.</small> To be fair, I'm not sure if "Mario has no canon" is correct so much as "Mario has no canon '''''<u>policy</u>'''''" (maybe rephrasing it as such would make things clearer?). If Nintendo ever formally declares a committed policy for such a long-running franchise, that would be a different story, but until then, this is fan-fluff whose discourse has no business being dictated by an encyclopedia source. All something as loose as this does is open the door to silly editing arguments that make wiki maintenance harder. It's not unlike the [https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Canon TFWiki] approach. Does that make sense? [[User:LinkTheLefty|LinkTheLefty]] ([[User talk:LinkTheLefty|talk]]) 10:30, January 25, 2024 (EST) | ::::<small>If only I could wipe out my 2008 eyesore.</small> To be fair, I'm not sure if "Mario has no canon" is correct so much as "Mario has no canon '''''<u>policy</u>'''''" (maybe rephrasing it as such would make things clearer?). If Nintendo ever formally declares a committed policy for such a long-running franchise, that would be a different story, but until then, this is fan-fluff whose discourse has no business being dictated by an encyclopedia source. All something as loose as this does is open the door to silly editing arguments that make wiki maintenance harder. It's not unlike the [https://tfwiki.net/wiki/Canon TFWiki] approach. Does that make sense? [[User:LinkTheLefty|LinkTheLefty]] ([[User talk:LinkTheLefty|talk]]) 10:30, January 25, 2024 (EST) | ||
Continuity poses a perennial challenge for writers, demanding coherence and narrative logic while potentially constraining future developments. It can be a source of headaches, requiring meticulous attention to detail and inducing plothole-induced despair. Yet, some series prioritize consistency, adhering closely to their Universe Bible where every detail must align with existing history. In contrast, others are more forgiving, occasionally overlooking continuity errors in favor of advancing the current episode's plot. Then there is Negative Continuity, with no established continuity, the show enjoys the liberty to completely disregard it, confident in a full reboot by the next episode. Did you burn a hole in your favorite outfit? Fear not, it'll be pristine in the next episode. Burned down your house? No sweat, it'll be standing tall again next time. Turned into a frog, perished, or obliterated the universe? No problem! If an episode ever continues from the last, it's likely part of a longer storyline. One significant advantage of this concept is its facilitation of syndication out of sequence. The absence of continuity ensures that even unfamiliar viewers can enjoy each episode without feeling lost or disconnected. Consequently, continuity-heavy shows, regardless of their popularity, typically receive limited airtime outside of episode premieres. However, not everything is always reset. The events that establish the premise of the work typically remain unchanged. Additionally, aspects such as proper introductions for new characters or the permanence of character deaths may occasionally be respected. In some cases, a Clip Show Episode may diverge from this trend by featuring scenes from multiple past episodes as remembered events by the characters, though this continuity may only apply to that specific episode. | Continuity poses a perennial challenge for writers, demanding coherence and narrative logic while potentially constraining future developments. It can be a source of headaches, requiring meticulous attention to detail and inducing plothole-induced despair. Yet, some series prioritize consistency, adhering closely to their Universe Bible where every detail must align with existing history. In contrast, others are more forgiving, occasionally overlooking continuity errors in favor of advancing the current episode's plot. Then there is Negative Continuity, with no established continuity, the show enjoys the liberty to completely disregard it, confident in a full reboot by the next episode. Did you burn a hole in your favorite outfit? Fear not, it'll be pristine in the next episode. Burned down your house? No sweat, it'll be standing tall again next time. Turned into a frog, perished, or obliterated the universe? No problem! If an episode ever continues from the last, it's likely part of a longer storyline. One significant advantage of this concept is its facilitation of syndication out of sequence. The absence of continuity ensures that even unfamiliar viewers can enjoy each episode without feeling lost or disconnected. Consequently, continuity-heavy shows, regardless of their popularity, typically receive limited airtime outside of episode premieres. However, not everything is always reset. The events that establish the premise of the work typically remain unchanged. Additionally, aspects such as proper introductions for new characters or the permanence of character deaths may occasionally be respected. In some cases, a Clip Show Episode may diverge from this trend by featuring scenes from multiple past episodes as remembered events by the characters, though this continuity may only apply to that specific episode. | ||
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The Mario RPGs exhibit more continuity, often referencing events from past games. These RPGs typically do not have significant input from Miyamoto and are developed by teams such as [[Square Enix|Square]], [[Intelligent Systems]], and [[AlphaDream]]. In the Mario & Luigi series for example, [[Fawful]] is a minion in the first game, a miserable beggar hiding beneath Peach's castle in the second, and a newly-reformed main antagonist in the third. [[Paper Mario]] itself has [[Luigi's Diary]] make specific mention to the [[Mario Party]], [[Mario Tennis (series)|Mario Tennis]], and [[Mario Golf (series)|Mario Golf]] games. Additionally, the diary provides background setup for [[Luigi's Mansion]] and contributes to Luigi's future characterization as being cowardly and afraid of ghosts in later games. [[Lady Bow]], one of Mario's partners in Paper Mario and her butler [[Bootler]] reappear in [[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]. Most of the inconsistencies are between the various sub-series (Mario shrinks when hit in the 2D platformers but loses health normally in the 3D ones and the RPGs), but often the subseries aren't even consistent with themselves: The area surrounding Peach's Castle in [[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]] looks almost nothing like it does in [[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time|Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]. [[Kylie Koopa]] from the latter game is a denizen of the past but appears in the present in [[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team|Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]] and doesn't appear to have aged a day. Mario in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and [[Super Mario Galaxy|Super Mario Galaxy]] could breathe in outer space and move in 3D normally, but in [[Super Paper Mario]] he needs a space helmet and a special ability, respectively. | The Mario RPGs exhibit more continuity, often referencing events from past games. These RPGs typically do not have significant input from Miyamoto and are developed by teams such as [[Square Enix|Square]], [[Intelligent Systems]], and [[AlphaDream]]. In the Mario & Luigi series for example, [[Fawful]] is a minion in the first game, a miserable beggar hiding beneath Peach's castle in the second, and a newly-reformed main antagonist in the third. [[Paper Mario]] itself has [[Luigi's Diary]] make specific mention to the [[Mario Party]], [[Mario Tennis (series)|Mario Tennis]], and [[Mario Golf (series)|Mario Golf]] games. Additionally, the diary provides background setup for [[Luigi's Mansion]] and contributes to Luigi's future characterization as being cowardly and afraid of ghosts in later games. [[Lady Bow]], one of Mario's partners in Paper Mario and her butler [[Bootler]] reappear in [[Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door]]. Most of the inconsistencies are between the various sub-series (Mario shrinks when hit in the 2D platformers but loses health normally in the 3D ones and the RPGs), but often the subseries aren't even consistent with themselves: The area surrounding Peach's Castle in [[Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story]] looks almost nothing like it does in [[Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time|Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time]]. [[Kylie Koopa]] from the latter game is a denizen of the past but appears in the present in [[Mario & Luigi: Dream Team|Mario & Luigi: Dream Team]] and doesn't appear to have aged a day. Mario in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door and [[Super Mario Galaxy|Super Mario Galaxy]] could breathe in outer space and move in 3D normally, but in [[Super Paper Mario]] he needs a space helmet and a special ability, respectively. | ||
The [[Donkey Kong (series)|Donkey Kong series]] shares a universe with the Mario series, and has elements of negative continuity, like the island where the Kong family lives changing its design across the games. However, the games have elements of continuity, like the SNES trilogy games sharing references, especially in the GBA remakes where more plot is featured in the main game. [[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]] features many continuity nods to [[Donkey Kong Country Returns]] and some to the SNES Trilogy. Furthermore, [[Wrinkly Kong]] dies beteen the events of [[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!|Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]] and [[Donkey Kong 64|Donkey Kong 64]] staying dead never being resurrected. | The [[Donkey Kong (series)|Donkey Kong series]] shares a universe with the Mario series, and has elements of negative continuity, like the island where the Kong family lives changing its design across the games. However, the games have elements of continuity, like the SNES trilogy games sharing references, especially in the GBA remakes where more plot is featured in the main game. [[Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]] features many continuity nods to [[Donkey Kong Country Returns]] and some to the SNES Trilogy. Furthermore, [[Wrinkly Kong]] dies beteen the events of [[Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!|Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble!]] and [[Donkey Kong 64|Donkey Kong 64]] staying dead never being resurrected. Of course these games were developed by [[Rare Ltd.|Rare]] and [[Retro Studios]], and they lack Miyamoto's input. | ||
In [[Sonic]]'s case, there is a clear defined continuity because there is an official [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Sonic_canon Sonic canon]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Flynn Ian Flynn] has used his podcast, the Bumblekast, to answer fan questions about anything, including questions regarding canon. Flynn, who has contributed to various Sonic media including comics, TV, and video games, has indeed acknowledged the existence of a canon for the Sonic series. Additionally, Sonic community manager, [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Katie_Chrzanowski Katie Chrzanowski], put out a statement on Twitter saying: "In the past few years, we've been looking at the entire universe of Sonic and how things tie together canonically for the future." "[[Sega]] put together a small team of us internally... we're working on making the universe and stories more meaningfully connected." You can read her full statement [https://twitter.com/KatieChrz/status/1591569833195606018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1591569834760105984%7Ctwgr%5Eca5b2a587b65cd66a44fdbeeec4c4acb45e3d973%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eurogamer.net%2Fsega-hiring-sonic-l here]. No spokesperson for Nintendo has ever made a statement like that. | In [[Sonic]]'s case, there is a clear defined continuity because there is an official [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Sonic_canon Sonic canon]. [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ian_Flynn Ian Flynn] has used his podcast, the Bumblekast, to answer fan questions about anything, including questions regarding canon. Flynn, who has contributed to various Sonic media including comics, TV, and video games, has indeed acknowledged the existence of a canon for the Sonic series. Additionally, Sonic community manager, [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Katie_Chrzanowski Katie Chrzanowski], put out a statement on Twitter saying: "In the past few years, we've been looking at the entire universe of Sonic and how things tie together canonically for the future." "[[Sega]] put together a small team of us internally... we're working on making the universe and stories more meaningfully connected." You can read her full statement [https://twitter.com/KatieChrz/status/1591569833195606018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1591569834760105984%7Ctwgr%5Eca5b2a587b65cd66a44fdbeeec4c4acb45e3d973%7Ctwcon%5Es2_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.eurogamer.net%2Fsega-hiring-sonic-l here]. No spokesperson for Nintendo has ever made a statement like that. | ||
When discussing the continuity of the Mario series, Miyamoto himself has offered an interesting perspective. He likened the Mario cast to a troupe of actors playing various roles in different games. This view explains why, for instance, Mario can be portrayed as a medical doctor and Peach as a nurse in certain games. However, it's important to note that Miyamoto's perspective might not necessarily reflect the views of all developers involved in the Mario series. Depending on whom you ask, developers from different studios like AlphaDream, Artoon, Intelligent Systems, Rare, etc. might have varying opinions on the matter. Therefore, it's essential to recognize that while Miyamoto's explanation provides insight into the flexible nature of Mario's universe, it doesn't necessarily represent an official stance that every developer would agree upon. The interpretation of continuity in the Mario series can vary depending on individual perspectives and creative decisions within the development teams. Miyamoto doesn't acknowledge a canon for Mario or any other Nintendo developer, for that matter, and Nintendo hasn't forged a team of lore masters to keep track of Mario's continuity. So, is there a Mario canon? Nintendo has yet to issue any official statement regarding the existence of a Mario canon, and MarioWiki's policy remains unchanged due to the limited information available on the subject—specifically, the absence of an official statement from Nintendo. Given these circumstances, it is unlikely that either Nintendo or MarioWiki will modify their stance on canon in the foreseeable future. As a result, individuals interested in discussing a Mario canon with their family and friends may need to rely on their own interpretations or [https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/headcanon/ headcanon]. | When discussing the continuity of the Mario series, Miyamoto himself has offered an interesting perspective. He likened the Mario cast to a troupe of actors playing various roles in different games. This view explains why, for instance, Mario can be portrayed as a medical doctor and Peach as a nurse in certain games. However, it's important to note that Miyamoto's perspective might not necessarily reflect the views of all developers involved in the Mario series. Depending on whom you ask, developers from different studios like AlphaDream, Artoon, Intelligent Systems, Rare, etc. might have varying opinions on the matter. Therefore, it's essential to recognize that while Miyamoto's explanation provides insight into the flexible nature of Mario's universe, it doesn't necessarily represent an official stance that every developer would agree upon. The interpretation of continuity in the Mario series can vary depending on individual perspectives and creative decisions within the development teams. Miyamoto doesn't acknowledge a canon for Mario or any other Nintendo developer, for that matter, and Nintendo hasn't forged a team of lore masters to keep track of Mario's continuity. So, is there a Mario canon? Nintendo has yet to issue any official statement regarding the existence of a Mario canon, and MarioWiki's policy remains unchanged due to the limited information available on the subject—specifically, the absence of an official statement from Nintendo. Given these circumstances, it is unlikely that either Nintendo or MarioWiki will modify their stance on canon in the foreseeable future. As a result, individuals interested in discussing a Mario canon with their family and friends may need to rely on their own interpretations or [https://www.dictionary.com/e/slang/headcanon/ headcanon]. --[[User:KevinM|KevinM]] ([[User talk:KevinM|talk]]) 13:22, February 16, 2024 (EST) | ||
:It's quite an interesting read but ''please'', break up your paragraphs. This was so hard to get through.{{User:LadySophie17/sig}} 16:04, February 16, 2024 (EST) | :It's quite an interesting read but ''please'', break up your paragraphs. This was so hard to get through.{{User:LadySophie17/sig}} 16:04, February 16, 2024 (EST) | ||
::Thank you for your input. I hope it looks better for you :) -- | ::Thank you for your input. I hope it looks better for you :) --[[User:KevinM|KevinM]] ([[User talk:KevinM|talk]]) 16:14, February 16, 2024 (EST) | ||
:::No offense but I'm struggling identifying an underlying point to made from all this text. {{User:Mario/sig}} 16:17, February 16, 2024 (EST) | :::No offense but I'm struggling identifying an underlying point to made from all this text. {{User:Mario/sig}} 16:17, February 16, 2024 (EST) | ||
::::No offense taken. -- | ::::No offense taken. --[[User:KevinM|KevinM]] ([[User talk:KevinM|talk]]) 16:27, February 16, 2024 (EST) | ||
:::::"In [[Sonic]]'s case, there is a clear defined continuity because there is an official [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Sonic_canon Sonic canon]." Uhhhh, that's a bad example. [https://twitter.com/sonic_hedgehog/status/1349867554903187457?lang=en] is why. {{User|SONIC123CDMANIA+&K(B&ATSA)}} 17:24, February 20, 2024 (CST) | :::::"In [[Sonic]]'s case, there is a clear defined continuity because there is an official [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Sonic_canon Sonic canon]." Uhhhh, that's a bad example. [https://twitter.com/sonic_hedgehog/status/1349867554903187457?lang=en] is why. {{User|SONIC123CDMANIA+&K(B&ATSA)}} 17:24, February 20, 2024 (CST) | ||
::::::Yes, in 2021, Sonic Team did make a statement on Twitter saying "Everything is canon". They did not elaborate on what this exactly meant, but the [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Encyclo-speed-ia | ::::::Yes, in 2021, Sonic Team did make a statement on Twitter saying "Everything is canon". They did not elaborate on what this exactly meant, but the Sonic the Hedgehog [https://sonic.fandom.com/wiki/Sonic_the_Hedgehog_Encyclo-speed-ia Encyclo-speed-ia] goes on to reiterate what it meant. It apparently means that something that's already canon can have a different meaning, or can further explain the canonicity of another canonical product. --[[User:KevinM|KevinM]] ([[User talk:KevinM|talk]]) 01:51, February 22, 2024 (EST) | ||
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