Mario

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Mario, in his trademark blue overalls, red hat and undershirt.

“It's-a-me, Mario!”

—Mario

Mario is the hero of the Mushroom Kingdom and mascot of Nintendo. Mario was originally created by Shigeru Miyamoto in 1981, where he first appeared in the video game Donkey Kong in arcades, where he was originally called Jumpman.

Mario got his current name when someone at Nintendo thought that he looked like the Italian landlord of a Nintendo of America office in New York, Mario Segali. His surname is also "Mario", effectively making his name Mario Mario.

Mario is one of the most recognizable video game characters of all time. He is best known for rescuing Princess Peach from Bowser along with his brother, Luigi by using his many powers, among them his amazing jumping ability.

Biography

Early Life

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The baby version of Mario, flying on balloons.

Main article: Baby Mario

In Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island when The Stork was delivering two babies Baby Mario and Baby Luigi, the evil Kamek stole Luigi and Mario fell to Yoshi's Island! The Yoshis helped Mario get his brother back. Mario and Luigi then went to their homes in the arms of their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Mario.

In the sequel Yoshi's Island DS Baby Luigi and all the babies in the Mushroom World were kidnapped by Kamek and Bowser. Baby Mario, with the Yoshis, Baby Peach, Baby Donkey Kong, Baby Bowser and Baby Wario saved all the babies.

According to the Official Super Mario 64 Player's Guide, Mario spent some of his life in Brooklyn; enough time to be called a "Brooklynite" in fact. The details of this period are unknown, but eventually Mario returned to the Mushroom World to do battle with Donkey Kong.

Humble Beginnings

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Mario's first cover appearance on Donkey Kong.

Mario's history started in the hit arcade game Donkey Kong. His occupation was as a carpenter. "Jumpman" was a nickname given to him because of his exceptional jumping skill. His pet monkey, Donkey Kong (now known as Cranky Kong) was apparently abused by Mario (Jumpman), as seen during the events of Donkey Kong Circus. He vengefully kidnapped his girlfriend Pauline and climbed a huge building, likely a building in Big Ape City, an urban area of Donkey Kong Island. After dodging barrels and living fireballs, Donkey Kong finally faced him in a showdown at the top of the building. At the end of the fourth level, Donkey Kong lays unconscious on a pile of girders, while Mario and Pauline embrace. In the direct sequel Donkey Kong '94, Donkey Kong woke up at this point, grabbed Pauline, and climbed even higher up the building. Mario gave chase and confronted the ape. After Donkey Kong was finally caught and captured, Pauline and Mario (Jumpman) finally had some peace.

Mario returned and guarded Donkey Kong's (still Cranky Kong) cell during the events of Donkey Kong Jr.. Donkey Kong Jr. (who is currently known as Donkey Kong) tried to save his dad, Donkey Kong Jr. taking Mario's role, Mario taking Donkey Kong's role, and Donkey Kong taking Pauline's role. This was also the only game where Mario was depicted as a villain, though since not much is revealed in the story it is unclear why. Donkey Kong Jr. eventually saved his dad, and both ran away into the jungle.

Mario went down to the sewers during the events of Mario Bros.. Mario's occupation was changed to a plumber, which was more fitting with the pipe theme of the game. Here, Mario and his brother, Luigi, cleaned the sewers of monsters.

Construction Workers

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A screen shot of Wrecking Crew.

Mario had a job as a construction worker during the events of Wrecking Crew. Mario and Luigi were constructing a building when strange creatures, such as living dinosaur wrenches, and living Eggplant Men attacked them. Mario and Luigi had to defeat them all and destroy each room of the building to stop them.

Mario and Luigi soon discovered the source of the attacks and found out that it was their boss, Foreman Spike. Although unknown why Foreman Spike wanted to kill them, Mario defeated the evil Foreman Spike with his trusty Hammer.

A Strange New World

Mario ready to toss a Koopa Troopa.

After discovering a mysterious green sewer pipe, Mario ended up in the Mushroom Kingdom in the game Super Mario Bros.. Mario rescued a beautiful princess named Princess Peach along with Luigi. Whenever he infiltrated a Fortress, Mario finds a humanoid mushroom named Toad. Toad always says that the Princess is in another castle. Mario eventually found Princess Peach and battled the king of Koopas named Bowser, on a bridge hanging over Lava. Although Mario had fought Bowser before when he was a baby during the events of Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, Yoshi's Island DS, and Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time, this was the first time he remembered fighting Bowser (due to the fact that babies don't have good memories). After Mario dropped the bridge's support Axe, Bowser fell in defeat. Mario found Princess Peach in the back of the Fortress and gained a reputation as a savior of the Mushroom Kingdom.

In Super Mario: The Lost Levels, Bowser kidnapped the princess again. So, it was up to Mario and Luigi to save her again! Mario traversed partly through the same area as before, but the areas seemed to be experiencing a windy season, and the enemies seemed to have gotten stronger in an attempt to stop Mario this time. But even so, Mario succeeded in defeating Bowser again and rescuing the princess.

Mario entered the strange world of Subcon through his dreams while at a picnic with Peach, Luigi, and Toad during the events of Super Mario Bros. 2. Mario defeated many enemies that were part of the 8-Bit Club. Mario eventually found the one responsible for the nightmares, the frog Wart. After Wart was defeated, the Subcons restored the dream realm and residents of the Mushroom Kingdom could finally sleep.

The kings of the Mushroom World are transformed by Bowser's magic during the events of Super Mario Bros. 3. Bowser returns with his seven Koopalings. Mario had to take all of their Magic Scepters and transform the kings back to the their original Toad forms. After all kings were saved, Mario made his first visit to Bowser's Castle in Dark World. Mario gave Bowser a sound beating. Not only did Mario save the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario saved the Mushroom World as one of the greatest heroes.

Adventures in Dinosaur World

Mario holding a Baby Yoshi.

Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach took a vacation to the strange Dinosaur Land during the events of Super Mario World. Mario and Luigi went to Yoshi's house and read a letter saying that he and his friends had been kidnapped by Bowser. Mario, owing a debt from childhood, set out to find them. He fought many Koopalings and faced many strange new enemies. Using the help of the Yoshis and their long tongue swallowing abilities, Mario finally saved them all and Dinosaur Land was free of corruption. Mario, Peach, Luigi, and Yoshi celebrated the rest of the vacation at Yoshi's House, watching the seven Yoshi Eggs hatch.

Sharp Shooting

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Mario riding Yoshi in the title screen of Yoshi's Safari.

Mario used an energy gun called a Super Scope during the events of Yoshi's Safari. Bowser takes over the kingdom of Jewelry Land and steals twelve magical gems. This caused a disturbance in the ground and caused Jewelry Land to split into the Light Realm and the Dark Realm. Princess Peach's good friend, Prince Pine and his father, King Fret, are in trouble along with their kingdom. Mario, riding Yoshi, headed for Jewelry Land with the new weapon Princess Peach gave them.

Mario and Yoshi, riding through many unexplored stages, fought Bowser's Koopalings. Mario wasn't the only one with weapons as each of them possessed their own special weapon. Bowser, all geared up, fought Mario using many cheap tricks such as throwing bombs. Nevertheless, Mario and Yoshi beat him and saved another kingdom of the Mushroom World.

New Rival?

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Mario's sprite in Super Mario Land.

Mario received a distress signal from the distant land of Sarasaland during the events of Super Mario Land. The princess of Sarasaland, Princess Daisy was captured by the purple alien Tatanga. Tatanga had also taken many of its residents captive. Mario got to use many new vehicles such as the Sky Pop and Marine Pop on his adventure. Mario saved Princess Daisy after defeating Tatanga and returned back to his home in the Mushroom Kingdom. But while he was saving Sarasaland, a doppelgänger of Mario called Wario seized Mario's Castle (which currently doesn't exist and was likely replaced by Mario's Pad).

Mario tried to return to his castle (which he doesn't know that it is under Wario's control yet) during the direct sequel, Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. He had to travel through many lands and fight many bosses which strangely weren't there on his way to Sarasaland. Mario finally got to his castle and fought Wario. After being defeated, Wario revealed that the events in Super Mario Land and all the bosses in Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins were planned and hired by him. Mario then became victorious and got his castle back.

Dimension Invasion

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Mario in his first 3D game.

Mario battled strange machine-like creatures from another dimension during the events of Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars. Many things have changed, Mario even gets his own house. Mario first went to confront Bowser who had again captured Princess Peach (which by now is a recurring event). Mario walked to Bowser's Keep (Bowser's Castle) which is strangely located near Mario's Pad in this game. Mario battles Bowser atop a Kinklink and rescues Peach. Then a huge sword called Exor struck the castle from atop and knocked them all to various spots in the Mushroom Kingdom. Fortunately, Mario fell through the Pipe on top Pipe House (Mario's Pad) and landed right on his bed.

Mario discovered that the Star Shards that grants dreams had been stolen by a group called the Smithy Gang run by Smithy. These criminals had not only stolen the Star Shards, they had caused much trouble to the Mushroom Kingdom. On this quest Mario was joined by Mallow, Geno, Peach, and even Bowser. They traveled through much of the Mushroom Kingdom in search of the Star Shards protected by the Smithy Gang's strongest members. After all Star Shards were collected, Mario had to go to Smithy's dimension and fight him once and for all. Mario of course had to reach it through Bowser's Keep which was inaccessible when Exor destroyed the bridge. With the help of Mallow's parents, King and Queen Nimbus, Mario had passage through a special cloud bus. When they finally got there, Mario defeated Exor and went to Smithy's dimension via Exor's mouth.

Mario's journey wasn't over as Smithy had even more minions at his disposal. After many grueling battles Mario faced Smithy, who was inevitably defeated and once again the Mushroom Kingdom was saved by Mario.

Castle Rescue

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Mario in position to hurl Bowser.

Mario went to Princess Peach's Castle during the events of Super Mario 64. Mario goes to Princess Peach's Castle after he received an invitation to eat cake. Upon entering the door, he heard Bowser's voice and learned that the Princess has been captured again. Mario entered the Painting Worlds created by Bowser's magic and saved some of the Power Stars that he scattered. With the help of the Toads advice, he finally collected enough Power Stars and faced Bowser for the last time. Using his new tail-tossing skill he hurled Bowser into a spiked bomb and ended his terrible reign. Princess Peach thanked him with a kiss and finally bakes him that cake he was longing for.

Second Castle Rescue?

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Mario and his three closest friends come to the aid of Peach in Super Mario 64 DS.

Mario returned to Princess Peach's castle along with Luigi and Wario during the events of Super Mario 64 DS. The events in this game may be considered non-canonical because the plot line is very similar to the original Super Mario 64. They again were invited to the castle for cake and in excitement, they rushed to the castle. Yoshi saw them go inside and wondered why they hadn't come out yet. Yoshi then went inside the castle and searched for keys to the three plumbers' doors. He saved Mario, who then eventually saved the other two.

Using their unique abilities, they rescued many Power Stars and defeated Bowser's minions. After they collected enough Power Stars, only Mario could face Bowser for the third last time. Instead of giving Mario a kiss, Peach simply thanked the four heroes and they finally got to eat their cake.

Back with the Crew

Mario pounding the ground with his Hammer.

Mario had to brandish his infamous Hammer during the events of Wrecking Crew '98. Mario came back to the Mushroom Kingdom from one his quests and discovers that it was overrun with many of Bowser's new fortresses. The result of all this construction was a withering Mushroom Kingdom.

Mario decided to stop Bowser by destroying his buildings. Foreman Spike also made a reappearance, this time helping Bowser. His trusty Hammer was a great help on this adventure, as it help him wreck and destroy Bowser many new fortresses. The heroic plumber defeated all his foes and the Mushroom Kingdom was saved yet again.

Paper Quest

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Mario in his more "Paperish" form.

Mario once again is invited to Princess Peach's Castle during the events of Paper Mario. However this time Mario is invited to a party at the castle. Mario rushed to the castle. Mario made his way through the bustling party guests and was chatting with Princess Peach in the throne room. However, Bowser broke in to the castle through the window and using the power of the Star Rod, defeats Mario. He then usurped the castle bringing it high in the air and then tossed Mario out of the shattered window. Mario landed in a small jungle located on the outskirts of Goomba Village. Goombas , being a proficient enemy in many of his quests, surprised Mario with their hospitality. Mario gave his many thanks and headed back to Toad Town via Goomba Road.

Mario heard a Star Spirit called Eldstar asking for his help. The Star Spirit requested that he speak to him on Shooting Star Summit, in which he had more strength to speak better. Once there, Mario met many other Star Spirits asking for his help. He learned that Bowser had imprisoned them in special cards and has given them to his strongest minions. Mario then set out a quest in search of the Star Spirits. Mario made many new friends and partners on his long grueling journey and eventually collected all seven Star Spirits. Mario returned to Shooting Star Summit where he gained access to Star Way. Mario acquired a new ability called Star Beam and was transported to Bowser's Castle from the Star Shrine. While he was at Bowser's Castle, Mario saved the many prisoners and fought Bowser at the top of the castle.

Using his dirty tactics, Bowser broke all routes of escape and used his Star Rod to fight. Mario could not defeat Bowser while he was using the Star Rod, so he instead used Star Beam to weaken his power. The reluctant Bowser was unaffected by it and shook the beam's power off. Watching Mario's defeat, Peach asked the people of the Mushroom Kingdom to help Mario fight through their wishes. Twink helped her convey this message of hope through her wish and suddenly Mario woke up from his fainted status. He recovered all his health and learned a new upgraded version of the Star Beam called Peach Beam. Mario, fresh and ready to go, faced Bowser to round two. Mario shot the Peach Beam at Bowser, leaving him defenseless and ready for a fair fight. Mario defeated the evil Bowser and once again saved the Mushroom Kingdom. The castle returned to ground from whence it came from and another party is held there later. The power of wishes is restored and once again the Mushroom Kingdom was saved by Mario.

Luigi Shines

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Mario, trapped in a painting.

Mario played his second role as damsel-in-distress during the events of Luigi's Mansion. Mario went to check out a mansion that Luigi mysteriously won. There, a huge Boo called King Boo overpowered Mario with his many Boos and imprisoned him within a portrait. King Boo was apparently mad at Mario for harassing his kind during his past adventures. Luigi came later to find out why his brother didn't come back. Luigi overcomes his cowardice and finally captured all Boos using his Poltergust 3000. He then faced King Boo, who had possessed a Bowser suit. After he defeated King Boo, Luigi took Mario's portrait and reverted the plumber back to his original form, using Professor Elvin Gadd's Portrificationizer in reverse.

Vacation Time

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Mario with FLUDD on his back.

Mario took a well deserved vacation with Peach and Toadsworth during the events of Super Mario Sunshine. Upon arriving on the Pianta populated Isle Delfino however, Mario was branded a criminal. Apparently, an impersonator of Mario called Shadow Mario had been vandalizing Isle Delfino with a strange type of slime called Goop. Confused, Mario took a defensive hearing of his so called "crime". Using a smart portable water pump named FLUDD, Mario had to clean the whole island of Goop and return the Shine Sprites back to the Shine Gate. During this adventure, Mario also saved the many Yoshi sub-species of Isle Delfino. Mario started cleaning up the isle and found out who his impersonator was. It was Bowser Jr., Bowser's youngest son. He kidnapped Princess Peach and took her to the volcanic Corona Mountain. After Mario defeated Shadow Mario in Episode 7 of every level, Bowser Jr. flooded Delfino Square. Mario went to Corona Mountain and Bowser and son, bathing in a tub of hot Slime Goop. Flipping the tub upside down, they fell and Isle Delfino was saved. Mario then got the vacation he was longing for.

The Power of Brothers

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Mario standing in his pose.

After a long time, Mario ventured with his brother Luigi through strange lands during the events of Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga. An ambassador from the Beanbean Kingdom came to visit Princess Peach. However, the ambassador was actually a fake and was one of the most wanted criminals in the Beanbean Kingdom. Cackletta was this wicked impersonator and stole Princess Peach's voice. Toad came running to Mario's Pad warning him about Princess Peach's voice dilemma. As soon as Mario came out of his bathroom, he sped to the castle passing up his brother. Luigi followed him and there they met Bowser, adding more to their troubles. Mario and Luigi both fought Bowser, but Peach spoke and interrupted their fight. As she spoke, explosives dropped from her mouth and shook up the castle. Bowser, outraged that another villain has stolen his spotlight, suggested that they go to the Beanbean Kingdom with his Koopa Cruiser.

Cackletta's apprentice, Fawful caused the Koopa Cruiser to crash causing Mario and Luigi to land on the Beanbean Borderlands. Mario and Luigi went to the Beanbean Castle after rescuing Prince Peasley from his horrible transformation. After saving Queen Bean, Mario headed out to find the four scattered Beanstar Pieces. Going through a long journey around the Beanbean Kingdom, they managed to get all Beanstar Pieces. Before they went to exchange the Beanstar Pieces with Cackletta, they went to the Beanbean International Airport expecting Princess Peach. Clearing the Airport of a few Piranhas, Peach's Plane landed on the runway. Mario, surprised to see Princess Peach talking in her normal voice, asked how she got her voice back. After the Princess's visit, Princess Peach requested to go to Little Fungitown. During their short stay, she got kidnapped and Mario went to Joke's End to save her. Using a clever trick, they saved Princess Peach.

However, Bowletta (Cackletta's possessive body of Bowser), took over Bowser's Castle and attacked the Beanbean Castle Town. Mario and Luigi asked Blanbladon to take them to the flying fortress in the sky. After defeating many Koopalings and strong enemies, they reached the throne room. When they defeated Bowletta she sucked them into her body where they had to fight Cackletta's Spirit. Mario and Luigi finally finished Cackletta and her spirit. They escaped from the crumbling castle in time and saved the Beanbean Kingdom.

Time Traveling

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Mario with Baby Mario on his back.

Mario and his brother Luigi took a trip back in time during the events of Mario and Luigi: Partners in Time. Mario and Luigi were at Princess Peach's Castle, watching Princess Peach take a trip to the past using Professor E. Gadd's Time Machine powered by the Cobalt Star. However a few minutes later the Time Machine returned, but not with Princess Peach. A large green fungus called the Junior Shrooboid attacks Mario and Luigi. They managed to beat the monster and found Toadsworth laying on the floor, unconscious from worry. Mario went over to the Toadsworth's Room get the Refreshroom and revived Toadsworth from his fainted state. Then, a Time Hole appeared in the center court of the castle.

Mario and Luigi looked at it in awe, when Toadsworth came and accidentally knocked Luigi into the Time Hole. Mario went in to save him and they went back in time. They landed on the starting road to Hollijolli Village, fighting more and more strange creatures. They saw the village damaged and ruined by many Shroobs and Shroob UFOs. Mario and Luigi helped the Hollijolli Mayor out of a chimney he got stuck in while he was trying to escape. They then got assaulted by a wave of Shroobs and Shroob UFOs. They then left the two brothers lying on the ground. Meanwhile, Baby Mario and Baby Luigi came to their rescue and finished the remaining Shroob foes.

Baby Bowser helped them escape for because of Baby Peach's incessant crying. They boarded his Koopa Cruiser and crash landed into Bowser's Castle as a result of the Shroob UFOs aerial attacks. Mario and Luigi looked for their younger selves and headed for Baby Bowser's room. There, a Time Hole was located and the four Mario Bros. headed back to the Princess Peach's Castle of the future. Professor E. Gadd spoke to them and advises that they go find pieces of the Cobalt Star Shards.

Mario and the others noticed the new Time Holes that sprung up around the castle. They met Toadiko and Toadbert who told them about the Shroobs and the Princess Shroob. They finally collected all five Cobalt Star Shards, and broke the barrier of the Shroob Castle (previously Princess Peach's Castle) and went for the Shroob Princess. The Mario Bros. defeated the Shroob Princess and even the Elder Princess Shroob and prevailed. Professor E. Gadd discovered that the chemical makeup of the babies' tears can revert all of the Shroob's Shroobification. Thus, all the victims of the Shroobs were saved by the four Mario Bros.

Pinball Mario?

Mario as a pinball.

Mario became a pinball during the events of Mario Pinball Land. Mario, Princess Peach, and a group of Toads went a fair and were enjoying a day of merriment. Princess Peach rode a special ride made by Professor Elvin Gadd. The machine turned Princess Peach into a pinball and allowed her play a special pinball game. Bowser took advantage of her pinball state and shot her out of a Cannon aimed at Bowser's Castle.

Mario used the machine to become a pinball and followed Bowser through five different worlds with some Toads trailing behind. The Toads controlled flippers and hit the red-clad hero with them to prevent him from rolling off the course. Mario also had to use the power of the Power Stars to pass each world. Mario used his pinball powers to defeat Bowser and save Princess Peach.

Rivalry Revived

Mario throwing a Mini Mario Toy.

Mario, the famous superstar of the Mushroom Kingdom, gets his own toy company during the events of Mario vs. Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong was watching television and saw an ad for the super-famous Mini Mario Toys. Donkey went to all stores, but they were all sold out. Ever so furious and frustrated, Donkey Kong stole the Mini Mario Toys from the Mario Toy Company itself.

Mario attempted to chase his old rival down and saved the Mini Mario Toys. After saving all of his toys and putting them in the Toy Chests, Mario taught Donkey Kong a lesson. The Mario Toy Company was then saved by the founder himself, Mario.

The Minis March

Mario chasing Donkey Kong.

Mario's Mini Mario Toys were so successful that Mario opened a theme park for them during the events of Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis. Mario is launching the opening of the Super Mini Mario World Theme Park along with the new Mini Peach, Mini Toad and Mini Donkey Kong toys. Pauline made an appearance, having the honor of cutting the premiere ribbon of the Super Mini Mario World Theme Park. Donkey Kong was immediately smitten with her. Donkey Kong ran up to her and presented her with a Mini Donkey Kong toy. She instead accepted Mario's Mini-Mario Toy and Donkey Kong was left heart broken. Donkey Kong kidnapped her and went up the elevator of the Mario Toy Company. Mario sent the small Mini Mario Toys after him and the march of the minis began.

The Mini Mario Toys cleared the paths for Mario, liberating the elevators and allowing Mario to go up floors. When Mario reached the final floor, he saw Pauline sitting in comfort and drinking tea. Donkey Kong came and instead of fighting Mario, felt guilty. Pauline and Mario felt sorry for Donkey Kong so the three celebrated the opening of Super Mini Mario World Theme Park together.

Land of Darkness

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Mario wielding a Hammer.

Peach asked Mario to come to a land called Rogueport during the events of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. She found a treasure map leading to powerful artifacts called Crystal Stars. By the time he gets there, Peach was kidnapped by a group known as the X-Nauts. They needed to use her as a vessel for the Shadow Queen so that the leader of the X-Nauts, Sir Grodus, can use her power to aid him in world domination. Mario met an intelligent Goomba called Professor Frankly. He told Mario the history of Rogueport and revealed the secret of The Thousand Year Door.

The Shadow Queen once took control of Rogueport, enslaving and killing many of its citizens. To achieve this, she created the Crystal Stars and used them to give her great power. The Four Legendary Heroes used the power of the Crystal Stars against her and she was imprisoned in the Thousand Year Door for a millennium. Mario set out to collect all seven Crystal Stars. Gaining many new partners and finding all Crystal Stars, Mario went through the Thousand Year Door. There he found Sir Grodus standing before the Shadow Queen's room. Mario defeated Sir Grodus and went to the Shadow Queen's room, finding Peach possessed by her. Mario had to fight her possessed body and using the help of the Rogueport citizens' wishes, Mario prevailed.

Mario Busts a Move

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Mario dancing to the beat.

Mario danced to save the Mushroom Kingdom during the events of Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix. Waluigi went to Truffle Tower to gain Music Keys and grant him the power to "hypnotize the rhythm less masses". However, after he opened the door, all but one key flew to various locations in the Mushroom Kingdom. One of the music Keys went down the sea, another one to Mushroom Park and another one to Freeze Mountain Toad, witnessing these events, rushed to tell Mario. If all keys, were not returned they could fall into the wrong hands.

Ever the hero, Mario set out to find all four Music Keys, along with Toad. Using his S.S. Brass to navigate, Mario challenged the key owners to dance-offs. Mario then faced Waluigi (and other creatures) to a dance-off and got all four Music Keys back.

After getting the keys, Bowser stole them. Bowser went to his castle and Mario followed him with the S.S. Brass. Mario did the "Final Dance Off" with him and got the Music Keys back. They then were all returned to the Truffle Tower.

Hero in Distress

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Mario tied up by the Army Hammer Bro.

Mario was once again a Damsel-in-Distress during the events of Super Princess Peach. Bowser sent an army of Hammer Bros. and Goombas to invade Princess Peach's castle. Mario, Luigi, and the Toads, busy defending the castle, were caught by a bunch of Hammer Brothers. Princess Peach and a special umbrella named Perry given to her by Toadsworth, escaped in the nick of time. Mario and the others were sent to Vibe Island, the source of the enemies power. There they had no power to escape so Princess Peach went there to rescue him. Princess Peach defeated Bowser using her new "emotional" powers and this time, was the hero.

Father and Son

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Mario's official artwork for New Super Mario Bros..

Mario went back to his side scrolling roots during the events of New Super Mario Bros.. Surprisingly, Princess Peach is kidnapped by Bowser Jr., not Bowser. Mario and Princess Peach were taking a stroll around Princess Peach's Castle. On their way back, the castle was struck by lightning, possibly from Lakithunder. Mario rushed to the castle being distracted and forgetting about Princess Peach. Princess Peach was then captured by Bowser Jr. and Mario gave chase.

Mario had his classic battle with Bowser at the end of the first world, dropping him into the lava and turning him into Skeleton Bowser. The reluctant Bowser Jr., took Princess Peach through eight different worlds. Mario finally confronted the large Koopa and had to fight Skeleton Bowser, who was then defeated. Bowser Jr. revived Bowser to his natural self and they both battled Mario together. Mario turned out victorious and received a kiss from Princess Peach.

Other Spin-Offs

Mario Kart Series

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In the Mario Kart series, he always has his signature red car.

Mario has even started his own series of racing tournaments, starting with Super Mario Kart. Mario is an average weighted driver, making him very versatile and usable in many situations. Mario's stats are very similar to his brother, Luigi. His karts are usually based on his red color and have average stats like him. In Mario Kart Arcade GP, Mario had a new look to his kart. He raced with a couple other key Mario Kart characters, plus Pac-Man series characters. In Mario Kart: Double Dash!!, Mario was a middleweight, allowing him the option of both middleweight and heavy karts. His partner was Luigi and his item was the red Fireball.

Mario Party Series

The hero parties on with his own series of annual Mario Party series. Mario is always represented by his trademark red color. The mini-games test Mario's luck, skill, and endurance and reward him with coins. In the first three Mario Party games, Mario aimed to become the superstar. Though Mario doesn't have many distinguishable abilities from the other Mario Party characters, the most notable difference is Mario's ability to use the Fireball Orb in Mario Party 7. Whenever Mario used an Orb on a space, the space would have Mario's "M" insigna. As revealed in the official artwork of Mario Party 4, Mario's item of choice is the Mega Mushroom. Mario's Duel Mode partner is the defensive Koopa Troopa in Mario Party 3. He also challenged the player for the Courage Stamp if he was not selected. Throughout the series, Mario's infamous jumping ability is also evened out with the other characters, leveling the playing field.

Mario Golf Series

Mario is an all-around golfer in the Mario Golf series. He has played along with many Humans during his many campaigns and games. As the plumber's popularity was greatly rising in the Mario Golf series, he got his own fan club in Mario Golf for the GameBoy Color. After graduating from Caddie Master, the player had the option to face Mario. The plumber could also be challenged near the end of Mario Golf Advance Tour.

Mario Tennis Series

The red-clad hero also doubles as a tennis player in the Mario Tennis series. Like in other Mario sports games, he is an all-around tennis player. The infamous plumber made an appearance at the end of Mario Tennis (GBC). In the game, he is considered a "legendary" character and is only playable in Exhibition Mode. After the player had won the Island Open Tournament, the player would have the honor of challenging him. Following the same theme as the Mario Golf series, Mario could be faced at the end of the game.

Mario Superstar Baseball

The multi-talented plumber has also played baseball in Mario Superstar Baseball. Again, Mario is a balanced character although Mario is a bit of a slow runner. Mario's special ball is the classic Fireball, which dazzles other players with smoky speed. Mario's abilities are very similar to Luigi's. Mario's default team is the Mario Sunshines which mostly consists of the non-playable characters from Super Mario Sunshine.

Mario Hoops 3-on-3

Mario has even ventured onto the world of basketball in Mario Hoops 3-on-3. Fortunately, Mario was a successful basketball player as he had a extraordinary jumping ability. To use his Special Shot, the player had to had to tap the "M" to shoot a vicious Fire Shot. Once again, Mario is a balanced character.

Where's Mario?

Mario was a damsel-in-distress during the events of Mario is Missing!. The game may be canonically last because it takes place in the Real World and Bowser died at the end, although the latter reason may be that it was just a Bowser Suit. Mario, Luigi, and Yoshi went to stop all his Koopalings from stealing valuable landmark artifacts from famous Earth cities. Bowser needed the valuables to fund his plan. He wanted the to buy hair dryers to melt Antarctica and flood the world. The Hafta Havit Mail-Order was his source of hair dryers.

Luigi, scared to go into Bowser's Castle, stayed behind with Yoshi, however Mario then got kidnapped. Using the skills of deduction, Mario was saved and Bowser (or Bowser Suit?) was launched to the center of Antarctica and split in two.

Journey Back in Time

Mario went to the Real World back in time during the events of Mario's Time Machine. Note that the game is very different for the Nintendo Entertainment System and the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Bowser stole valuable artifacts from the past in the Real World to build a great "Museum". He, however doesn't realize that it might alter the present forever if not returned immediately. Mario had to stop Bowser from stealing more artifacts and returned the ones he already has to their proper locations, using his own Time Machine. In the Nintendo Entertainment System version, Mario was accompanied by Yoshi, but in the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Yoshi didn't appear at all.

Mario first went to Bowser's Museum in Bowser's Castle and took back all the artifacts he has stolen. After meeting many historical figures and returning the artifacts to their proper places, Mario went to stop Bowser. Mario ended up victorious and the world is saved by Mario.

Hotel Mario

Mario destroyed many of Bowser's hotels during the events of Hotel Mario. Princess Peach had invited Mario and Luigi to a picnic, but it was ruined when Bowser started opening up hotels and making the Mushroom Kingdom his own personal resort. Mario had to fight a Koopaling at the top of each one of his evil hotels. Mario finally reached Bowser's Seizures Palace Hotel, which was Bowser's hotel. Bowser's plans are ruined and the Mushroom Kingdom, once again was saved by Mario.

Physical Description and Traits

File:Ssb-marios.jpg

When Mario appeared in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Brawl, his clothing was much more realistic than it was in Super Smash Bros..

Mario's distinctive look is due to technology restrictions in the mid-'80s: with a limited number of pixels and colors, the programmers could not animate Mario's movement without making his arms "disappear" if his shirt was a solid color; they did not have the space to give him a mouth; and they could not animate hair, so Mario got overalls, a mustache, and a cap to bypass these problems. Mario's creator Shigeru Miyamoto has also stated when interviewed that Mario wears a cap because he finds it difficult to draw hair.

When Mario was first conceived, he looked, more or less, as he does today: a short, plump man with the trademark hat, brown hair, black mustache and overalls. He normally wears blue overalls on top of a red shirt, but such was not always the case. Originally, he wore red overalls on top of a blue shirt – almost exactly the opposite of what he wears now. The American Super Mario Bros. 2 was the first appearance of his modern outfit (the box had the red overalls-on-blue shirt, but the game itself had a blue overalls-on-red shirt); however, it was Super Mario Bros. 3 that standardized today's blue overalls-on-red shirt outfit. (Incidentally, the original Super Mario Bros. has neither in-game; Mario wears a brown shirt with red overalls). Mario's outfit rarely changes, though he's known to change it on occasion if the situation calls for it. For example, in Super Mario Sunshine, Mario wore short sleeves instead of his usual long sleeved shirt, and could even forgo this entirely in favor of a more tropical shirt design worn over his normal shirt, which he always wore with sunglasses.

Powers and Abilities

File:Firemario.jpg

One of Mario's most used forms, Fire Mario.

Mario is always associated with the element of fire. Also, he is the best jumper in the Mushroom Kingdom, but sometimes Luigi bests him. Mario is an excellent driver, and has skills with many sports.

• Mario's first and trademark ability is his Jump, which allows him to stomp and defeat most enemies. There are many variations of the Jump, such as the Ultra Jump in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars which allows him to stomp an enemy 100 times when timed correctly, making it one of his most dangerous attacks.
• Mario also has many boxing abilities, including punching and kicking.
• Mario can perform many standard moves in the Marioverse, such as the Ground Pound.
• Mario's first weapons were the Hammer in Donkey Kong and the Fireball in Super Mario Bros.. Mario often uses the Hammer as a weapon in Mario RPG's. Mario can, in some games, control fire without a Fire Flower power-up.
• Mario has four power-ups that allow him to fly; the raccoon Suit, the Tanooki Suit, the Cape Feather, and the Wing Cap.
• Mario has two other caps he can wear, the Metal Cap and Vanish Cap, which turn him into Metal Mario and make him invisible, respectively.
• Mario even has his own fighting style. Although he never really uses it in his games, he does use the martial arts in a Super Mario Bros. 3 comic. In the comic, while fighting Lemmy Koopa, Mario says, "Good thing I know karate!" In the following panel, Mario jumps many times in a rapid motion, dodging all of Lemmy's attacks with ease.
• In Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, Mario became more paper-like, and could become Flat Mario, Paper Tube Mario, Paper Airplane Mario, and Paper Boat Mario.

Roles

Mario usually takes on the role of the hero, however, he was the main villain in Donkey Kong Jr., and a damsel in distress in Super Mario 64 DS, Luigi's Mansion, and Super Princess Peach.

Characteristics

Despite his lengthy history, Mario is, in many ways, an undeveloped character, with many details of his accepted biography having been created through complex lore spawned from the imaginations of comic book artists, cartoon writers, and fans. What is generally known about Mario is that he is a plumber who stands for what is right and has a love for Italian food. Mario has proven himself to be an excellent fighter, all-around sports player, and partier in Mario spin-off titles.

Officially, Nintendo producers have stated that Mario's biography is kept simple in order to make the character versatile and reusable in many different games and situations. Mario is indeed one of the most underdeveloped characters in the Marioverse, with characters such as Bowser and Princess Peach having more complex, consistent, and unique back stories.

Over the course of his many games, Mario has rescued a number of women from captivity (including Pauline, Princess Peach, and Princess Daisy) and has become regarded as a great hero in the Mushroom Kingdom. There is no definitive time line for the events in the various games, most of which could be placed in nearly any order.

Mario is always seen in a heroic nature. He is willing to risk his life to save the lives of millions from a large amount of evil.

Relations with other Big Eight characters

Luigi

Main article: Luigi

Luigi is Mario's one and only brother. His abilities are very similar (if not better) to Mario's however he still looks up to Mario as a role model. Unlike Mario, his personality is being quirky and a coward. Mario usually goes on his adventures without him, leaving him behind.

Princess Peach

Main article: Princess Peach

Princess Peach is Mario's love interest. She usually plays as "Damsel-in-Distress" and is usually saved by her hero, Mario. Although Princess Peach is not as great at jumping as he is, she can float farther than Mario and reach ledges that Mario couldn't. Princess Peach occasionally saves Mario using her wits.

Bowser

Main article: Bowser

Bowser is Mario arch nemesis and main enemy. Bowser and Mario have had a long history of antagonism and rivalry for Princess Peach. Bowser is much bigger than Mario, dwarfing him in size. However, Mario almost always defeats Bowser one way or another.

Toad

Main article: Toad

Toad is Mario's short good friend. Toad usually helps Mario with supporting roles and gives him advice. He did play a playable role in Super Mario Bros. 2 in which his abilities were very close to Mario's. He does seem more of a "helper" than a friend though.

Wario

Main article: Wario

Wario is Mario's alleged doppelgänger and rival. Their clothing looks very similar, however Wario is more driven by greed than by vengeance. Lately, he hasn't shown rivalry towards Mario, in fact he participates with him in numerous sports.

Donkey Kong

Main article: Donkey Kong

Donkey Kong is Mario's old enemy from the Donkey Kong Jr. era. Mario is much older than Donkey Kong than it appears. Mario is developing a new rivalry with Donkey Kong as witnessed in the Mario Vs Donkey Kong series.

Yoshi

Main article: Yoshi

Yoshi is one of Mario's oldest friend. Yoshi was basically Mario's mentor taught him many abilities such as Ground Pounding and jumping. Not to mention he saved and helped Mario when he was Baby Mario. Mario occasionally rides Yoshi, although Yoshi has been known to be as good as Mario on his own two feet.

Clothing

Mario wears many clothing, throughout his many adventures.

• Hat - The hat Mario wears, it is really important for him because if he looses it he takes more damage. He has had the hat since he was born.
• Gloves - A pair of white gloves he is rarely seen without.
• Shoes - A simple pair of brown work shoes.
• Overalls - Mario wears blue overalls. Mario can change his overalls in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga and Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door.
• Shirt - Mario has a shirt that he always wears.
• Badges - In RPG games, Mario wears badges.

Portrayal in Other Media

Mario was voiced/portrayed by:

• Toru Furuya in The Great Mission to Save Princess Peach, who has played many other roles including Tuxedo Mask in Sailor Moon and Yamcha in Dragonball/Z
• Ex-wrestler Lou Albano in the Super Mario Bros. Super Show.
• Walker Boone in The Adventures of Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario World cartoons.
• Charles Martinet in most of the video games.
• Bob Hoskins in the Super Mario Bros. movie.

Cameos

Mario has made cameos in many games. In Punch Out!! for the NES, Mario appears in the audience, and in its remake, Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!!, he is the boxing referee. He, Donkey Kong, and Pauline appeared in a bonus stage of Pinball for the NES, snagged a cameo in Alleyway, waved a checkered flag in F-1 Race, and appeared in many other games. He and many other Mario characters can be found in the Legend of Zelda series, and pieces of furniture, outfits, and wallpaper and carpeting devoted to him can be found in Animal Crossing for the Nintendo GameCube.

Mario makes a cameo appearance at the end of Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (as well as Donkey Kong Land 2), as the very best of Cranky's top three video game heroes (Yoshi and Link being the other two). However, if Diddy Kong and his girlfriend, Dixie collect enough DK Coins on their adventure, Diddy can steal the top spot.

Tattle Information

"It's Mario, silly! He's here to save Princess Peach, who was kidnapped by Bowser. Remember? He fights until the bitter end, no matter what enemies attack!" -Lee or a Duplighost, when copying Goombario's Tattle ability.

Super Smash Bros. Melee Trophy Information

Trophy Information for Mario (Classic)

Known worldwide as Mr. Nintendo, Mario uses his incredible jumping ability to thwart the evil Bowser time after time. While he's best known as a hero, Mario has played many roles, including racer, doctor, golfer, and villain. His tastes have changed over 20 years of gaming; he long ago swapped the colors of his shirt and overalls.

Trophy Information for Mario (Adventure)

Mario is a character without any glaring weaknesses and plenty of strong attacks: he's even equipped with a Meteor Smash. He's a straightforward character who'll reflect the actual skills of the player. Mario's Cape will turn other characters in the opposite direction and can also reflect missile weapons.

Trophy Information for Mario (All-Star)

Mass determines how easily a character can be sent flying, as well as a character's physical strength: Mario's mass is the standard upon which other Smash fighters are measured. His Super Jump Punch sends foes skyward in a shower of coins, whilethe Mario Tornado pulls in nearby foes, spins them silly, and scatters them every which way.

Trophy Information for Mario & Yoshi

Yoshi was first introduced in Super Mario World, and the sight of Mario riding the helpful character soon became an enduring image. Despite his Cape, Mario can't fly while astride Yoshi. The pair can make huge jumps and drift slowly back to earth, though. As a last resort, Mario could leap off Yoshi's back to safety.

Trophy Information for Paper Mario

The Star Rod: Bowser stole it, and Mario wants it back. Bowser vs. Mario is familiar for Mario aficionados, but Paper Mario is novel. What this game brings to the 3D polygon-filled gaming world is its art style: everything is wafer thin! What the visuals lack in realism, they more than make up for in unique artistry.

Other Information

Mario Kart Super Circuit Information

• Speed: *****
• Weight: *****

Mario Kart DS Information

• Default Karts: B Dasher, Standard MR
• Unlockable Kart: Shooting Star

Mario Kart: Double Dash!! Information

• Partner: Luigi
• Class: Middleweight
• Personal Kart: Red Fire
• Special Item: Fireball

Mario Party 7 Information

• Partner: Luigi
• Special Orb: Fire Orb

Super Mario Strikers Information

• Type: Balanced
• Super Strike: Fire Strike

Mario Power Tennis Information

• Type: All-Around
• Defensive Power Shot: Spin Jump Return
• Offensive Power Shot: Iron Hammer

Mario Superstar Baseball Information

• Teams: Mario Heroes, Mario Fireballs, Mario Sunshines, Mario All-Stars
• Type: Balanced
• Starting Team Players: Luigi, Monty Mole, Pianta, Noki
• Status: Team Captain
• Stats:
  • Batting: 3/5
  • Pitching: 3/5
  • Fielding: 3/5
  • Running: 2.5/5
• Player Profile:
  • Strong Point: Might
  • Special Talents: Wall Jump, Sliding Catch
  • Trajectory:
    • Field: Center
    • Height: Normal
• Special Ball: Fireball
• Default Batting Position: Right
• Default Throwing Arm: Right
• Sweet Spot: The "M" on the bat
• Compatiable Relationships: Luigi, Peach, Yoshi
• Bio: "Everyone's favorite hero. When Peach is in trouble, he always saves the day! A kart racer, tennis player, golf enthusiast, doctor...the list goes on and on, showing that he's a jack-of-all-trades. His trademark fireball will help him in his first foray into baseball."

Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Information

• Baller Name: The Jumpman
• Type: All-Around
• Special Shot: Fire Shot
• Letter to Tap: M

Initial Stats in Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

• Level 1
• HP: 20
• FP: 10
• Speed: 20
• Attack: 20
• Defense: 0
• Magic Attack: 10
• Magic Defense: 2
• Special Attacks:
  • Jump:
    • FP Used: 3
    • Magic Power: 25
    • Description: Mario jumps on one enemy. Right before he stomps, push the "Y" button.

Gallery

• Tanooki suit.PNG

  Tanuki Mario

• Mariokartsuper.jpeg

  Super Mario Kart

• Red Kart.gif

  Mario Kart 64

• Mariowings.jpeg

  Super Mario 64

• Normal mariobobomblarge.jpeg

  Attacking a Bob-omb

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  Mario Party

• Marioparty2plumber.gif

  Mario Party 2

• Mariogolfling.jpg

  Mario Golf

• Mariotennisisthebest.jpg

  Mario Tennis

• MarioplumberParty3.jpg

  Mario Party 3

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  Super Smash Bros. Melee

• Mario4.jpeg

  Mario Party 4

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  Mario Kart: Double Dash!!

• Mario5.jpeg

  Mario Party 5

• Mario Golf 3.jpg

  Mario Golf: Toadstool Tour

• Mparty6 mario ukiki2.jpg

  Mario Party 6

• Throwingtomario.jpg

  Mario Superstar Baseball

• Mario luigi jump.jpg

  New Super Mario Bros.

• Charge.jpg

  Mario's new look in Mario Strikers Charged

• Mariohoopsstarl.jpg

  Mario Hoops 3-on-3

• SuperMarioBrothersParty.PNG

  "The Mario Bros." as seen in Mario Party 7

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  Mario Kart Arcade GP

• SuperMarioPartyArtwork.PNG

  Mario Party 8

Quotes

Main article: Mario (quotes).

• "Mama mia!" -Many games.
• "Let's-a-go!" -Many games.
• "It's-a-me, Mario!" -Super Mario 64