Introduction: Celebrating 40 Years of Super Mario
As we mark the 40th anniversary of Super Mario, it’s fascinating to explore how this iconic franchise has continually reinvented the gaming landscape. Rather than a simple timeline, let’s delve into the various gameplay families that define Mario’s legacy, showcasing a clear logic behind each era’s innovations.
Unique Entries: Games Beyond the Core
While many titles bear Mario’s name, some venture beyond the primary evolution of the series. A prime example is Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988, Western version), which was adapted from Doki Doki Panic. This game broke the norm by eliminating the traditional mechanic of defeating enemies by jumping on them, which remains a hallmark of the series.
The Super Mario Land series on Game Boy also stands apart. Although they emulate the core 2D formula, their unique physics, shoot-em-up phases, and distinct design choices position them as distant relatives of the mainline games. These titles also paved the way for the action-exploration oriented Wario Land series.
Modern spin-offs like Super Mario Run (2016) and the experimental Mario Maker series (2015, 2019) transform players into level designers, showcasing how Mario can adapt to different gameplay styles.
The Timeless Classics: 2D Platforming
The main lineage of Super Mario begins with the groundbreaking Super Mario Bros. (1985) and its direct sequels. Titles like Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) and Super Mario World (1990) refined the formula, introducing costumes, expansive world maps, and increasingly flexible mechanics.
After a lengthy shift to 3D, the 2D series made a grand return with New Super Mario Bros. (2006, DS) and its various iterations on other platforms, rekindling the spirit of the classics while incorporating movements from 3D titles such as triple jumps and wall jumps.
In 2023, Nintendo surprised fans with Super Mario Bros. Wonder, taking an experimental approach. Each level features a “Wonder Flower” that completely alters gameplay rules. This visually expressive and audacious title marks a new renaissance for 2D Mario, reminding players that innovation is still possible after four decades.
Open Worlds: Mario in 3D
With Super Mario 64 (1996), Nintendo redefined platforming by introducing an exploratory sandbox format. Each level serves as an expansive playground, designed for multiple visits and varied objectives. This concept was further developed in Super Mario Sunshine (2002), which introduced the water jetpack, J.E.T.
The series evolved with Super Mario Galaxy (2007) and its sequel (2010), which featured smaller planets that allowed for a unique blend of linearity and gravity manipulation. The 3D platforming experience began to focus more on structured challenges than mere exploration.
In 2017, Super Mario Odyssey returned to the expansive world design of Super Mario 64, creating a modern open-world experience. The introduction of Cappy, which allows Mario to capture creatures, added fresh mechanics, resulting in one of the most ambitious entries in the franchise.
Hybrid Models: Blending 2D and 3D
Nintendo also pioneered a hybrid approach with titles like Super Mario 3D Land (2011) and Super Mario 3D World (2013), combining 3D environments with linear, structured levels akin to 2D gameplay. This formula matured with Super Mario 3D World + Bowser’s Fury (2021), featuring a semi-open exploration mode alongside short, engaging challenges.
Conclusion: Mario’s Enduring Legacy
Four decades after Super Mario Bros., the franchise shows no sign of losing its vitality. Nintendo’s balance between tradition and innovation is evident in titles like Wonder and Odyssey, which highlight that both 2D and 3D realms still hold new experiences to discover. While other franchises may recycle formulas, Mario continues to define video gaming as a space for creativity and experimentation. He is not only a pop culture icon but also the quintessential laboratory for game design at Nintendo.
