The very first thing people think of when they hear the word “Nintendo” is Mario. The funny looking little plumber whom became a part of millions of childhoods has now run amok in Nintendo’s game roster. With over 100 Mario-titled game releases and appearing in more than 200 games, Mario has earned the title of poster boy for Nintendo. He is their go-to character when wanting to sell merchandise and loads of games. But, I think it’s time for Mario and Princess Peach to take a vacation.
As a Nintendo fan-boy or rather, fan-girl, I have loved playing the various Mario games. The original Super Mario Bros. is one that I have played over and over and over and over (I hope you get the point by now) again. There is something so simply challenging about it, though it’s rather lackluster compared to the other titles. There are no cat or raccoon suits, and the only playable characters are Mario and Luigi, yet it’s the game I keep coming back to. Mario Kart will always tie with Super Smash Bros as my favorite friendly get-together game. Still, I must admit with a sigh that the little Italian plumber has completely gone out of control.
Nintendo has taken a character and overused him to the point that long-time fans are pleading for Mario to take time off. I am not saying by any means that Mario games should never be made or released again; we need the funny-looking hero every once in awhile. Besides, we ALL know the Bowser is going to try taking over the Mushroom Kingdom again, so the games should continue. What I am suggesting for Nintendo, as a video game company, is to let Mario have a well-waited for break and bring other Nintendo characters into the light.
Nintendo is well known for their games’ stories and adventures, so it’s time they embrace their own epic story and create new games to once again to show gamers and developers alike that they still know how to make the most innovative games. If they truly want their company to move beyond the legend it has become, then they need to create a bright enough future so that others have something to strive for. Nintendo has already accomplished more than any other video game company ever has, and now it’s time for them to set Mario aside and move forward into a new adventure.
