Super Mario is an iconic character in the world of gaming, first introduced in the classic arcade game Donkey Kong in 1981. Super Mario has since starred in over 200 different video games and sold more than 650 million copies worldwide. The most recent addition to the franchise, Super Mario Odyssey, was released in 2017 for the Nintendo Switch and was praised for its engaging gameplay and captivating storyline. Super Mario Odyssey is considered one of the best games in the franchise’s history and has inspired other game developers to create innovative and engaging games.
Super Mario Odyssey: The Return of the Iconic Italian Plumber
The gaming industry is full of memorable and beloved characters, but few can compare to the iconic Italian plumber that has been a staple of video games for decades – Super Mario. Created by game designer Shigeru Miyamoto in 1981, the character has gone on to star in a vast array of titles that have graced various Nintendo consoles and platforms.
A Brief History of Super Mario
Super Mario was first introduced to the world in the classic arcade game Donkey Kong, where he was referred to as Jumpman. He made his debut as Mario, the character we all know and love, in 1985 with the launch of Super Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Since then, the character has become a cultural phenomenon, appearing in over 200 different video games and selling more than 650 million copies of software worldwide. Along with his brother Luigi, Princess Peach, and a cast of other colorful characters, the Super Mario series has become a staple of Nintendo consoles for over three decades.
The Gameplay of Super Mario Odyssey
In 2017, Nintendo released Super Mario Odyssey, the newest addition to the franchise. The game was released for the Nintendo Switch and was praised for its smart use of new mechanics, its vibrant graphics, and its engaging gameplay.
The game features a new world structure, where players collect coins to unlock new levels and power-ups as they travel through various environments in Mario’s signature world-hopping adventures. However, the major new addition to the game is Mario’s sentient hat companion, Cappy, who possesses the ability to capture and take control of other characters and objects in the game world.
The game introduces new abilities to Mario, such as the ability to throw and control Cappy to defeat enemies or collect coins. The game also features various platforming challenges, puzzles, and mini-games that will keep players entertained for hours on end.
The Reception of Super Mario Odyssey
When Super Mario Odyssey was released in October 2017, it received universal critical acclaim. The game currently holds a Metacritic score of 97/100 based on 120 reviews, making it one of the best-reviewed games of all time.
The game was praised for its smart use of the Nintendo Switch’s unique hardware, its captivating storyline, and its innovative use of the Mario universe’s beloved characters and locations. Fans and critics alike lauded the game for its engaging gameplay and charming aesthetic.
The Influence of Super Mario Odyssey
Super Mario Odyssey is hailed as a classic addition to the Super Mario series, with many fans arguing that it is one of the best games in the franchise’s history. The game’s success on the Nintendo Switch has also demonstrated the console’s dominance in the industry, with Nintendo cementing the system in the current generation of gaming.
The game’s success has also helped Nintendo create a new generation of gamers who will continue to enjoy Mario’s adventures for years to come. It has also inspired other game developers to create innovative and engaging games that borrow from the Mario universe’s signature gameplay mechanics.
The Future of Super Mario
Super Mario Odyssey may have only been released a few years ago, but fans are already clamoring for a new Mario game to continue the series. Rumors have circulated for years about various projects in the works, and fans can expect a continuation of Mario’s adventures in the future.
While few specifics have been revealed about the game’s future, fans can be sure that Super Mario will remain an iconic figure in the gaming industry, with his charming personality and unique gameplay mechanics ensuring that a new generation of gamers will fall in love with the character as well.
Conclusion
Super Mario Odyssey’s critical success and continued popularity with fans have cemented Mario’s place in gaming history. The game’s engaging gameplay, charming aesthetic, and smart use of the Nintendo Switch hardware have made Super Mario Odyssey a must-play for fans of the franchise and gamers alike. The future of the Super Mario series may be unknown, but fans can rest assured that the iconic Italian plumber will be entertaining gamers for decades to come.